-
Start Preamble
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION:
Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-7R4 turbofan engines. This AD requires inspection of the blade root thickness of 1st stage fan blades identified by part number (P/N) and serial number (SN) in this AD, by a repair station approved by PW to perform the inspection. This AD results from a report that a repair station created their own repair and performed it on 520 1st stage fan blades, without approval from PW. We are issuing this AD to prevent 1st stage fan blade fracture and uncontained engine failure, resulting in possible damage to the airplane.
DATES:
This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.
We must receive any comments on this AD by February 27, 2006.
ADDRESSES:
Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
- DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
- Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
- Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
- Fax: (202) 493-2251.
- Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kevin Donovan, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7743, fax (781) 238-7199.
End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental InformationSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In May 2005, we received a report from Airfoil Technologies International (ATI), of the United Kingdom, that their repair station created their own repair and performed it on 520 1st stage fan blades, without approval from PW. The repairs were made to a critical area of the fan blade root. PW requires source demonstration by each repair station before they approve the repair station to perform blade repairs, including the repair that should have been performed to these 1st stage fan blades, known as Repair-23. This requirement exists due to PW's concern with proper blending in a critical area of the blade root. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 1st stage fan blade fracture and uncontained engine failure, resulting in possible damage to the airplane.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other PW JT9D-7R4 turbofan engines of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing this AD to prevent 1st stage fan blade fracture and uncontained engine failure, resulting in possible damage to the airplane. This AD requires, before installing the 1st stage fan blades that are listed by P/N and SN in Table 1 of this AD, or if already installed, at the next 1st stage fan blade exposure:
- Checking the 1st stage fan blade for a circled, letter I, on the approved marking area of the outboard side of the blade platform. If the blade has this marking, no further action is required.
- Removing 1st stage fan blades without a circled, letter I, on the approved marking area of the outboard side of the blade platform if installed; and
- Sending 1st stage fan blades to a source-substantiation-approved repair station, approved by PW, for inspection of the blade root thickness; and
- Returning to service 1st stage fan blades that pass the inspection, after properly marking the blade.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “AD Docket No. FAA-2005-23072; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-38-AD” in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://Start Printed Page 76382,dms.dot.gov,, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management Facility Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES.
Start List of SubjectsList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
- Air transportation
- Aircraft
- Aviation safety
- Safety
Adoption of the Amendment
Start Amendment PartUnder the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
End Amendment Part Start PartPART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
End Part Start Amendment Part1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
End Amendment PartStart Amendment Part[Amended]2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
