[Federal Register: September 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 178)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 54195-54197]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14se06-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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[[Page 54195]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-AD;
Amendment 39-14763; AD 2006-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) Models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C,
PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E,
PW124B, PW125B, PW127, and PW127E turboprop engines with certain
propeller shafts installed. This AD requires before further flight,
replacing certain serial-numbered propeller shafts, and performing
initial and repetitive visual inspections on others. This AD results
from two reports of through-cracks in the propeller shaft. We are
issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in the propeller shaft.
Through-cracks at the No. 19 bearing area of the propeller shaft could
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective September 29, 2006. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of September 29, 2006.
We must receive any comments on this AD by November 13, 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.
Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000, Marie-Victorin,
Longueuil, Qu[eacute]bec, Canada J4G 1A1; telephone 450-677-9411, for
the service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7178;
fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, recently notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain P&WC turboprop engines. Transport Canada advises that
they have received two reports of through-cracks in the No. 19 bearing
area of the propeller shaft. Investigation determined the cracks result
from hydrogen embrittlement caused by an improper nickel-plating repair
process at two different overhaul facilities. A persistent external oil
leak in the propeller shaft area, where the crack extended past the oil
seal runner, led to finding both events. P&WC has identified the
population of propeller shafts with improper nickel-plating repair
process. This condition, if not corrected could result in an
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of P&WC
Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20,
2005. That SB describes procedures for:
Inspecting the propeller shaft seal area for leaks,
Fluorescent-penetrant inspecting the internal areas of the
propeller shaft, and
Replacing the propeller shaft.
Transport Canada issued AD CF-2005-29, dated September 12, 2005, to
ensure the airworthiness of these P&WC engines in Canada.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
These engine models are manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral
airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of Transport
Canada, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other P&WC Models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C, PW120,
PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW124B,
PW125B, PW127, and PW127E turboprop engines of the same type design. We
are issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in the propeller shaft.
Through-cracks in the No. 19 bearing area of the propeller shaft could
result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
This AD requires:
Before further flight, replacing any propeller shaft that
has a serial number (SN) listed in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 of P&WC
SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, and
Within two days after the effective date of this AD,
performing an initial visual inspection of any propeller shaft that has
a SN listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated
May 20, 2005, and
Thereafter, performing a repetitive visual inspection at
an interval not to exceed 7 days since last inspection, and
Within 250 hours time-in-service, but not to exceed three
months after the
[[Page 54196]]
effective date of this AD, performing a fluorescent penetrant
inspection on the internal surface of any propeller shaft that has a SN
listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May
20, 2005, and
Removing any propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table
4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, before
December 31, 2007.
You must use the service information described previously to
perform the actions required by this AD.
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-2006-23807;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-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://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.).
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 Offices 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 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. FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-E-51-AD''
in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
2006 19-06 Pratt & Whitney Canada: Amendment 39-14763. Docket No.
FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 29, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) Models
PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123,
PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW124B, PW125B, PW127, and PW127E
turboprop engines with certain propeller shafts installed. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Aerospatiale ATR 42
and ATR 72 series, Bombardier DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series,
Dornier 328-120 series, Embraer EMB 120 series, and Fokker 50
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of through-cracks in the
propeller shaft. We are issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in
the propeller shaft. Through-cracks at the No. 19 bearing area of
the propeller shaft could result in uncontained engine failure and
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.
Remove Propeller Shafts From Service
(f) Before further flight, remove from service any propeller
shaft that has a serial number (SN) listed in Table 1, Table 2, or
Table 3 of P&WC Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW100-72-21714, Revision
2, dated May 20, 2005.
(g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3
of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.
Visual Inspection
(h) For all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, do the
following within two days after the effective date of this AD:
[[Page 54197]]
(1) Perform a visual inspection for leaks. Use 3.A.(1) through
3.A.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-
21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.
(2) If you find a leak that you cannot fix without removing the
propeller, perform an internal fluorescent penetrant inspection for
cracks. Use 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(11)(h) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May
20, 2005.
(3) If you find a crack, replace the propeller shaft before
further flight.
Repetitive Visual Inspection
(i) Thereafter, repeat the inspections of paragraphs (h)(1)
through (h)(2) of this AD at not greater than 7 days between
inspections.
Internal Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection
(j) For all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, do the
following within 250 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever is
earlier, after the effective date of this AD:
(1) Perform an internal fluorescent penetrant inspection for
cracks on all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005. Use
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(11)(h) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.
(2) If you find a crack, replace the propeller shaft before
further flight.
Terminating Actions
(k) Replace any propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table 4
of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, by
December 31, 2007.
(l) Replacing a propeller shaft with a propeller shaft that
doesn't have a SN listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714,
Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(m) 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
(n) Transport Canada airworthiness directive No. CF-2005-29,
dated August 3, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin No.
PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005 to perform the
actions required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Pratt &
Whitney Canada Corp., 1000, Marie-Victorin, Longueuil,
Qu[eacute]bec, Canada J4G 1A1; telephone 450-677-9411, for a copy of
this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
[fxsp0]federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 6, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-15139 Filed 9-13-06; 8:45 am]
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