2012-09-10: First stage sun gears

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 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 AD: 2012-09-10 Pratt & Whitney Canada: Amendment 39-17045; Docket No. FAA-2012-0417; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-11-AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 23, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-38, -41, -42, - 42A, -61, -64, -66, -66B, -110, -112, -114, -114A, -121, -135, and - 135A series turboprop engines: (1) That have had maintenance done to the power section module involving first stage sun gear or planet gear replacement since December 22, 2008; and (2) That have any of the following Timken Alcor Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (TAATI) part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement first stage sun gears or planet gear sets installed: (i) First stage sun gears P/N E3028456, all serial numbers (S/ Ns). (ii) First stage sun gears P/N E3037304, all S/Ns. (iii) Planet gear sets P/N E3101455-02, all S/Ns. (iv) Planet gear sets P/N E3101525-02, all S/Ns. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by failures of certain first stage sun gears, manufactured by TAATI. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the sun gear and planet gears in the propeller reduction gearbox assembly, which will result in an engine in-flight shut down, possible uncontained engine failure, aircraft damage, and serious injuries. (e) Compliance (1) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (2) Within 40 operating hours after the effective date of this AD, remove from service the following PMA replacement TAATI first stage sun gear and the planet gears from the propeller reduction gearbox assembly: (i) First stage sun gears P/N E3028456, all S/Ns, and the associated planet gears. (ii) First stage sun gears P/N E3037304, all S/Ns, and the associated planet gears. [[Page 26945]] (iii) Planet gear sets P/N E3101455-02, all S/Ns, and the associated sun gears. (iv) Planet gear sets P/N E3101525-02, all S/Ns, and the associated sun gears. (f) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any airplane, any engine or power section module with a TAATI PMA replacement first stage sun gear or a planet gear set, as listed in paragraph (c) of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are not authorized. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Paul Craig, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: 562-627- 5252; fax: 562-627-5210; email: paul.craig@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None.