[Federal Register: December 4, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 232)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70294-70297]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04de06-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26013; Directorate Identifier 2003-NE-21-AD;
Amendment 39-14841; AD 2006-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and
V2533-A5 Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for certain IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-
A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires
initial and repetitive inspections of the master magnetic chip detector
(MCD) or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing chamber MCD. This AD requires the same
MCD inspections. This AD also requires removing certain No. 3 bearings
and removing certain high pressure compressure (HPC) stubshaft
assemblies as mandatory terminating actions to the repetitive MCD
inspections. This AD results from IAE developing a terminating action
to the repetitive inspections of the chip detectors, and from expanding
the applicability to include additional serial-numbered engines with
certain No. 3 bearings installed. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the No. 3 bearing, which could result in an in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) and smoke in the cockpit and cabin.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 8, 2007. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of January 8, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD
from International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
06108; telephone: (860) 565-5515; fax: (860) 565-5510.
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Rosa, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England
[[Page 70295]]
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7152; fax
(781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies
to certain IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5,
V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 turbofan engines. We published the proposed AD
in the Federal Register on September 17, 2003 (69 FR 54400). That
action proposed to require initial and repetitive inspections of the
master MCD or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing chamber MCD. That proposal would
also have required replacing certain No. 3 bearings and replacing or
recoating certain HPC stubshaft assemblies as mandatory terminating
actions to the repetitive MCD inspections. We also published a
supplemental proposed AD in the Federal Register on January 17, 2006
(71 FR 2491). That action revised the proposed AD by expanding its
applicability to include additional serial-numbered engines with
certain No. 3 bearings installed.
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.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Remove the Requirement To Rework or Replace the HPC
Stubshaft on Certain Engines
IAE and three air carriers request that we remove the requirement
to rework or replace the stubshafts that have a low-energy plasma
coating in engines that did not have No. 3 bearing, part number (P/N)
2A1165, as this is not necessary for safe operation. We agree. We
changed the requirement from ``at the next shop visit for any reason,
replace the HPC stubshaft that has a low-energy plasma coating with an
HPC stubshaft that has a high-energy plasma coating'' to ``at the next
shop visit, for engines listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE SB No.
V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated September 30, 2005, with a serial
number (SN) from V10601 through V11335 inclusive, remove the HPC
stubshaft that has a low-energy plasma coating.'' Table 1 lists engines
with a No. 3 bearing, P/N 2A1165.
Another air carrier states that IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0459 is the
true, in-shop, root cause corrective action. The commenter further
states that the SB compliance requires you to also comply with IAE SB
No. V2500-ENG-72-0421, which, while beneficial, does not correct the
root cause. SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0421 requires replacing all stubshafts
with a low-energy plasma coating, with stubshafts with a high-energy
plasma coating, regardless of which No. 3 bearing is installed. The
commenter requests that we limit the AD requirement to just replacing
the affected No. 3 bearing. We partially agree. The unsafe condition is
an HPC stubshaft with a low-energy plasma coating used with a No. 3
bearing, P/N 2A1165, in engines listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of SB
No. V2500-ENG-72-0452. The supplemental NPRM did not propose to require
compliance with SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0421. It expanded the list of
affected engines by SN. The table does not refer to any other service
document. Furthermore, this final rule requires inspection and removal
of hardware from the engines listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of SB No.
V2500-ENG-72-0452 only.
Request To Reference Revision 3 of IAE SB V2500-ENG-72-0459
IAE requests that we reference the latest revision, which is
Revision 3, of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0459, in the AD. We do not
agree. We are only incorporating by reference Table 1 of Appendix 1 of
IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated September 30, 2005, in
this AD which identifies the SNs of affected engines. We did not
incorporate by reference Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-
72-0459, in the AD because we discovered that that SB contains SNs of
engines that have hybrid No. 3 bearings, and we did not include the
hybrid bearings as part of the affected population. We did not change
the AD.
Request To More Accurately Describe the Failure Event
IAE requests that we more accurately describe the failure event
when the No. 3 bearing fails due to a fracture of the No. 3 bearing
race. We agree. We changed the Summary and paragraph (d) from `` We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the No. 3 bearing, which could
result in an IFSD and smoke in the cockpit and cabin'' to ``We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the No. 3 bearing, which could
result in an IFSD and smoke in the cockpit and cabin. The smoke is a
result of oil escaping from the bearing compartment due to a fracture
of the No. 3 bearing race.''
Request To Change the Costs of Compliance
IAE requests that we change the costs of compliance to reflect
inspection costs as well as replacement costs of HPC stubshafts that
have a low-energy plasma coating. We agree. We changed the costs of
compliance to add 0.3 work-hour for inspection. This changed our
estimated total cost in the AD from $5,355,174 to $5,357,511.
