[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 60 (Thursday, March 28, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11637-11640]
[FR Doc No: 2019-05905]

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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.

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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 60 / Thursday, March 28, 2019 / Rules
and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0920; Product Identifier 2016-NE-09-AD; Amendment
39-19605; AD 2019-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-22-05 for
certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4164, PW4164-1D, PW4168,
PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 model turbofan engines. AD
2016-22-05 required initial and repetitive inspections of the affected
fuel nozzles and their replacement with parts eligible for
installation. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of
the affected fuel nozzles and fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies,
replacement of the affected fuel nozzles with parts eligible for
installation, and the installation of new brackets and clamps on the
fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies. This AD was prompted by several
instances of fuel leaks on PW engines with the Talon IIB combustion
chamber configuration installed. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 2, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
December 6, 2016 (81 FR 75686, November 1, 2016).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT
06108; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>. It is also
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0920.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0920; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) 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: Scott Hopper, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7154; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2016-22-05, Amendment 39-18694 (81 FR 75686,
November 1, 2016), (``AD 2016-22-05''). AD 2016-22-05 applied to
certain PW PW4164, PW4164-1D, PW4168, PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D,
and PW4170 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 19, 2018 (83 FR 58194). The NPRM was prompted by
several instances of fuel leaks on PW engines with the Talon IIB
combustion chamber configuration installed. The fuel leaks were the
result of cracks in the fuel nozzle braze joint and cracks in the fuel
manifold tube adjacent to the elbow fitting. The NPRM proposed to
require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected fuel nozzles
and fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies, replacement of the affected
fuel nozzles with parts eligible for installation, and the installation
of new brackets and clamps on the fuel nozzle supply manifold
assemblies. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Identify Causes of Fuel Leaks

    PW requested that we identify the two potential causes of the fuel
leaks, cracks in the fuel nozzle braze joint and cracks in the fuel
manifold tube adjacent to the elbow fitting, in the ``Actions Since
2016-22-05 Was Issued'' paragraph of the NPRM.
    We agree that updating the ``Actions Since 2016-22-05 Was Issued''
paragraph based on the request would better identify the two potential
causes of the fuel leaks. We did not update the ``Actions Since AD
2017-20-01 Was Issued'' paragraph, however, because this language is
not included in this final rule. Instead, we updated the Discussion
paragraph to identify the two potential causes of the leaks.

Request To Correct Acronym Typographical Error

    PW and Delta Air Lines (Delta) requested that we correct the
acronym for the ring case compressor from ``RRC'' to ``RCC'' in the
Applicability paragraph of this AD.
    We agree and corrected the acronym in this AD.

Request To Update the Labor Work Hours

    Delta requested that we update the 16 labor work-hours identified
in the ``Estimated costs'' table of this AD to match the 40 man-hours
identified in the Manpower paragraph of Pratt & Whitney Service
Bulletin (SB) PW4G-100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24, 2018.
    We disagree. Like the service information, the ``Estimated costs''
table of this AD separates the cost of the actions. The 16 work-hours
of this AD

reflects only replacing the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies and
installing the new clamps and brackets. These work hours do not reflect
any additional actions, such as opening and closing the cowl doors or
using the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). We did not change this AD.

Request To Clarify the Applicability Paragraph

    SR Technics Switzerland Ltd. (SR Technics) requested that we update
paragraphs (c)(1) to (4) of this AD to include the phrase ``that have
SB PW4G-100-73-48 Rev. 1 not fully introduced.'' SR Technics expressed
concern that operators who have replaced the fuel nozzle with an
eligible part may not comply with the additional requirement to replace
fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies and install new brackets and
clamps.
    PW and Delta requested that we clarify that engines that have
already replaced fuel nozzle part number (P/N) 51J345 per Pratt &
Whitney Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-100-A73-47, dated March 10,
2017, only have to complete the replacement of the fuel nozzle supply
manifold assemblies, and the installation of new brackets and clamps on
the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-
100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24, 2018.
    We partially agree. We disagree with including the phrase suggested
by SR Technics in the Applicability of this AD because we found it
clearer to move the requirement to a separate paragraph. We agree with
clarifying that engines with the new fuel nozzles installed only
require the installation of the new fuel nozzle supply manifold
assemblies, brackets, and clamps. We revised this AD by moving the
requirement to replace the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies and
to install new brackets and clamps from paragraph (g)(2)(ii) in the
NPRM into a separate paragraph (g)(3) in this AD.

