2023-22-02: Turbine Engine Combustion Section

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2018-02-10, Amendment 39-19163 (83 FR 2896, January 22, 2018); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-22-02 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-22586; Docket No. FAA-2023-1638; Project Identifier AD-2022-00466-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2018-02-10, Amendment 39-19163 (83 FR 2896, January 22, 2018). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine Combustion Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the discovery of multiple cracked outer diffuser cases (ODCs). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the ODC. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the ODC, 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) Within the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) though (iii) of this AD, perform an initial high sensitivity fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the ODC T3 thermocouple probe boss (Tt3 boss) for crack indications in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 1.F. of Part A or paragraph 1.B. of Part B, as applicable, of PW Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-347, Revision 4, dated September 1, 2022 (ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, Rev 4). (i) For an ODC that has accumulated less than 12,000 cycles since new (CSN) with no prior high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss, perform the high sensitivity FPI before accumulating 9,200 CSN or within 1,000 flight cycles (FCs), after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (ii) For an ODC with unknown CSN or an ODC that has accumulated 12,000 CSN or more with no prior high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss, perform the high sensitivity FPI before accumulating 13,000 CSN or within 1,000 FCs, after February 26, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-02-10), whichever occurs later. (iii) For an ODC that has undergone a high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss prior to the effective date of this AD that resulted in no crack indication, perform the high sensitivity FPI before accumulating 2,000 FCs since performance of the last FPI or during the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first. (iv) For an ODC that has undergone a high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss prior to the effective date of this AD that resulted in an indication of a crack, perform the actions required by paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD, as applicable. (2) Thereafter, repeat the high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss at each engine shop visit or before exceeding 2,000 FCs from the last high sensitivity FPI of the ODC Tt3 boss, whichever occurs first, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1.F. of Part A or paragraph 1.B. of Part B, as applicable, of ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, Rev 4. (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, there is any crack indication, perform the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD. (i) For engines installed on an aircraft, repeat the high sensitivity FPI or remove the ODC from service in accordance with the actions and compliance times specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, paragraphs 1.G. and 1.H., of ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, Rev 4. (ii) For engines not installed on an aircraft, repeat the high sensitivity FPI or remove the ODC from service in accordance with the actions and compliance times specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1.C. and 1.D., of PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, Rev 4. (iii) For engines at an engine shop visit, before further flight, remove the ODC from service. (4) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance program, as applicable, to include the piece-part inspections of the ODC as defined in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(4) of this AD. Table 1 to Paragraph (g) (4)-Addition to ALS Description Part No. Cleaning, inspection and repair (CIR) manual section CIR manual inspection CIR manual Case, Diffuser, Outer All 72-41-13 Inspection/Check (I/C-02) P/N 51A750 (5) For engines with ODC part number (P/N) 50J775 or 50J930 installed, at the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of this AD, replace the ODC with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, an "engine shop visit" is any time the "M" flange is separated. (2) For the purpose of this AD, a "piece-part exposure" is when the ODC is removed from the engine and fully disassembled. (3) For the purpose of this AD, a "part eligible for installation" is an ODC with P/N 50J775-001, 50J775-002, 50J930-001, or 50J930-002. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7655; email: carol.nguyen@faa.gov. (k) 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 Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-347, Revision 4, dated September 1, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (800) 565-0140; email: help24@prattwhitney.com; website: connect.prattwhitney.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on October 25, 2023. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-25524 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P