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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):
2018-21-11 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-19469; Docket No. FAA-2018-0368; Product Identifier 2018-NE-12-AD.
[[Page 54665]]
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 5, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines with low- pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, TurbineEngine Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by low-cycle fatigue analysis techniques, updated by the engine manufacturer, which indicated certain LPC fan hubs could crack before their published life limit. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan hub. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) After the effective date of this AD, perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the LPC fan hub the next time the engine is separated at the M- flange and the LPC fan hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles since the last FPI and ECI.
(2) Thereafter, perform an FPI and an ECI of the LPC fan hub every time the engine is separated at the M-flange and the LPC fan hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles since the last LPC fan hub ECI and FPI.
(3) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, Step No. 11, in PW Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-351, dated February 22, 2018, to do the ECI.
(4) If a crack is found during the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, remove the LPC fan hub from service before further flight and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO 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 (i) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: jo-ann.theriault@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) Pratt & Whitney Division Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112- A72-351, dated February 22, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved.]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
