Document ID: FAA-2020-0394-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan Engines
Posted Date: 2020-09-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57668-57671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20374]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0394; Project Identifier AD-2019-00141-E; 
Amendment 39-21230; AD 2020-18-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) ALF502L, ALF502L-2, ALF502L-
2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, 
ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model turbofan engines. This AD was 
prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an uncontained release 
of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. This AD requires initial and 
repetitive visual inspections of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assembly and the fuel filter outlet. Depending on the results of these 
inspections, the AD may require inspection of the adjacent fuel system 
tube assemblies as well as replacement or overhaul of the overspeed 
fuel solenoid valve assembly. This AD also requires periodic overhaul 
of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 21, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 21, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 
85034-2802; phone: 800-601-3099; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en#/. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0394.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0394; 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, 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: Mark Matzke, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5312; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
mark.matzke@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Honeywell ALF502L, 
ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, 
ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model turbofan 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 4, 2020 (85 
FR 26375). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing 
an uncontained release of LPT blades. The NPRM proposed to require 
initial and repetitive visual inspections of the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly and the fuel filter outlet. Depending on the 
results of these inspections, the NPRM proposed to require inspection 
of the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies as well as replacement or 
overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. The NPRM also 
proposed to require periodic overhaul of the overspeed fuel

[[Page 57669]]

solenoid valve assembly. 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 considered the comment received. 
The National Transportation Safety Board supported the NPRM.

Update to the Service Information

    The FAA determined the need to incorporate the latest service 
information in this AD. The FAA revised the reference to Honeywell 
Service Bulletin (SB) ALF/LF-72-1120 in paragraph (g) of this AD from 
Revision 1, dated January 6, 2020, to Revision 2, dated May 14, 2020 
(``the SB''). Revision 2 of the SB retains the same visual inspection, 
overhaul, and replacement instructions as Revision 1. The FAA is, 
therefore, revising the reference in this AD to Revision 2 so that 
operators may avoid unnecessary submission of alternative methods of 
compliance requests.

Added Definition of a Part Eligible for Installation

    The FAA determined the need to define a ``part eligible for 
installation'' in this AD to clarify the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assemblies that are eligible for installation.

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 and the changes to the service information reference and 
definition noted previously. 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.

Service Information Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB ALF/LF-72-1120, Revision 2, dated May 
14, 2020. The SB describes procedures for a one-time inspection and 
overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly, fuel tube, and 
dual heater oil cooler.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell Temporary Revision (TR) No. 72-1022, 
dated October 14, 2019, to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 286.1, 
Revision 27, dated August 27, 2004 for Honeywell Engine Manual ALF502R. 
The TR describes procedures for repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assemblies installed on Honeywell ALF502R model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-202, dated October 10, 2019, 
to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 507F.1, Revision 6, dated August 
16, 2013, for Honeywell Engine Manual LF507-1F. The TR describes 
procedures for repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assemblies installed on Honeywell LF507-1F model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-177, dated October 10, 2019, 
to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 507H.1, Revision 5, dated 
September 30, 1999, for Honeywell Engine Manual LF507-1H. The TR 
describes procedures for repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid 
valve assemblies installed on Honeywell LF507-1H model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-57, dated October 29, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Engine Overhaul Manual 72-07-07, Revision 1, dated 
January 31, 2001, for Honeywell Overhaul Manual ALF502L. The TR 
describes procedures for repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid 
valve assemblies installed on Honeywell ALF502L model engines.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Wright Components, Inc., Component Maintenance 
Manual (CMM) 73-19-01, Initial Revision, dated July 30, 1982. The CMM 
describes procedures for overhauling three-way two-position solenoid 
operated fuel valves, part number 2-303-175-01.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) ALF502-72-0001, 
Revision 24, dated October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for 
repetitive visual inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assemblies installed on Honeywell ALF502R model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB LF507-1F-72-1, Revision 10, dated 
October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell LF507-1F model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB LF507-1H-72-1, Revision 9, dated 
October 18, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell LF507-1H model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB ALF502-72-0005, Revision 17, dated 
October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell ALF502L model engines.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 210 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection of the fuel solenoid  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $35,700
 valve, fuel filter outlet, and          hour = $170.
 adjacent fuel system tube assemblies.
Overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid     0.25 work-hours x $85              7,700        7,721.25    1,621,462.50
 valve assembly.                         per hour = $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary overhauls 
or replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these overhauls or replacements:

[[Page 57670]]

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal, Inspection, and Cleaning of the        2 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $170
 engine fuel tube assemblies.                    $170.
Replacement or overhaul of overspeed fuel       0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =           7,700        7,721.25
 solenoid valve assembly.                        $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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

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):

