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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 69 (Monday, April 13, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16803-16806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8308]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0096; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. ALF502 
Series and LF507 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. ALF502 series and LF507 
series turbofan engines with certain fuel manifold assemblies 
installed. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive on-wing 
eddy current or in-shop fluorescent penetrant inspections of certain 
part number (P/N) fuel manifold assemblies for cracks, and replacement 
of cracked fuel manifolds with serviceable manifolds. This proposed AD 
would continue to require inspecting those fuel manifolds for cracks, 
would also add leak checks of certain additional P/N fuel manifolds, 
and would specify replacement of the affected manifolds as an optional 
terminating action in lieu of the repetitive inspections. This proposed 
AD results from reports of fire in the engine nacelle. We are proposing 
this AD to detect cracks in certain fuel manifolds and fuel leaks from 
other fuel manifolds, which could result in a fire in the engine 
nacelle and a hazard to the aircraft.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by June 12, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Honeywell International, Inc., 111 S 34th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034-
2802, U.S.A.; telephone (800) 601-3099.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (562) 627-5245; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0096; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NE-39-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD 
in light 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 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search 
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who 
sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy 
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 
FR 19477-78).

[[Page 16804]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

Discussion

    The FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 97-11-
05, Amendment 39-10034 (62 FR 28994, May 29, 1997). That AD requires 
initial and repetitive on-wing eddy current inspection (ECI) or in-shop 
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of fuel manifold assemblies for 
cracks, and replacement of cracked fuel manifolds with serviceable 
manifolds. In addition, that action proposed an optional terminating 
action to the repetitive inspections by replacing the fuel manifold 
assembly with an assembly of a new, improved design, P/N 2-163-620-37 
or 2-163-620-38. That AD resulted from reports of cracking of the fuel 
manifold assembly at the No. 5 scallop location. That condition, if not 
corrected, could result in fuel leaking from the manifold and a fire in 
the engine nacelle.

Actions Since AD 97-11-05 Was Issued

    Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of about 36 
events of fuel leaking at the fuel nozzles on fuel manifold assemblies, 
P/Ns 2-163-620-37 and 2-163-620-38, due to loosening of the fuel 
nozzles. Failure to detect and remove a leaking manifold assembly is 
likely to result in a fire in the engine nacelle and create a hazard to 
the aircraft.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would 
require:
     For fuel manifold assemblies, P/Ns 2-163-620-37 or 2-163-
620-38, with 1,800 or more cycles-since-new or cycles-since-overhaul, 
inspecting for leaks per paragraph (g) of this AD, within 300 cycles-
in-service after the effective date of this AD, and
     Repeating the inspection within 600 cycles-since-last 
inspection, and
     Replacing each leaking fuel manifold assembly with a 
serviceable manifold.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 156 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 7 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and 
that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would 
cost about $50,000 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $7,887,360.

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 have 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 responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed AD:
    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); and
    3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-10034 (62 FR 
28994, May 29, 1997) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

Honeywell International Inc. (Formerly AlliedSignal and Textron-
Lycoming): Docket No. FAA-2007-0096; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-
39-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by June 12, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) Supersedes AD 97-11-05, Amendment 39-10034.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Honeywell International Inc. ALF502L and 
ALF502R series, and LF507-1F and LF507-1H turbofan engines with fuel 
manifolds, part numbers (P/Ns) 2-163-620-9, 2-163-620-10, 2-163-620-
17, 2-163-620-18, 2-163-620-23, 2-163-620-24, 2-163-620-25, 2-163-
620-26, 2-163-620-27, 2-163-620-28, 2-163-620-33, 2-163-620-34, 2-
163-620-35, 2-163-620-36, 2-163-620-37, or 2-163-620-38 installed. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier CL-
600-1A11 and BAE Systems 146-100/A, -200/A, and -300/A, and AVRO 
146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and -RJ100A airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of fire in the engine nacelle. 
We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in certain fuel manifolds 
and fuel leaks from other fuel manifolds, which could result in a 
fire in the engine nacelle and a hazard to the aircraft.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

[[Page 16805]]

Initial Inspection for Cracks in Fuel Manifold Assemblies That Have a 
P/N Listed in Paragraph (c) of This AD, Except P/Ns 2-163-620-37 or 2-
163-620-38

