2012-16-14: LPT2 rotor blades

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 airworthiness directive (AD): 2012-16-14 Honeywell International Inc. (Formerly Allied Signal Inc. and Garrett Turbine Engine Company): Amendment 39-17161; Docket No. FAA-2011-0945; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-18-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective October 1, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to Honeywell International Inc. TFE731-20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, -40R, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines: (i) With an engine model number and serial number (S/N) listed in Table 4 of Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) TFE731-72-5221, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2010, or (ii) With 2nd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT2) rotor assembly part numbers (P/Ns) 3060608-2, 3060608-3, or 3060608-5 that had any LPT2 rotor blades P/N 3075424-2 replaced between March 2009 and September 2010, inclusive, or that had any LPT2 rotor blades P/N 3075424-3 replaced between July 2010 and September 2010, inclusive. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape of about 8,000 LPT2 rotor blades, manufactured by Honeywell Chihuahua Manufacturing Operation since 2009. During LPT rotor acceleration, these blades may contact and damage the 3rd stage LPT (LPT3) nozzle seal carrier that may subsequently fatigue and contact the adjacent rotor and damage the rotor. Also, these blades could deform the blade retainers, which could lead to blade movement that may cause rotor damage. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition caused by these blades installed on these engines. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (f) Remove LPT2 Rotor Blades (1) At the next major periodic inspection, not to exceed 3,000 hours time-since-new, or within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, or at the next access, whichever occurs first, do the following using Section 3.0, Accomplishment Instructions, of Honeywell SB TFE731-72-5221, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2010: (i) Remove any suspect LPT2 rotor blades from service. (ii) Inspect suspect LPT2 rotor blades. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Los Angeles Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (h) Definition For purposes of this AD, next access is defined as when the LPT module is disassembled. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5246; fax: 562-627-5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov. (j) 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 SB TFE731-72-5221, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2010. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Honeywell International Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2802; Web site: http://portal.honeywell.com; or call Honeywell toll free at phone: 800-601- 3099 (U.S./Canada) or 602-365-3099 (International Direct). (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. (5) You may view this service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. [[Page 51697]]