Request To Publish a Separate AD

    Delta requested that we publish a separate AD for the replacement
of the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies, and the installation of
new brackets and clamps on the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies
per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24,
2018. Delta indicated that per the Applicability paragraph of this
proposed rule, engines that have already met the intent of PW ASB PW4G-
100-A73-47 and therefore do not have fuel nozzle P/N 51J345 installed
are not applicable.
    We disagree that it is necessary to publish a separate AD to
mandate replacement of the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies and
installation of new brackets and clamps. As noted above, however, we
have revised this AD by creating a separate paragraph (g)(3) to clarify
the requirement for replacement of the fuel nozzle supply manifold
assemblies, and the installation of new brackets and clamps.

Request To Revise the Compliance Time

    PW commented that it disagreed with the compliance time proposed in
the NPRM. For replacement of the fuel nozzles, PW requested that we
revise the compliance time from 24 months after the effective date of
this AD, as proposed in the NPRM, to April 1, 2019. This revised
compliance time would match the compliance time in Pratt & Whitney ASB
PW4G-100-A73-47, dated March 10, 2017. PW reasoned that the majority of
the fleet is adhering to the April 1, 2019, compliance time and
extending the compliance to 24 months is too lenient.
    We disagree. The PW safety risk assessment for this AD supports a
compliance time of 24-months after the effective date of this AD for
replacement of the fuel nozzles. Although certain operators may comply
by April 1, 2019, the 24-months compliance time meets the safety intent
of this AD. We did not change this AD.
    PW also requested that we revise the compliance time to install the
fuel nozzle supply manifold assembly, brackets, and clamps to the next
shop visit, not to exceed September 30, 2024, whichever occurs first.
This compliance time would also be consistent with Pratt & Whitney SB
PW4G-100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24, 2018. PW reasoned that
after further analysis, including reassessment of the risk associated
with the vibratory stress cracking of the manifolds, they will publish
a revision to their service information.
    We agree. PW's analysis and updated safety risk support extending
the compliance time to replace the fuel nozzle supply manifold
assembly, brackets, and clamps. We revised this requirement from ``At
the next shop visit or within 24 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever comes first. . . .'' to ``At the next shop visit or
within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes
first. . . .''

Request To Remove Wording From Terminating Action Paragraph

    PW and Delta requested that we update the Terminating Action
paragraph of this AD to remove the replacement of the manifold supply
assemblies and installation of the brackets and clamps. Delta noted
that the fuel nozzle and fuel nozzle supply manifold assembly failure
modes as described by their respective Pratt & Whitney SBs PW4G-100-
A73-47 and PW4G-100-73-48 are not the same. The commenters further
reasoned that the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (g)(1)
of the NPRM apply only to the fuel nozzle.
    We agree. We removed the replacement of the manifold supply
assemblies and installation of the brackets and clamps as terminating
actions for this AD.

Request To Correct the Part Terminology for Consistency

    Delta noted that we used the term ``fuel nozzle manifold supply
assemblies'' and ``fuel supply manifolds'' in the NPRM and requested
that the term ``fuel nozzle supply manifold assembly'' be used to be
consistent with the service information.
    We agree. We revised this AD to refer to ``fuel nozzle supply
manifold assembly.''

Request To Separate Required Actions To Allow Alternate Tool

    Delta requested that we separate the actions identified in
paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of the NPRM (paragraph (g)(3) of this AD), into
two steps: 1. Replace the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies, and
2. Install the new brackets and clamps on the fuel nozzle supply
manifold assemblies. Delta reasoned that this AD specifies using
service information that will only allow the use of a backup wrench to
install the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies. Delta and PW,
however, have developed an alternate tool to install the fuel nozzle
supply manifold assemblies to reduce the risk of over-torqueing.
    We disagree. While the service information references a backup
wrench, it does not specify the P/N of the tool to use. Therefore, 14
CFR part 43 allows for the use of alternate, FAA-approved, tools. We
did not change this AD.

Request To Allow Use of Later Revisions of Service Information

    Delta requested that we add the phrase ``or later per subsequent
SBs'' to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to remove the need to submit
alternative methods

of compliance requests in response to future redesigns of the fuel
nozzles.
    We disagree. We are authorized to require the use of service
information that we have reviewed and which are published. Since later
revisions of the service information are not yet published, we are not
authorized to require their use. We did not change this AD.