Request To Remove the Requirement To Inspect All Chip Detectors
IAE and four air carriers request that we remove the requirement to
inspect the master magnetic chip detector and the No. 1, 2, 3, bearing
chamber magnetic chip detectors. The commenters state that inspecting
all chip detectors does not provide any additional assurance that the
No. 3 bearing deterioration will be detected. We partially agree. We
agree that safe engine operation does not require inspecting all chip
detectors. However, the comment is directed at the original NPRM. The
supplemental NPRM and this AD require that you inspect the master MCD
or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing chamber MCD.
Request To Change the AD As to When Parts Are To Be Removed
Jet Blue Airways requests that we change the AD from when the parts
are removed at the next shop visit for any reason, to a prescribed
event such as the separation of a major flange. As written, the
commenter would incur an increased maintenance burden. We do not agree.
The existing removal plan is effective at preventing smoke in the
cockpit and cabin. We did not change the AD.
Request To Reference A Related AD That Requires Isolation of the
Airplane Environmental Air Packs
IAE requests that we reference AD 2003-13-02, which requires
isolation of the airplane environmental air packs, in the event of a
No. 3 bearing failure. We agree. AD 2003-10-14 also has similar
requirements. We changed the AD to include references to related AD
2003-13-02 and AD 2003-10-14, in paragraph (o) of the AD.
[[Page 70296]]
Request To Reduce the Inspection Interval From 125 Hours to 50 Hours
Airline Pilots Association, International requests that we reduce
the inspection interval from 125 hours to 50 hours to minimize the
possibility of an engine that is near failure from returning to service
for an additional 125 hours. We do not agree. Our analysis indicates
that a 125-hour interval meets safety requirements. Operators may
reduce the inspection interval. However, we suggest that operators with
approved maintenance programs coordinate any changes with their local
FAA Flight Standards District Office. We did not change the AD.
Request To Add Wording That Complying With SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0421 is
Considered as Complying With the AD
All Nippon Airways requests that we add wording that complying with
SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0421 is considered complying with the AD. The
commenter states that the SB provides instructions to rework the
stubshaft by applying a high-energy coating. This coating eliminates
hard particle contamination caused by stubshafts with a low-energy
coating. We partially agree. Incorporating SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0421
would satisfy the AD requirement to remove stubshafts with a low-energy
coating from the identified population. However, we require that if the
No. 3 bearing, P/N 2A1165, in engines listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1
of SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452 is installed with a stubshaft with a low-
energy coating, the No. 3 bearing must be removed, due to the bearing
continuing to be affected from possible residual hard particle
contamination or prior damage from contamination before stubshaft
change. We did not change the AD.
Request To Allow Installing New No. 3 Bearings, P/N 2A1165
United Airlines requests that we allow installing new No. 3
bearings, P/N 2A1165, as they are not susceptible to the same problem
as earlier manufactured bearings of that P/N. We agree. The AD does not
prohibit installing new No. 3 bearings, P/N 2A1165. The only bearings
that must be removed and not reused, are installed in engines
identified in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452,
Revision 4, dated September 30, 2005. We did not change the AD.
Request To Add IAE SB V2500-ENG-72-0460 as a Requirement to the AD
IAE requests that we add IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0460 as a
requirement to the AD. IAE states that the SB provides instructions on
recoating or replacing all stubshafts installed on engines identified
as suspect because the engine oil system was not designed to work with
low-energy coating debris. We do not agree. Although replacing all
stubshafts with a low-energy coating is encouraged, we do not require
it in the AD, as it is not necessary to assure safety. We did not
change the AD.
Request To Include Engine Model V2533-A5
IAE requests that we include engine model V2533-A5 in the AD. We
agree that this AD applies to engine model V2533-A5. However, the
engine model was added to the supplemental NPRM and is also listed in
this AD. We did not change the AD.
Explanation of More Engine SNs Listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE
SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0459
Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0459, which we
referenced in the proposed ADs, has more engine SNs listed than in
Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4,
dated September 30, 2005. This is because the larger Table 1 also lists
engines with hybrid No. 3 bearings installed, that are not suseptable
to deterioration as others were.
Docket Number Change
We are transferring the docket for this AD to the Docket Management
System as part of our on-going docket management consolidation efforts.
