[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 9, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1776-1778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-00212]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1217; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE), V2525-D5 and V2528-D5
turbofan engines, with a certain number (No.) 4 bearing internal
scavenge tube and a certain No. 4 bearing external scavenge tube
installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an engine
under-cowl fire and commanded in-flight shutdown. This proposed AD
would require replacement of certain part number (P/N) No. 4 bearing
internal scavenge tubes, and alignment checks of certain P/N No. 4
bearing external scavenge tubes. We are proposing this AD to prevent
engine fire and damage to the airplane.
[[Page 1777]]
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
International Aero Engines, 628 Hebron Avenue, Suite 400, Glastonbury,
CT 06033; phone: 860-368-3823; fax: 860-755-6876. You may view the
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7157; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1217;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-39-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We received a report of a fire warning on an IAE V2525 turbofan
engine shortly after takeoff. The engine experienced an under-cowl fire
and a commanded in flight shutdown. Investigation revealed that this
event was caused by failure of the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge tube
due to high stress. A misalignment of the No. 4 bearing external
scavenge tube was noted to be a contributing factor. This proposed AD
would direct the replacement of all No. 4 bearing internal scavenge
tubes, P/N 2A2074-01. This proposed AD would also require checking the
alignment of the No. 4 bearing external scavenge tube, P/N 6A5254, and
if it fails the check, replacement of the external scavenge tube. These
conditions, if not corrected, could result in engine fire and damage to
the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed IAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. V2500-ENG-72-0630,
Revision 1, dated September 20, 2012. The SB describes procedures for
replacement of the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge tube and for
verification of proper alignment of the No. 4 bearing external scavenge
tube.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require the replacement of the No. 4 bearing
internal scavenge tube, P/N 2A2074-01, at the next combustor module-
level exposure. This AD would also require verification of the
alignment and installation of the No. 4 bearing external scavenge tube,
P/N 6A5254, relative to the tube-to-boss elbow, P/N 2A2514 or P/N
2A3951-01, on the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge tube, P/N 2A2074-01.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
The SB requires replacement of the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge
tube, P/N 2A2074-01, at each combustor module-level exposure. This AD
would require replacement at each combustor module-level exposure after
10,000 cycles.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. The design approval
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 123 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take
1.5 hours per engine to replace the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge
tube, and 3 hours per engine to replace the No. 4 bearing external
scavenge tube. Required parts would cost $25,251 per engine. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $3,152,921.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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
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responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 (AD):
International Aero Engines AG: Docket No. FAA-2012-1217; Directorate
Identifier 2012-NE-39-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by March 11, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE), V2525-D5
and V2528-D5 turbofan engines, serial numbers V20001 through V20285,
with number (No.) 4 bearing internal scavenge tube, part number (P/
N) 2A2074-01 and No. 4 bearing external scavenge tube, P/N 6A5254
installed.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an engine under-cowl fire,
commanded in-flight shutdown, and damage to the airplane. We are
issuing this AD to prevent engine fire and damage to the airplane
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(f) No. 4 Bearing Internal Scavenge Tube, P/N 2A2074-01, Replacement
Replace the No. 4 bearing internal scavenge tube, P/N 2A2074-01,
at each combustor module-level exposure after the No. 4 bearing
internal scavenge tube has accumulated 10,000 flight cycles (FCs)
since new. If the FCs on the tube cannot be confirmed, replace the
tube at each combustor module-level exposure.
(g) No. 4 Bearing External Scavenge Tube, P/N 6A5254, Installation
At each installation, check the alignment of the No. 4 bearing
external scavenge tube, P/N 6A5254, in accordance with paragraphs
3.A. PART 2, of IAE NMSB No. V2500-ENG-72-0630, Revision 1, dated
September 20, 2012. If the tube is misaligned, replace with a new
tube.
(h) Definitions
Combustor module level exposure is defined as separation of the
combustor case and the compressor case flanges.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Martin Adler,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; email: [email protected], phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-
238-7199.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
International Aero Engines AG, 628 Hebron Avenue, Suite 400,
Glastonbury, CT 06033; phone: 860-368-3823; fax: 860-755-6876. You
may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 781-238-7125.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 28, 2012.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-00212 Filed 1-8-13; 8:45 am]
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