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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 9, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1776-1778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing 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: 
martin.adler@faa.gov.

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

[[Page 1778]]

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: martin.adler@faa.gov, 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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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