[Federal Register: February 5, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 24)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 5818-5819]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05fe03-11]
[[Page 5818]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-45-AD; Amendment 39-13046; AD 2003-03-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada PW500 Series
Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PW500 series turbofan
engines. This action requires a one-time visual inspection and re-
marking, or in lieu of inspection, replacement of certain part numbers
(P/N's) of the flexible fuel tube located between the fuel/oil heat
exchanger and the integral fuel control unit-fuel pump. This amendment
is prompted by reports of fuel found dripping from engine nacelles
caused by leaking flexible fuel tubes. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to prevent a fire in the engine nacelle.
DATES: Effective February 20, 2003. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of February 20, 2003.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 7, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-45-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Pratt & Whitney Canada, 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
J4G1A1. This information may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA,
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299;
telephone (781) 238-7751; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on PWC PW530A, PW535A, and PW545A turbofan engines.
Transport Canada has advised the FAA that there have been five reports
of fuel dripping from the engine nacelle. It was found that the
dripping fuel was the result of leaking flexible fuel tubes. Transport
Canada advises that certain P/N's of the flexible fuel tube, located
between the fuel/oil heat exchanger and the integral fuel control unit-
fuel pump, may leak due to possible manufacturing defects in the tube.
Manufacturer's Service Information
PWC has issued Service Bulletin (SB) PW500-72-30217, Revision 1,
dated July 29, 2002, that specifies procedures for performing a one-
time visual inspection of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A
engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines).
The tubes must be inspected externally for leaks, local swelling,
sponginess of the red silicone rubber, gashes, gouges, and tears, and
internally for kinks, gouging, or loose material in the tube bore.
Tubes that pass inspection are then re-marked with a new P/N. In lieu
of the tube inspection, the SB also allows for replacement of the
flexible fuel tube with a different P/N tube. Transport Canada issued
AD CF-2002-42, dated September 30, 2002, in order to assure the
airworthiness of these PWC PW500 series turbofan engines in Canada.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in Canada and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the
findings of Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and
determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design
that are certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A, PW535A, and
PW545A turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being
issued to prevent a fire in the engine nacelle. This AD requires the
following within 50 flight hours, but no later than 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first:
[sbull] Replacement of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A
engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines)
with flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2578-01, 3058704-01, and 30J2579-01
respectively; or
[sbull] A one-time visual external and internal inspection of
flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01, 3054416-01, and 30J2323-01; and
[sbull] Part number re-marking of flexible fuel tubes that pass
inspection. The actions must be done in accordance with the service
bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic,
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environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need
to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both
before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for
examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-
public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in
the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NE-45-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined
in Executive Order 13132, because it 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
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Accordingly,
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication
of this final rule.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2003-03-21 Pratt & Whitney Canada: Amendment 39-13046. Docket No.
2002-NE-45-AD.
Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable
to Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PW530A, PW535A, and PW545A turbofan
engines with flexible fuel tubes part numbers (P/N's) 30J2285-01,
3054416-01, and 30J2323-01 installed. These engines are installed
on, but not limited to Cessna Citation model 550 ``Bravo'', model
560XL ``Excel'', and model 560 ``Encore'' airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required within 50 flight
hours, but no later than 60 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, unless already done.
To prevent a fire in the engine nacelle, do the following:
(a) Replace flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A
engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A
engines) with flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2578-01, 3058704-01, and
30J2579-01 respectively; or
(b) Perform a one-time visual external and internal inspection
of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A engines), 3054416-01
(PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines), and fuel tube
part number re-marking, in accordance with paragraphs 3.A.(1)
through 3.A.(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions of PWC SB PW500-
72-30217, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2002.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(e) The tube inspection or replacement must be done in
accordance with Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW500-72-
30217, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2002. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Pratt & Whitney Canada, 1000 Marie-Victorin,
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4G1A1. Copies may be inspected at the
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada
airworthiness directive CF-2002-42, dated September 30, 2002.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 2003.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2632 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am]
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