[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7029-7033]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02574]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0835; Project Identifier AD-2021-00971-E;
Amendment 39-21906; AD 2022-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-15
for certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500 model turbofan
engines. AD 2021-11-15 required performance of an ultrasonic inspection
(USI) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-
stage disk and, depending on the results of the inspections,
replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk. Since the
FAA issued AD 2021-11-15, the FAA determined the need to clarify the
compliance time for inspection of any HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-
stage disk that is installed on a low-thrust model engine but had been
previously operated on a high-thrust model engine. This AD requires
performance of a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk
and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the
HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 15, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 15,
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of July
13, 2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford,
CT 06118; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email: [email protected];
website: https://connect.prattwhitney.com. You may view this referenced
service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0835.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0835; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alberto Hernandez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-11-15, Amendment 39-21577 (86 FR
30380, June 8, 2021), (AD 2021-11-15). AD 2021-11-15 applied to all IAE
V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5,
V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines with a certain
HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd stage disk installed. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59658). The NPRM was
prompted by the FAA determining the need to clarify the compliance time
for inspection of any HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk that is
installed on a V2500 low-thrust model engine but that had been
previously operated on a V2500 high-thrust model engine. The
manufacturer categorizes V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and
V2533-A5 model turbofan engines as high-thrust model engines and V2522-
A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, and V2527-A model turbofan engines as low-
thrust model engines. The FAA determined that any HPT 1st-stage disk
and HPT 2nd-stage disk that was operated on a high-thrust model engine
must follow shortened compliance thresholds. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require the performance of a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk
and HPT 2nd-stage disk and, depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage
disk.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included
Air Line Pilots Association, International and United Airlines
Engineering. All commenters supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No.
V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021. This NMSB
identifies the affected HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks on
IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5,
V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines and specifies
procedures for a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk.
The Director of the Federal Register approved IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021 for incorporation by reference
as of July 13, 2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021).
    The FAA also reviewed IAE NMSB No. V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1,
dated August 10, 2021. This NMSB identifies the affected HPT 1st-stage
disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks on IAE V2531-E5 model turbofan engines
and specifies procedures for a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT
2nd-stage disk.
    This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,100 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USI the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd- 20 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,700      $1,870,000
 stage disk.                             hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that is required based on the results of the inspection.
The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-      0 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0        $300,000        $300,000
 stage disk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-11-15, Amendment 39-21577 (86
FR 30380, June 8, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-02-09 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-21906; Docket
No. FAA-2021-0835; Project Identifier AD-2021-00971-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 15, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-11-15, Amendment 39-21577 (86 FR 30380,
June 8, 2021) (AD 2021-11-15).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2522-A5,
V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-
A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines with an installed:
    (1) High-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk, part number (P/
N) 2A5001, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Appendix A, Table 1,
of IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021 (IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1) or IAE NMSB No. V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1,
dated August 10, 2021 (IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1); or
    (2) HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802, with an S/N listed in
Appendix A, Table 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, or
IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an analysis performed by the
manufacturer after an event involving an uncontained failure of a
HPT 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating
the engine cowling. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in uncontained HPT disk failure,
damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-
A5 model turbofan engines with an HPT 1st-stage disk, P/N 2A5001,
with an S/N listed in Appendix A, Table 1, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1, within the compliance time specified in Figure 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 10 flight cycles (FCs)
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform
an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage disk using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 6, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE22.048

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): The USI required by paragraphs
(g)(1) through (6) of this AD requires the HPT 1st-stage disk and
HPT 2nd-stage disks to be removed from the engine allowing piece-
part opportunity inspections. Per the Airworthiness Limitations
Section of the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness, the additional inspections are not required unless
the part has more than 100 FCs since the last piece-part opportunity
inspection, is damaged, or is the cause for the removal of the
engine. Engine removal for the purposes of complying with this AD is
not ``cause'' for

removal as stated in the Airworthiness Limitations Section.

    (2) For IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-
A5 model turbofan engines with an HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802,
with an S/N listed in Appendix A, Table 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1, within the compliance time specified in Figure 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 10 FCs after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a USI of the HPT
2nd-stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 7,
of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1.
    (3) For IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, and V2527-A5 model
turbofan engines with an HPT 1st-stage disk, P/N 2A5001, with an S/N
listed in Appendix A, Table 1, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713,
Revision 1, within the following compliance times, perform a USI of
the HPT 1st-stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 6, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1:
    (i) If the affected HPT 1st-stage disk has not operated at any
time in an IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, or V2533-A5
model turbofan engine, perform the inspection within the compliance
time specified in Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this AD, or
within 10 FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later; or
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE22.049

    (ii) If the affected HPT 1st-stage disk has operated at any time
in an IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, or V2533-A5
model turbofan engine, perform the inspection within the compliance
time specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within
10 FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (4) For IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, and V2527-A5 model
turbofan engines with an HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802, with an S/N
listed in Appendix A, Table 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713,
Revision 1, within the following compliance times, perform a USI of
the HPT 2nd-stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 7, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1:
    (i) If the affected HPT 2nd-stage disk has not operated at any
time in an IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, or V2533-A5
model turbofan engine, perform the inspection within the compliance
time specified in Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this AD, or
within 10 FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later; or
    (ii) If the affected HPT 2nd-stage disk has operated at any time
in an IAE V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, or V2533-A5
model turbofan engine, perform the inspection within the compliance
time specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within
10 FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (5) For IAE V2531-E5 model turbofan engines with an HPT 1st-
stage disk, P/N 2A5001, with an S/N listed in Appendix A, Table 1,
of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1, within the compliance time
specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 10
FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
perform a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 6, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1.
    (6) For IAE V2531-E5 model turbofan engines with an HPT 2nd-
stage disk, P/N 2A4802, with an S/N listed in Appendix A, Table 2,
of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1, within the compliance time
specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 10
FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
perform a USI of the HPT 2nd-stage disk using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 7, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1.
    (7) If, during the USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (6)
of this AD, an HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk does not
pass the inspection as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 8, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, or IAE NMSB
V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1, as applicable, before further flight,
remove the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk, as applicable,
from service and replace with a part eligible for installation.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, H-P, except for
the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop
visit.
    (i) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation without subsequent engine maintenance.
    (ii) Engine removal for the purpose of performing field
maintenance activities at a maintenance facility in lieu of
performing them on-wing.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is:
    (i) An HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk listed in
Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision
1, or Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015,
Revision 1, that passed the USI required by paragraphs (g)(1)
through (6) of this AD; or
    (ii) An HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk that is not
listed in Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713,
Revision 1, or Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-
0015, Revision 1.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and
HPT 2nd-stage disk required by paragraphs (g)(5) and (6) of this AD
and the replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk
required by paragraph (g)(7) of this AD, if you performed these
actions before the effective date of this AD in accordance with IAE
NMSB No. V2500-E5-72-0015, original issue, dated December 15, 2020.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. You may email your request
to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alberto Hernandez,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>;
email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this

paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
March 15, 2022.
    (i) International Aero Engines AG (IAE) Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) No. V2500-E5-72-0015, Revision 1, dated August 10,
2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
July 13, 2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021).
    (i) IAE NMSB No. V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, dated January
26, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact
International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
06118; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email: [email protected];
website: https://connect.prattwhitney.com.
    (6) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02574 Filed 2-7-22; 8:45 am]
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