End Amendment Part2005-26-09 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-14430. Docket No. FAA-2005-23072; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-38-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-7R4 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A300 and A310, and Boeing 747and 767 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that a repair station created their own repair and performed it on 520 1st stage fan blades, without approval from PW. We are issuing this AD to prevent 1st stage fan blade fracture and uncontained engine failure, resulting in possible damage to the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done.
(f) Before installing the 1st stage fan blades that are listed by part number and serial number in Table 1 of this AD, or if already installed, at the next 1st stage fan blade exposure, do the following:
Table 1.—Affected 1st Stage Fan Blades
Part number Serial no. 5001341-022 JW2804 5001341-022 JW0354 5001341-022 ND5746 5001341-022 ND5770 5001341-022 JW3992 5001341-022 ND8615 5001341-022 JW0442 5001341-022 JW2317 5001341-022 ND8631 5001341-022 ND8635 5001341-022 JW4624 5001341-022 NE0394 5001341-022 NE0153 5001341-022 NN8054 5001341-022 JW4693 5001341-022 ND7304 5001341-022 MG6108 5001341-022 MG5862 5001341-022 MG5619 5001341-022 NE0308 5001341-022 NE0200 5001341-022 MG6797 5001341-022 JW0230 5001341-022 ND5652 5001341-022 ND5775 5001341-022 JW0251 5001341-022 ND5719 5001341-022 JW0248 5001341-022 ND5785 5001341-022 ND5676 5001341-022 ND5661 5001341-022 JW0265 5001341-022 ND5699 5001341-022 ND5767 5001341-022 JW0259 5001341-022 ND5680 5001341-022 ND5749 5001341-022 JW0235 5001341-022 ND5776 5001341-022 ND8580 5001341-022 MG6039 5001341-022 ND9127 5001341-022 JW4287 5001341-022 JW0262 5001341-022 JW0445 5001341-022 JW4665 5001341-022 MG5901 5001341-022 NE0303 5001341-022 ND8703 5001341-022 JW4574 5001341-022 JW4286 5001341-022 JW4491 5001341-022 JW4630 5001341-022 JW4391 5001341-022 MG6550 5001341-022 MG6776 5001341-022 JW4586 5001341-022 JW0352 5001341-022 JW4261 5001341-022 MG6135 5001341-022 JW4685 5001341-022 MG6772 5001341-022 MG6793 5001341-022 MG7111 5001341-022 ND8618 Start Printed Page 76383 5001341-022 JW0644 5001341-022 JW4631 5001341-022 JW4651 5001341-022 JW0234 5001341-022 JW4646 804121 NN9016 804121 VJ3393 804121 PX3694 804121 RK9168 804121 PX5023 804121 VJ3324 804121 VJ3504 804121 NN9115 804121 NN8936 804121 PX3816 804121 VJ3412 804121 RK9163 804121 VJ3447 804121 RK9230 804121 RK9109 804121 PX4627 804121 RK8990 804121 SP9459 804121 RK8656 804121 NN8933 804121 VJ3444 804121 ND5864 804121 NN9020 804121 RK8905 804121 SR1733 804121 NN9047 804121 PX3692 804121 PX3786 804121 NN9025 804121 NN9007 804121 RK9100 804121 VJ3399 804121 PX4970 804121 PX5013 804121 RK8904 804121 NN8986 804121 NN8829 804121 VJ3459 804121 RK9143 804121 VJ3414 804121 NN9028 804121 SP1557 804121 PX5003 804121 PX5042 804121 VJ3475 804121 ND7330 804121 PX3714 831021-003 NS8913 831021-003 ND6512 831021-003 ND6941 831021-003 ND9576 831021-003 NS7555 831021-003 NS8286 831021-003 NS7447 831021-003 ND6488 831021-003 ND8296 831021-003 ND6956 831021-003 ND7879 831021-003 ND6509 831021-003 ND9814 831021-003 NN7331 831021-003 ND6991 831021-003 ND6894 831021-003 NS6413 831021-003 ND7344 831021-003 ND6947 831021-003 NN8732 831021-003 ND8536 831021-003 ND6946 831021-003 ND6723 831021-003 ND9294 831021-003 ND9290 831021-003 ND6013 831021-003 ND8937 831021-003 NS7160 831021-003 NS6435 831021-003 NS6591 831021-003 ND9558 831021-003 NS8479 831021-003 NS9382 831021-003 ND8965 831021-003 ND9837 831021-003 ND5959 831021-003 NS6491 831021-003 NS9072 831021-003 ND9625 831021-003 ND6714 831021-003 ND6820 831021-003 ND8972 831021-003 NE0286 831021-003 NE0347 831021-003 ND8010 831021-003 ND8956 831021-003 ND9535 831021-003 ND9831 831021-003 NE0227 831021-003 ND8283 831021-003 ND9730 831021-003 NN7656 831021-003 NS7775 831021-003 ND9815 831021-003 ND6135 831021-003 NS8491 831021-003 NS6395 831021-003 NS8584 831021-003 NN7272 831021-003 MG7159 831021-003 NS6592 831021-003 ND7862 831021-003 ND6684 831021-003 