    (f) Using the following compliance times, perform initial and 
repetitive on-wing eddy current inspections (ECI) or in-shop 
fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) of fuel manifold assemblies 
having a P/N listed in the paragraph (c) of this AD, except P/Ns 2-
163-620-37 or 2-163-620-38. Use paragraphs 2.A.(1) through 
2.A.(3)(d) of the accomplishment instructions of Honeywell 
International Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) ALF/LF 73-1002, Revision 1, 
dated March 24, 1997 or original issue dated December 22, 1995, to 
perform the inspections.
    (1) For ALF502L series engines:
    (i) For fuel manifold assemblies with 3,250 or more cycles since 
new (CSN) or unknown CSN on July 28, 1997 (the effective date of AD 
97-11-05), inspect at the next hot section inspection (HSI), or 
2,000 cycles-in-service (CIS) after July 28, 1997, whichever occurs 
first.
    (ii) For fuel manifold assemblies with less than 3,250 CSN on 
July 28, 1997, inspect at the next HSI or before accumulating 5,250 
CSN, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) Thereafter, inspect at HSI intervals not to exceed 2,000 
cycles-since-last inspection (CSLI).
    (iv) If a fuel manifold assembly is found cracked, prior to 
further flight, replace the fuel manifold assembly with an FAA 
approved serviceable assembly.
    (2) For ALF502R and LF507 series engines:
    (i) For fuel manifold assemblies with 3,250 or more CSN, or 
unknown CSN, on July 28, 1997, inspect within 1,250 CIS after July 
28, 1997.
    (ii) For fuel manifold assemblies with less than 3,250 CSN on 
July 28, 1997, inspect prior to accumulating 4,500 CSN.
    (iii) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 1,250 CSLI.
    (iv) If a fuel manifold assembly is found cracked, before 
further flight replace the fuel manifold assembly with an FAA 
approved serviceable assembly.

Initial Inspection for Fuel Leaks, Fuel Manifold Assemblies, P/Ns 2-
163-620-37 or 2-163-620-38

    (g) For fuel manifold assemblies, P/Ns 2-163-620-37 or 2-163-
620-38, with 1,800 or more CSN or cycles-since-overhaul (CSO), 
inspect for leaks within 300 CIS after the effective date of this AD 
as follows:
    (1) Start engine and let stabilize at ground idle.
    (2) With the engine operating, look for fuel leaking from the 
fuel manifold assembly to the fire shield interface area (see Figure 
1). No leaks allowed.
    (3) If you find any leaks, shut down the engine and replace the 
fuel manifold assembly with an FAA approved serviceable assembly.
    (4) Shut down engine.
    (5) Look for fuel leaking from the fuel manifold assembly to the 
fire shield interface area (see Figure 1.) No leaks allowed.
    (6) If you find any leaks, replace the fuel manifold assembly 
with an FAA approved serviceable assembly.

[[Page 16806]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP09.014

Repetitive Inspection for Fuel Leaks, Fuel Manifold Assemblies P/Ns 2-
163-620-37 and 2-163-620-38

    (h) Thereafter, within 600 CSLI, inspect fuel manifold 
assemblies, P/Ns 2-163-620-37 and 2-163-620-38, for leaks as 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(6) of this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) Replacing a fuel manifold assembly that has a P/N specified 
in paragraph (c) of this AD, with a fuel manifold assembly, P/N 2-
163-620-39, 2-163-620-40, 2-163-620-41, or 2-163-620-42, or an FAA-
approved equivalent part, terminates the repetitive inspection 
requirement specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(iii), (f)(2)(iii), (g), 
and (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j) The Manager, Los Angeles Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) Honeywell International Inc. Alert Service Bulletin ALF/LF-
A72-1084, Revision 2, dated October 10, 2007, and SB ALF/LF 73-1002, 
Revision 1, dated March 24, 1997, and SB ALF/LF 72-1094, dated April 
30, 2004, contains the information necessary to inspect and replace 
any leaking fuel manifolds.
    (l) Contact Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (562) 627-5245; fax: (562) 627-
5210, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 6, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-8308 Filed 4-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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