[Federal Register: December 3, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 232)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67585-67588]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03de03-1]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
[[Page 67585]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD; Amendment 39-13381; AD 2003-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F,
-7H, -7AH, and -7J Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan
engines, with gearbox pressure tube, part number (P/N) 697896, and No.
4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N 670663, installed. This AD
requires a one-time visual inspection of the gearbox pressure tube and
No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold and the attaching clamp
assemblies for correct positioning and for wear and damage, and
replacement if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of a failed
gearbox pressure tube that resulted in an engine fire. We are issuing
this AD to prevent engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes
or failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2003.
We must receive any comments on this AD by February 2, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
[sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2003-NE-52-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.[sbull] By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Lardie, Aerospace Engineer,
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7189; fax (781) 238-
7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In June of 2003, we became aware that a PW
JT9D-7 series turbofan engine gearbox pressure tube failed and caused
an engine fire. Investigation revealed that several clamp assemblies
that secure the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold were broken,
including some that were missing clamp rubber cushions. Without the
clamp rubber cushions, the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold moved
freely due to engine vibration, causing the gearbox pressure tube to
fracture, and caused an oil-fed engine fire. A similar failure was
reported in 1996, but did not result in a fire.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other PW JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan
engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent an
engine fire caused by a failed gearbox pressure tube. This AD requires
a one-time visual inspection of the gearbox pressure tube, P/N 697896,
the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N 670663, and the
attaching clamp assemblies, P/Ns ST1594-06, ST1594-08, and ST1594-10,
for correct positioning, for wear and damage, and replacement if
necessary.
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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47998, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
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 submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we
will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD
in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www
.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
[[Page 67586]]
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under 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:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-24-12 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-13381. Docket No. 2003-NE-
52-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
18, 2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A -7, -7A, -
7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan engines, with gearbox pressure tube,
part number (P/N) 697896, and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold,
P/N 670663, installed. These engines are installed on, but not
limited to, Boeing 747-100, -200B, -200C, and -200F airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by a report of a failed gearbox pressure
tube that resulted in an engine fire. We are issuing this AD to
prevent engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes or
failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within 250 hours-in-service or at the next shop visit,
whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, unless
the actions have already been done.
One-Time Visual Inspection of Clamp Assemblies
(f) Visually inspect the clamp assemblies, P/Ns ST1594-06,
ST1594-08, and ST1594-10, that attach the gearbox pressure tube and
the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold to the engine. Replace
clamp assemblies before further flight that are rejected by any of
the following rejection criteria:
(1) Droop in the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold.
(2) Cracks, wear, or distortion in clamp metal.
(3) Clamp cushions that are worn, compacted, cracked, coming
apart in chunks, deteriorated, or missing. A reddish powder found
around the clamp is an indication of deterioration.
One-Time Visual Inspection of Gearbox Pressure Tube and No. 4 Bearing
Front Pressure Manifold
(g) Clean any debris and oil from the outer surface of the
gearbox pressure tube and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold and
visually inspect the tube and manifold. Repair or replace the
affected tube or manifold before further flight if it is rejected by
any of the following rejection criteria:
(1) Nicks, chafing, scratches, and or pitting 0.003 inch or
greater in depth.
(2) Dents within 0.25 inch of the ferrules or will not permit
free passage of a ball having a diameter slightly greater than 80%
of the tube or manifold tubing inner diameter.
(3) Corrosion that is unable to be removed by a light polishing.
(4) Tube or manifold is leaking oil.
Gearbox Pressure Tube, No. 4 Bearing Front Pressure Manifold, and Clamp
Assembly Positioning
(h) If the gearbox pressure tube, No. 4 bearing front pressure
manifold, or clamp assemblies are not properly positioned, then
correctly position them before further flight, as shown in the
following Figure 1 of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 67587]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR03DE03.007
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
[[Page 67588]]
(i) Information on general inspection of these parts can be
found in the Boeing 747 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, section 72-00-
00, and in PW Standard Practices Manual, P/N 585005.
Reporting Requirements
(j) Report within 30 calendar days of the inspection, the
results that equal or exceed the reject criteria to: Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7189; fax (781) 238-7199. Reporting requirements have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget control number 2120-
0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) None.
Related Information
(m) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 25, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30073 Filed 12-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P