NN7744 831021-003 ND7480 831021-003 ND7873 831021-003 ND6827 831021-003 ND6576 831021-003 ND9261 831021-003 NS8686 831021-003 ND9052 831021-003 ND6897 831021-003 ND6565 831021-003 NN8966 831021-003 PX3707 831021-003 NS7031 831021-003 ND6584 831021-003 ND9883 831021-003 NS6535 831021-003 ND7852 831021-003 ND9662 831021-003 ND7871 831021-003 JW0106 831021-003 ND8305 831021-003 NS6409 831021-003 NE0442 831021-003 ND9095 831021-003 ND9302 831021-003 ND9023 831021-003 ND8009 831021-003 ND8477 831021-003 ND7492 831021-003 ND8776 831021-003 ND6524 831021-003 ND6704 831021-003 ND8911 831021-003 ND8789 831021-003 ND8798 831021-003 ND6407 831021-003 ND7668 831021-003 ND9179 831021-003 NE0421 831021-003 ND6513 831021-003 ND6744 831021-003 ND7654 831021-003 ND7870 831021-003 ND9759 831021-003 ND6561 831021-003 ND5826 831021-003 ND6031 831021-003 ND8714 831021-003 ND8872 831021-003 ND6678 831021-003 ND6629 831021-003 ND8995 831021-003 NE0302 831021-003 ND6405 831021-003 NS8300 831021-003 NS8769 831021-003 NS7147 831021-003 ND6649 831021-003 ND7766 831021-003 NS7864 831021-003 NS8734 831021-003 ND6677 831021-003 NS7911 831021-003 ND8205 831021-003 ND8804 831021-003 ND6639 831021-003 ND8994 831021-003 ND7275 831021-003 ND9195 831021-003 ND6178 831021-003 ND8639 831021-003 ND9760 831021-003 ND9108X 831021-003 ND6427 831021-003 ND6590 831021-003 NS6551 831021-003 JW1158 831021-003 ND6412 831021-003 ND7922 831021-003 NS8678 831021-003 ND8930 831021-003 ND6596 831021-003 ND9570 831021-003 NN9027 831021-003 ND6446 831021-003 NE0275 831021-003 ND9917 831021-003 NS7919 831021-003 NS7907 831021-003 ND6583 831021-003 NN7420 831021-003 ND7746 831021-003 ND8187 831021-003 NN8999 831021-003 ND6043 831021-003 ND7880 831021-003 NN7175 831021-003 ND9816 Start Printed Page 76384 831021-003 ND8174 831021-003 ND6045 831021-003 NS7562 831021-003 JW0075 831021-003 ND6848 831021-003 ND8531 831021-003 ND6311 831021-003 ND8144 831021-003 ND5798 831021-003 ND8113 831021-003 ND9642 831021-003 ND7436 831021-003 ND9054 831021-003 ND9683 831021-003 ND5991 831021-003 ND6026 831021-003 ND6616 831021-003 ND6530 831021-003 NE0374 831021-003 ND6364 831021-003 ND7718 831021-003 ND6473 831021-003 ND6436 831021-003 ND6887 831021-003 ND6518 831021-003 ND6479 831021-003 NS6330 831021-003 ND7264 831021-003 ND8151 831021-003 ND6562 831021-003 NS8776 831021-003 ND6519 831021-003 ND7659 831021-003 NS9049 831021-003 NS6861 831021-003 ND9571 831021-003 ND9346 831021-003 ND6501 831021-003 NS8505 831021-003 ND9338 831021-003 ND9775 831021-003 ND6485 831021-003 ND7165 831021-003 ND9371 831021-003 ND9537 831021-003 NS7889 831021-003 ND7877 831021-003 ND8670 831021-003 ND9032 831021-003 ND8781 831021-003 ND8604 831021-003 ND9329 831021-003 ND9110 831021-003 ND5997 831021-003 ND6027 831021-003 ND9589 831021-003 ND6575 831021-003 ND6592 831021-003 ND6463 831021-003 NS8583 831021-003 NS8590 831021-003 NS8567 831021-003 NS6795 831021-003 NS7110 831021-003 NS6587 831021-003 NS6404 831021-003 ND6486 5001341-022 JW0942 5001341-022 ND9231 5001341-022 JW4812 5001341-022 ND6555 5001341-022 M1375 5001341-022 MG6627 5001341-022 MG6794 5001341-022 ND9399 5001341-022 NE0084 5001341-022 MG6252 5001341-022 ND7422 5001341-022 ND7043 5001341-022 MG5722 5001341-022 MG5918 5001341-022 ND6984 5001341-022 M0839 5001341-022 M0922 5001341-022 M0938 5001341-022 M1117 5001341-022 M0307 5001341-022 JW3871 5001341-022 M1125 5001341-022 M1149 5001341-022 JW2681 5001341-022 M0270 5001341-022 M1120 5001341-022 M0205 5001341-022 AE9352 5001341-022 JW3492 5001341-022 ND6148 5001341-022 ND8907 5001341-022 M1235 5001341-022 MG5585 5001341-022 ND8436 5001341-022 MG5696 5001341-022 ND8704 5001341-022 JW2284 5001341-023 JW2313 5001341-024 JW2498 5001341-025 JW2541 5001341-026 JW2560 5001341-027 JW2589 5001341-028 JW2639 5001341-029 JW2760 5001341-030 JW2792 5001341-031 M0579 5001341-032 MG2825 5001341-033 MG5477 5001341-034 ND5917 5001341-022 JW1976 5001341-022 JW2653 5001341-022 JW2608 5001341-022 JW2727 5001341-022 JW2764 5001341-022 JW2265 5001341-022 JW2474 5001341-022 JW2396 5001341-022 