2020-18-09 Honeywell International Inc.: Amendment 39-21230; Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0394; Project Identifier AD-2019-00141-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 21, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) 
ALF502L, ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, 
ALF502R-3A, ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H 
model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop); 7300, Engine Fuel and Control; and 7620, Engine 
Emergency Shutdown System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an 
uncontained release of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT blades. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained LPT blade 
release, damage to the engine, and loss of the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Perform an initial visual inspection of the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly and fuel filter outlet in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (3), of 
Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) ALF/LF-72-1120, Revision 2, dated 
May 14, 2020 (``Honeywell SB ALF/LF-72-1120''), using the times, as 
applicable, in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this AD.
    (i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has 1,500 or less engine cycles since last overhaul, 
perform the inspection before exceeding 3,000 engine cycles since 
last overhaul or within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has greater than 1,500 but less than 3,000 engine 
cycles since last overhaul, perform the inspection before exceeding 
3,500 engine cycles since last overhaul or within 5 years after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has 3,000 or more engine cycles since last overhaul, 
perform the inspection before exceeding 500 engine cycles or within 
5 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the visual inspection of the overspeed 
fuel solenoid valve assembly, fuel filter outlet, and adjacent fuel 
system tube assemblies at intervals not to exceed 3,000 engine 
cycles since the last visual inspection using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (3), of Honeywell SB ALF/LF-72-
1120.
    (3) If, based on the visual inspection required by paragraph 
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, an overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly 
is rejected for visual coking or varnish residue, as depicted in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(3) of Honeywell SB ALF/
LF-72-1120, before further flight:
    (i) Remove and inspect the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies 
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(3) of 
Honeywell SB ALF/LF-72-1120.
    (ii) Overhaul the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly or 
replace it with a part eligible for installation using the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(5) to (8), of Honeywell 
SB ALF/LF-72-1120.

    Note to paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this AD:  Valves may be serviced 
at any appropriately rated, FAA-approved repair facility.

    (4) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of 
this AD, and each shop visit thereafter, if the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly time since new or since last overhaul, 
whichever is less, exceeds 8,000 engine cycles or is unknown, 
overhaul the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly in accordance 
with the applicable Honeywell Temporary Revision (TR) for the 
engine, as defined in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

(h) Definition

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is an overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly 
including, but not limited to, P/Ns 2-303-175-01, 2-303-175-02, or 
2-303-901-01.

[[Page 57671]]

    (2) For the purpose of this AD, the ``applicable Honeywell TR'' 
refers, depending on the affected engine model, to the following 
engine model TRs:
    (i) Honeywell TR No. 72-1022, dated October 14, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual Report No. 286.1, Revision 
27, dated August 27, 2004, for Honeywell Engine Manual ALF502R;
    (ii) Honeywell TR No. 72-202, dated October 10, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual 507F.1, Revision 6, dated 
August 16, 2013, for Honeywell Engine Manual LF507-1F;
    (iii) Honeywell TR No. 72-177, dated October 10, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual Report No. 507H.1, 
Revision 5, dated September 30, 1999, for Honeywell Engine Manual 
LF507-1H; or
    (iv) Honeywell TR No. 72-57, dated October 29, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Engine Overhaul Manual 72-07-07, Revision 1, 
dated January 31, 2001, for Honeywell Overhaul Manual ALF502L.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial visual inspection, overhaul, 
and replacement required by paragraph (g)(1) to (3) of this AD if 
the inspection was performed using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (3) and 3.B.(5) to (8), of Honeywell SB ALF/
LF-72-1120, Revision 1, dated January 6, 2020, or paragraphs 3.B.(1) 
to (3) and 3.B.(6) of Revision 0, dated August 30, 2019.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 (k) of this AD. Information may 
be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Mark Matzke, 
Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5312; fax: 562-
627-5210; email: mark.matzke@faa.gov.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) Service Bulletin 
ALF/LF-72-1120, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2020.
    (ii) Honeywell Temporary Revision (TR) No. 72-1022, dated 
October 14, 2019, to Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual 
Report No. 286.1, Revision 27, dated August 27, 2004, for Honeywell 
Engine Manual ALF502R.
    (iii) Honeywell TR No. 72-202, dated October 10, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual 507F.1, Revision 6, dated 
August 16, 2013, for Honeywell Engine Manual LF507-1F.
    (iv) Honeywell TR No. 72-177, dated October 10, 2019, to 
Honeywell Turbofan Aircraft Engine Manual Report No. 507H.1, 
Revision 5, dated September 30, 1999, for Honeywell Engine Manual 
LF507-1H.
    (v) Honeywell TR No. 72-57, dated October 29, 2019, to Honeywell 
Turbofan Engine Overhaul Manual 72-07-07, Revision 1, dated January 
31, 2001, for Honeywell Overhaul Manual ALF502L.
    (3) For Honeywell service information identified in this AD, 
contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, 
AZ 85034-2802; phone: 800-601-3099; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en#/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20374 Filed 9-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P