Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on PWC PW530A, PW535A, and PW545A turbofan engines. Transport Canada has advised the FAA that there have been five reports of fuel dripping from the engine nacelle. It was found that the dripping fuel was the result of leaking flexible fuel tubes. Transport Canada advises that certain P/N's of the flexible fuel tube, located between the fuel/oil heat exchanger and the integral fuel control unit-fuel pump, may leak due to possible manufacturing defects in the tube.
Manufacturer's Service Information
PWC has issued Service Bulletin (SB) PW500-72-30217, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2002, that specifies procedures for performing a one-time visual inspection of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines). The tubes must be inspected externally for leaks, localswelling, sponginess of the red silicone rubber, gashes, gouges, and tears, and internally for kinks, gouging, or loose material in the tube bore. Tubes that pass inspection are then re-marked with a new P/N. In lieu of the tube inspection, the SB also allows for replacement of the flexible fuel tube with a different P/N tube. Transport Canada issued AD CF-2002-42, dated September 30, 2002, in order to assure the airworthiness of these PWC PW500 series turbofan engines in Canada.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in Canada and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A, PW535A, and PW545A turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent a fire in the engine nacelle. This AD requires the following within 50 flight hours, but no later than 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first:
Replacement of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines) with flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2578-01, 3058704-01, and 30J2579-01 respectively; or
A one-time visual external and internal inspection of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01, 3054416-01, and 30J2323-01; and
Part number re-marking of flexible fuel tubes that passinspection. The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, andthis rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2002-NE-45-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: