Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an inspection that determined that material anomalies exist in certain low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 6 disks. This AD requires removal from service of the affected LPT stage 6 disks and their replacement with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective October 15, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. 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 781-238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0268.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0268; 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 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: 781-238-7199; email: scott.hopper@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain IAE V2500 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2019 (84 FR 22743). The NPRM was prompted by an inspection that determined that material anomalies exist in certain LPT stage 6 disks. The NPRM proposed to require removal from service of the affected LPT stage 6 disks and their replacement with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments received. The Air Line Pilots Association supported the NPRM. The Boeing Company offered no comment on the NPRM.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed—except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Related Service Information

The FAA reviewed IAE Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) V2500-ENG-72-A0697, Revision No. 1, dated November 27, 2018. The ASB describes procedures for removal of the affected LPT stage 6 disks.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 engine installed on an airplane of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

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.

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

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

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2019-18-01 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-19728; Docket No. FAA-2019-0268; Product Identifier 2019-NE-08-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective October 15, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines with the following engine serial numbers: V10631, V12329, V12494, V13107, V18679, V18681, V18684, and V18690.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by an inspection that determined that material anomalies exist in certain low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 6 disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT stage 6 disk. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of the LPT stage 6 disk, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

At the next piece part exposure after the effective date of this AD, but not to exceed 5,000 cycles from new, remove from service LPT stage 6 disks, part number 3A2996, and with any of the following serial numbers: MAP04258; MAP04259; MAP04260, MAP04430, MAP04431, MAP08718, MAP08719; and MAP08721. Replace the affected LPT stage 6 disk with a part eligible for installation.

(h) Definition

For the purpose of this AD, piece-part exposure is when the LPT stage 6 disk is removed from the engine and completely disassembled.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, ECO, 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 (j) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(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.

(j) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Scott Hopper, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7154; fax: 781-238-7199; email: scott.hopper@faa.gov.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

None.