Support for the AD

    The Air Line Pilots Association expressed support for the NPRM as
written.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-100-A73-45, dated February 16,
2016; Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-100-A73-47, dated March 10, 2017; and
Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24,
2018. Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-100-A73-45 describes procedures for
inspecting and replacing the fuel nozzles. Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-
100-A73-47 describes procedures for replacing the fuel nozzle and
support assembly. Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-73-48 describes
procedures for replacing the fuel nozzle supply manifold assemblies and
installing new brackets and clamps on the manifolds. 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 the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 72 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect fuel nozzles..................  2.2 work-hours x $85 per              $0            $187         $13,464
                                         hour = $187.
Open and close cowl doors (on-wing)...  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85           6,120
                                         hour = $85.
Remove and replace (24) fuel nozzles..  48 work-hours x $85 per          423,471         427,551      30,783,672
                                         hour = $4,080.
Remove and re-install necessary         23 work-hours x $85 per                0           1,955         140,760
 hardware according to AMM.              hour = $1,955.
Replace Fuel Nozzle Supply Manifold     16 work-hours x $85 per           77,159          78,519       5,653,368
 Assemblies and install new clamps/      hour = $1,360.
 brackets.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Adoption of 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2016-22-05, Amendment 39-18694 (81 FR 75686, November 1, 2016), and
adding the following new AD:

2019-06-07 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-19605; Docket No.
FAA-2018-0920; Product Identifier 2016-NE-09-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 2, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-22-05, Amendment 39-18694 (81 FR 75686,
November 1, 2016).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Division (PW):
    (1) PW4164, PW4168, and PW4168A model turbofan engines that have
fuel nozzles, part number (P/N) 51J345, installed, and that have any
of the following installed: Talon IIB combustion chamber per Pratt &
Whitney Service Bulletin (SB) PW4G-100-72-214, dated December 15,
2011; ring case configuration (RCC) high-pressure compressor (HPC)
per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-72-219, Revision No. 1, dated
October 5, 2011, or original issue; or the outer combustion chamber
assembly waspaloy nuts per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-72-253, dated
November 24, 2014;
    (2) PW4168A model engines with Talon IIA outer combustion
chamber assembly, P/N 51J100 or 51J382, and fuel nozzles, P/N
51J345, installed;
    (3) PW4168A-1D and PW4170 model engines with engine serial
numbers P735001 through P735190, inclusive, and fuel nozzles, P/N
51J345, installed;
    (4) PW4164-1D, PW4168-1D, PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 model turbofan
engines that have installed the RCC HPC per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-
100-72-220, Revision No. 4, dated September 30, 2011, or earlier
revision, and have fuel nozzles, P/N 51J345, installed; and
    (5) PW4164, PW4164-1D, PW4168, PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D,
and PW4170 model turbofan engines with fuel nozzle, P/N 51J398,
installed, that have not installed the replacement fuel nozzle
supply manifold assemblies, and new brackets and clamps on the fuel
nozzle supply manifold assemblies per Pratt & Whitney SB PW4G-100-
73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24, 2018.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7310, Engine Fuel
Distribution.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several instances of fuel leaks on PW
engines with the Talon IIB combustion chamber configuration
installed. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel
nozzles. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
engine fire and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 800 flight hours (FHs) after December 6, 2016 (the
effective date of AD 2016-22-05), or before further flight,
whichever occurs later, and after that within every 800 FHs
accumulated on the fuel nozzles, perform the following:
    (i) Inspect all fuel nozzles, P/N 51J345, in accordance with
Part A of Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-100-A73-
45, dated February 16, 2016.
    (ii) For any fuel nozzle that fails the inspection, before
further flight, remove and replace with a part that is eligible for
installation.
    (2) At the next shop visit or within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove all fuel
nozzles, P/N 51J345, in accordance with Part A, of Pratt & Whitney
ASB PW4G-100-A73-47, dated March 10, 2017, and replace with parts
eligible for installation.
    (3) At the next shop visit or within 60 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, replace the fuel
nozzle supply manifold assemblies and install the new brackets and
clamps on the fuel nozzle supply manifold assembly in accordance
with Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Installed on
Aircraft'' or ``For Engines Not Installed on Aircraft,'' of Pratt &
Whitney SB PW4G-100-73-48, Revision No. 1, dated April 24, 2018.

(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 case flanges, except for
the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop
visit:
    (i) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance.
    (ii) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purpose of
replacing the fan or propulsor without subsequent engine
maintenance.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a part that is ``eligible for
installation'' is a fuel nozzle with a P/N other than 51J345 that is
FAA-approved for installation.

(i) Terminating Action

    Installation of the eligible fuel nozzles constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(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_ADDRESS>    (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 Scott Hopper,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
(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
May 2, 2019.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-100-A73-
47, dated March 10, 2017; and
    (ii) Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-73-48, Revision
No. 1, dated April 24, 2018.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 6, 2016.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-100-A73-45, dated February 16,
2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Pratt & Whitney service information identified in this
AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford,
CT 06108; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (6) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards 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, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 22, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-05905 Filed 3-27-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P