JW3554 5001341-022 JW2667 5001341-022 MG2302 5001341-022 MG3972 5001341-022 JW3930 5001341-022 ND6749 5001341-022 M1172 5001341-022 JW2104 5001341-022 JW2519 5001341-022 JW2640 5001341-022 JW2517 5001341-022 JW2663 5001341-022 JW2823 5001341-022 M0536 5001341-022 JW2725 5001341-022 MG5917 5001341-022 JW0681 5001341-022 JW0711 5001341-022 JW0740 5001341-022 JW0807 5001341-022 JW1089 5001341-022 JW1362 5001341-022 JW2065 5001341-022 MG2434 5001341-022 MG2846 5001341-022 JW0806 804121 NN9854 804121 NN9024 804121 NN9032 804121 PX5029 804121 NN9050 804121 NS8242 804121 NS8260 804121 PX4273 804121 PX4378 804121 RL0857 804121 RX8763 804121 NS8331 804121 NN9824 804121 MG6979 804121 MG7023 804121 MG7055 804121 RK8914 804121 RL0023 804121 PX4328 804121 RK9008 804121 TG1506 804121 KK8226 804121 MG2604 804121 NS6691 804121 RK8968 804121 NN9917 804121 RK7824 804121 M1343 804121 NS6559 804121 NS7767 804121 NE0363 804121 PX3771 804121 NN9972 804121 RL0460 804121 RK8310 804121 SR2115 804121 TG2826 804121 PX5018 804121 PX5002 831021-003 ND7627 831021-003 ND6890 831021-003 ND7461 831021-003 ND9616 831021-003 NE0413 831021-003 NS8825 831021-003 NS6350 831021-003 NS7168 831021-003 NS7705 831021-003 NS7848 831021-003 ND9128 831021-003 ND9541 831021-003 ND9671 831021-003 ND9684 831021-003 NE0277 831021-003 NE0384 831021-003 NE0396 831021-003 ND6421 831021-003 ND6599 831021-003 ND6614 831021-003 ND7847 831021-003 ND8346 831021-003 ND8853 831021-003 ND8915 Start Printed Page 76385 831021-003 NS8719 831021-003 NS8838 831021-003 NT0169 831021-003 NS9584 831021-003 ND6445 831021-003 ND6834 831021-003 ND7467 831021-003 ND8887 831021-003 ND6520 831021-003 NS8611 831021-003 NS7640 831021-003 NN7037 831021-003 NN7590 831021-003 NN8120 831021-003 NN8573 831021-003 NN9719 831021-003 NS8784 831021-003 TB6B367 831021-003 NN9557 831021-003 NN9710 831021-003 NS8374 831021-003 NS8770 831021-003 NS9022 831021-003 NS8416 831021-003 NS6474 831021-003 ND8912 831021-003 NT0108 831021-003 NS8836 831021-003 NN8310 (1) Check the 1st stage fan blade for a circled, letter I, on the approved marking area of the outboard side of the blade platform. If the blade has this marking, no further action is required.
(2) Remove 1st stage fan blades without a circled, letter I, on the approved marking area of the outboard side of the blade platform, if installed.
(3) Send 1st stage fan blades to a source-substantiation-approved repair station, approved by PW, for inspection of the blade root thickness. You can find information on inspecting the blade root thickness in Engine Manual Section 72-31-02, Inspect—01, and Repair—23.
(g) For 1st stage fan blades that pass the inspection referenced in paragraph (f) of this AD:
(1) Vibropeen the letter I and a circle around that letter, on the approved marking area of the outboard side of the blade platform. You can find information on approved blade marking in the JT9D-7R4 Engine Manual, Section 72-31-02, Typical Repair—13, Mark Repair Codes.
(2) Return the 1st stage fan blades to service.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(i) None.
Start SignatureEnd Signature End Supplemental InformationIssued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 16, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-24448 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Document Information
- Effective Date:
- 1/11/2006
- Published:
- 12/27/2005
- Department:
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Entry Type:
- Rule
- Action:
- Final rule; request for comments.
- Document Number:
- 05-24448
- Dates:
- This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.
- Pages:
- 76381-76385 (5 pages)
- Docket Numbers:
- Docket No. FAA-2005-23072, Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-38-AD, Amendment 39-14430, AD 2005-26-09
- RINs:
- 2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
- RIN Links:
- https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
- Topics:
- Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety
- PDF File:
- 05-24448.pdf
- CFR: (1)
- 14 CFR 39.13