The new Docket No. is FAA-2006-26013. The old Docket No. became the
Directorate Identifier, which is 2003-NE-21-AD. This final rule might
get logged into the DMS docket, ahead of the proposed AD and comments
received, as we are in the process of sending those items to the DMS.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Addition of Inspection Recommendation
Also, since we issued the supplemental NPRM, we determined that we
need to add an inspection recommendation in the compliance section. We
recommend the inspection of the master MCD or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing
chamber MCD, using paragraphs (f) through (f)(3) of this AD, on all
engines installed on the same airplane, not be done by the same
individual before the same flight. This is to minimize the chances of
maintenance error on multiple engine airplanes.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 123 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate it will take 150.3 work-
hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average labor
rate is $65 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $33,788 per
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to
U.S. operators to be $5,357,573.
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 Analysis
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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
[[Page 70297]]
the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed
under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 removing Amendment 39-13183 (68 FR
33621, June 5, 2003) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-14841, to read as follows:
2006-25-01 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-14841; Docket
No. FAA-2006-26013; Directorate Identifier 2003-NE-21-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
8, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-11-23, Amendment 39-13183.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and
V2533-A5 turbofan engines with engine serial numbers V10601 through
V11335 inclusive and bearings part number (P/N) 2A1165 installed.
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Industrie
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from IAE developing a terminating action to
the repetitive inspections of the chip detectors, and from expanding
the applicability to include additional serial-numbered engines with
certain No. 3 bearings installed. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the No. 3 bearing, which could result in an IFSD and
smoke in the cockpit and cabin. The smoke is a result of oil
escaping from the bearing compartment due to a fracture of the No. 3
bearing race.
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.
Inspection of the Master Magnetic Chip Detector (MCD) or the No. 1, 2,
3 Bearing Chamber MCD
(f) For engines listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of IAE Service
Bulletin (SB) No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated September 30,
2005, and that have a No. 3 bearing, P/N 2A1165, installed at new
production build, do the following:
(1) Within 125 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, inspect the master MCD or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing
chamber MCD.
(2) Thereafter, within 125 hours time-since-last inspection,
inspect the master MCD or the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing chamber MCD.
(3) If you find bearing material on the master MCD or No. 1, 2,
3 bearing chamber MCD, remove the engine from service before further
flight.
Inspection Recommendation
(g) We recommend the inspection of the master MCD or the No. 1,
2, 3 bearing chamber MCD, using paragraphs (f) through (f)(3) of
this AD, on all engines installed on the same airplane, not be done
by the same individual before the same flight. This is to minimize
the chances of maintenance error on multiple engine airplanes.
Removal of No. 3 Bearing
(h) At the next shop visit, for engines listed in Table 1 of
Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated
September 30, 2005, that have a serial number (SN) from V10601
through V11335 inclusive, and that have a No. 3 bearing, P/N 2A1165
installed at new production, remove the No. 3 bearing.
(i) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any No.
3 bearing, P/N 2A1165, removed in paragraph (h) of this AD, into any
engine.
Removal of High Pressure Compressor (HPC) Stubshaft
(j) At the next shop visit, for engines listed in Table 1 of
Appendix 1 of IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated
September 30, 2005, that have a SN from V10601 through V11335
inclusive, remove the HPC stubshaft that has a low-energy plasma
coating.
Terminating Action
(k) Performing the requirements specified in paragraph (h) and
(j) of this AD is terminating action to the repetitive MCD
inspections specified in paragraphs (f) through (f)(3) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) 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
(m) For identifying engines within the engine SN range of V10601
to V11335 inclusive, known to have had P/N 2A1165 installed, you
must use Table 1 of Appendix 1 of International Aero Engines Service
Bulletin No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated September 30,
2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Table 1 of Appendix 1 of International
Aero Engines Service Bulletin No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4,
dated September 30, 2005, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. Contact International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street,
East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone: (860) 565-5515; fax: (860) 565-
5510, 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/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Related Information
(n) The following SBs contain additional information and
procedures:
(1) You can find information on inspecting the master MCD and
the No. 1, 2, 3 bearing chamber MCD in section 79-00-00-601 of the
Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(2) Additional information on inspection procedures is included
in IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0452, Revision 4, dated September 30,
2005.
(3) You can find information on replacing the No. 3 bearing in
IAE SB No. V2500-ENG-72-0459, Revision 3, dated April 12, 2003.
(4) You can find information on replacing HPC stubshafts that
have a low-energy plasma coating, (all engines) in IAE SB No. V2500-
ENG-72-0460, Revision 2, dated March 4, 2006.
(o) Airworthiness directive 2003-10-14 and AD 2003-13-02, which
revise the Limitation section of the airplane flight manual to
incorporate new procedures to follow in the event of smoke in the
cockpit and cabin, are related to the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 27, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20323 Filed 12-1-06; 8:45 am]
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