AD 2003-24-12R1

AD Final Rules - 032412R1.pdf
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AD Number:
2003-24-12R1
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
2003-NE-52-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J Turbofan Engines
Subject:
Gearbox Pressure Tube
Status:
Current
Citation:
(Federal Register: December 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 250))
Citation Publish Date:
12/31/2003
Effective Date:
12/18/2003
Make:
Pratt & Whitney Division
Model:
JT9D-3A | JT9D-7 | JT9D-7A | JT9D-7AH | JT9D-7F | JT9D-7H | JT9D-7J
Product Type:
Engine
Product Subtype:
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
2003-24-12
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39
Comments:
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[Federal Register: December 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 250)]


[Rules and Regulations]


[Page 75400-75403]


From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


[DOCID:fr31de03-8]


–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


Federal Aviation Administration


14 CFR Part 39


[Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD Amendment 39-13410; AD 2003-24-12R1]


RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J


Turbofan Engines


AGENCY:
 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.


ACTION:
 
Final rule; request for comments.


–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


SUMMARY:
 
The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney


(PW) JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan engines, with gearbox pressure tube, part


number (P/N) 697896, and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N 670663, installed. That AD


currently requires a one-time visual inspection of the gearbox pressure tube and No. 4 bearing front


pressure manifold and the attaching clamp assemblies for correct positioning and for wear and


damage, and replacement if necessary. This ad requires the same actions. This AD results from the


need to correct errors in depicted clamping to ensure that AD compliance can be achieved, and to


relax the level of maintenance required, as an optional method, when inspecting the affected tubing


for dents. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes or


failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.


DATES:
 
Effective December 18, 2003.


We must receive any comments on this AD by March 1, 2004.


ADDRESSES:


Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this AD:


•
 
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional


Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,


Burlington, MA 01803-5299.


•
 
By fax: (781) 238-7055.


•
 
By e-mail:
 
9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov


You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of


the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
2


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 
Keith Lardie, Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft


Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park;


telephone (781) 238-7189; fax (781) 238-7199.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
 
On November 25, 2003, the FAA issued AD 2003-24-12,


Amendment 39-13381 (68 FR 67585, December 3, 2003). That AD requires a one-time visual


inspection of the gearbox pressure tube and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold and the attaching


clamp assemblies for correct positioning and for wear and damage, and replacement if necessary.


That AD was the result of a report of a failed gearbox pressure tube that resulted in an engine fire.


That condition, if not corrected, could result in engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes


or failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.


Actions Since AD 2003-24-12 Was Issued


Since that AD was issued, errors in the depicted clamping configuration have been found. The


clamping configuration must be correct to ensure that AD compliance can be achieved. Also, an


operator has requested that as an option to inspecting dented tubing by passing a ball bearing through


the tube, to add dent depth limit criteria for each specific part number tube. The manufacturer


supports this optional method and we have added it to the AD. This method avoids having to


disconnect the tube from the engine.


FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD


The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other PW JT9D-3A, -


7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to


prevent an engine fire caused by a failed gearbox pressure tube. This AD requires a one-time visual


inspection of the gearbox pressure tube, P/N 697896, the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N


670663, and the attaching clamp assemblies, P/Ns ST1594-06, ST1594-08, and ST1594-10, for


correct positioning, for wear and damage, and replacement if necessary.


FAA's Determination of the Effective Date


The effective date of this AD is the same as AD 2003-24-12. We discussed the errors depicted in


AD 2003-24-12 with the U.S. operators, and adding the optional dent inspection method, and


conclude that there is no adverse impact from using the same effective date.


Changes to 14 CFR Part 39–Effect on the AD


On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47998, July 22, 2002),


which governs our AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight


permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was


included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include


it in future AD actions.


Comments Invited


This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by


notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant


data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under


ADDRESSES. Include ''AD Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If


you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped