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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No.

17 / Thursday, January 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 3863

provide credit card loans and, instead, of the Office of Management and is also authorized by 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.,
grant closed-ended and open-ended Budget. 42 U.S.C. 1981 and 3601–3610. Section
loans with the prerequisite underwriting 701.35 is also authorized by 42 U.S.C. 4311–
Executive Order 13132 4312.
documentation. Further, these smaller
credit unions generally maintain a Executive Order 13132 encourages ■ 2. Section 701.21(c)(7)(ii)(C) is revised
higher expense ratio, since many are independent regulatory agencies to to read as follows:
involved with high-transaction accounts consider the impact of their regulatory
requiring higher personnel costs and actions on state and local interest. In § 701.21 Loans to members and lines of
related operational expenses, and lack adherence to fundamental federalism credit to members.
economies of scale. principles, NCUA, an independent * * * * *
Further, among the 450 federal credit regulatory agency as defined in 44 (c) * * *
unions where the most common rate is U.S.C. 3502(5), voluntarily complies (7) * * *
more than 15 percent for unsecured with the executive order. This rule (ii) * * *
loans, 62 credit unions have 20 percent applies only to federal credit unions (C) Expiration. After September 8,
or more of their assets in this category and, thus, will not have substantial 2006, or as otherwise ordered by the
and all but five credit unions have direct effects on the states, on the NCUA Board, the maximum rate on
assets of less than $10 million. For these relationship between the national federal credit union extensions of credit
credit unions, lowering the rates would government and the states, nor to members shall revert to 15 percent
threaten their liquidity, capital, materially affect state interests. The per year. Higher rates may, however, be
earnings, and growth. NCUA has determined that the rule does charged, in accordance with paragraph
The Board has concluded that not constitute a policy that has any (c)(7)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section, on
conditions exist to retain the federal federalism implication for purposes of loans and line of credit balance existing
credit union interest rate ceiling of 18 the executive order. on or before September 8, 2006.
percent per year for the period March 9, Small Business Regulatory Enforcement * * * * *
2005 through September 8, 2006. Fairness Act [FR Doc. 05–1166 Filed 1–26–05; 8:45 am]
Finally, the Board is prepared to BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
reconsider the 18 percent ceiling at any The Small Business Regulatory
time during the extension period should Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub.
changes in economic conditions L. 104–121) provides generally for
congressional review of agency rules. A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
warrant.
reporting requirement is triggered in
Regulatory Procedures Federal Aviation Administration
instances where NCUA issues a final
Administrative Procedure Act rule as defined by Section 551 of the
14 CFR Part 39
Administrative Procedure Act. 5 U.S.C.
The Board has determined that 551. The Office of Management and [Docket No. 2000–NE–13–AD; Amendment
notification and public comment on this Budget has determined that this is not 39–13950; AD 2005–02–05]
rule are impractical and not in the a major rule. RIN 2120–AA64
public interest. 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
Due to the need for a planning period The Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999—Assessment Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
before the March 9, 2005 expiration date plc RB211 Series Turbofan Engines
of the current rule, and the threat to the of Federal Regulations and Policies on
safety and soundness of individual Families AGENCY: Federal Aviation
credit unions with insufficient NCUA has determined that this rule Administration (FAA), DOT.
flexibility to determine loan rates, final will not affect family well-being within ACTION: Final rule; request for
action on the loan rate ceiling is the meaning of Section 654 of the comments.
necessary. Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999, Pub. L. 105– SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
Regulatory Flexibility Act existing airworthiness directive (AD) for
277, 112 Stat. 2681 (1998).
The Regulatory Flexibility Act Rolls-Royce (RR) plc RB211–535E4–37,
requires NCUA to prepare an analysis to List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 701 RB211–535E4–B–37, and RB211–
describe any significant economic Credit, Credit unions, Loan interest 535E4–B–75 series turbofan engines.
impact a regulation may have on a rates. That AD currently requires initial and
substantial number of small credit By the National Credit Union repetitive ultrasonic inspections of
unions (those under ten million dollars Administration Board on January 13, 2005. installed LPC fan blade roots on-wing
in assets). This final rule provides Mary F. Rupp, and during overhaul using a surface
added flexibility to all federal credit wave ultrasonic probe, and
Secretary to the Board.
unions regarding the permissible relubrication, according to accumulated
interest rate that may be used in ■ Accordingly, NCUA amends 12 CFR life cycles. That AD also adds the
connection with lending. The NCUA chapter VII as follows: application of Metco 58 blade root
Board has determined and certifies that coating as an optional terminating
PART 701—ORGANIZATION AND
this rule will not have a significant action. This AD requires the same
OPERATION OF FEDERAL CREDIT
economic impact on a substantial actions, but changes the reference to
UNIONS (AMENDED)
number of small credit unions. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No.
■ 1. The authority citation for Part 701 RB.211–72–C879 from Revision 3 to
Paperwork Reduction Act continues to read as follows: Revision 4. This AD results from RR
NCUA has determined that this rule Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1755, 1756, issuing MSB No. RB.211–72–C879,
does not increase paperwork 1757, 1759, 1761a, 1761b, 1766, 1767, 1782, Revision 4, which contains revised
requirements under the Paperwork 1784, 1787, and 1789. Section 701.6 is also Accomplishment Instructions and
Reduction Act of 1995 and regulations authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3717. Section 701.31 consumable materials list. We are

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3864 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 17 / Thursday, January 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations

issuing this AD to detect cracks in low is the airworthiness authority for the FAA’s Determination and Requirements
pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade United Kingdom (UK), notified us that of This AD
roots, which if not detected, could lead Rolls-Royce plc has updated MSB No. We have evaluated all pertinent
to uncontained multiple fan blade RB.211–72–C879, Revision 3, dated information and identified an unsafe
failure, and damage to the airplane. October 3, 2002, to Revision 4, dated condition that is likely to exist or
DATES: Effective February 11, 2005. The April 2, 2004, for RR RB211 series develop on other products of this same
Director of the Federal Register turbofan engines. The CAA advises that type design. Therefore, we are issuing
approved the incorporation by reference Revision 4 of the MSB contains revised this AD, which requires initial and
of certain publications listed in the Accomplishment Instructions and repetitive ultrasonic inspection of
regulations as of February 11, 2005. consumable materials list. installed LPC fan blade roots on-wing
We must receive any comments on and during overhaul using a surface
this AD by March 28, 2005. Special Flight Permits Paragraph
wave ultrasonic probe, and
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following Removed
relubrication, according to accumulated
addresses to submit comments on this Paragraph (h) of the current AD, AD life cycles. This AD also maintains the
AD: 2003–12–15, contains a paragraph application of Metco 58 blade root
• By mail: Federal Aviation coating as an optional terminating
pertaining to special flight permits.
Administration (FAA), New England action. You must use the service
Even though this final rule does not
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, information described previously to
contain a similar paragraph, we have
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NE– perform the actions required by this AD.
made no changes with regard to the use
13–AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803–5299. of special flight permits to operate the FAA’s Determination of the Effective
• By fax: (781) 238–7055. airplane to a repair facility to do the Date
• By e-mail: 9-ane- work required by this AD. In July 2002,
Since an unsafe condition exists that
adcomment@faa.gov. we published a new part 39 that
requires the immediate adoption of this
You can get the service information contains a general authority regarding
AD, we have found that notice and
referenced in this AD from Rolls-Royce special flight permits and airworthiness
opportunity for public comment before
plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, directives; see Docket No. FAA–2004– issuing this AD are unnecessary, and
DE248BJ; telephone: 011–44–1332–242– 8460, Amendment 39–9474 (69 FR that good cause exists for making this
424; fax: 011–44–1332–249–936. 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus, when we amendment effective in less than 30
You may examine the AD docket, by now supersede ADs we will not include days.
appointment, at the FAA, New England a specific paragraph on special flight
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, permits unless we want to limit the use Comments Invited
12 New England Executive Park, of that general authority granted in This AD is a final rule that involves
Burlington, MA. section 39.23. requirements affecting flight safety and
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian was not preceded by notice and an
Relevant Service Information
Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine opportunity for public comment;
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and We have reviewed and approved the however, we invite you to submit any
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England technical contents of RR MSB No. written relevant data, views, or
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803– RB.211–72–C879, Revision 4, dated arguments regarding this AD. Send your
5299; telephone: (781) 238–7178; fax: April 2, 2004. That MSB describes comments to an address listed under
(781) 238–7199. procedures for ultrasonic inspection of ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June high cyclic life blades on-wing with 2000–NE–13–AD’’ in the subject line of
13, 2003, we issued AD 2003–12–15, either the LPC fan blades in place or your comments. If you want us to
Amendment 39–13200 (68 FR 37735, removed from the LPC. The CAA acknowledge receipt of your mailed
June 25, 2003). That AD requires initial classified the original issue of the comments, send us a self-addressed,
and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of service bulletin as mandatory and stamped postcard with the docket
installed LPC fan blade roots on-wing issued AD 002–01–2000 in order to number written on it; we will date-
and during overhaul using a surface ensure the airworthiness of these RR stamp your postcard and mail it back to
wave ultrasonic probe, and engines in the UK. you. We specifically invite comments
relubrication, according to accumulated on the overall regulatory, economic,
life cycles. That AD also introduces an Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement environmental, and energy aspects of
alternative technique to ultrasonically the rule that might suggest a need to
inspect installed fan blades on-wing These engine models are modify it. If a person contacts us
using a surface wave ultrasonic probe. manufactured in the U.K. and are type verbally, and that contact relates to a
Also, that AD adds the application of certificated for operation in the United substantive part of this AD, we will
Metco 58 blade root coating as an States under the provisions of section summarize the contact and place the
optional terminating action. That AD 21.29 of the Federal Aviation summary in the docket. We will
was the result of the discovery of cracks Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the consider all comments received by the
on LPC fan blade roots during an engine applicable bilateral airworthiness closing date and may amend the AD in
overhaul. That condition, if not agreement. Under this bilateral light of those comments.
corrected, could result in uncontained airworthiness agreement, the CAA has
kept the FAA informed of the situation Examining the AD Docket
multiple fan blade failure, and damage
to the airplane. described above. We have examined the You may examine the AD Docket
findings of the CAA, reviewed all (including any comments and service
Actions Since AD 2003–12–15 Was available information, and determined information), by appointment, between
Issued that AD action is necessary for products 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Since AD 2003–12–15 was issued, the of this type design that are certificated Friday, except Federal holidays. See
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which for operation in the United States. ADDRESSES for the location.

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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 17 / Thursday, January 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 3865

Authority for This Rulemaking the AD Docket. You may get a copy of installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 757
this summary by sending a request to us and Tupolev Tu204 series airplanes. Table 1
Title 49 of the United States Code follows:
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue at the address listed under ADDRESSES.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 2000–NE–13–
AD’’ in your request. TABLE 1.—APPLICABLE LPC FAN
section 106, describes the authority of BLADE P/NS
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Aviation Programs, describes in more Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation UL16135 UL28602
detail the scope of the Agency’s safety, Incorporation by reference, UL16171 UL29511
authority. Safety. UL16182 UL29556
We are issuing this rulemaking under UL19643 UL30817
the authority described in subtitle VII, Adoption of the Amendment UL20044 UL30819
part A, subpart III, section 44701, UL20132 UL30933
■ Accordingly, under the authority UL20616 UL30935
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
delegated to me by the Administrator, UL21345 UL33707
section, Congress charges the FAA with
the Federal Aviation Administration UL22286 UL33709
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation UL23122 UL36992
air commerce by prescribing regulations
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: UL24525 UL37090
for practices, methods, and procedures
UL24528 UL37272
the Administrator finds necessary for PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS UL24530 UL37274
safety in air commerce. This regulation DIRECTIVES UL24532 UL37276
is within the scope of that authority UL24534 UL37278
because it addresses an unsafe condition ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 UL27992 UL38029
that is likely to exist or develop on continues to read as follows: UL28601 UL38032
products identified in this rulemaking Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
action. Unsafe Condition
§ 39.13 [Amended]
Regulatory Findings (d) This AD results from RR issuing
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No.
We have determined that this AD will removing Amendment 39–13200 (68 FR RB.211–72–C879, Revision 4, which contains
not have federalism implications under 37735, June 25, 2003), and by adding a revised Accomplishment Instructions and
Executive Order 13132. This AD will new airworthiness directive, consumable materials list. We are issuing this
not have a substantial direct effect on Amendment 39–13950, to read as AD to detect cracks in low pressure
the States, on the relationship between follows: compressor (LPC) fan blade roots, which if
the National Government and the States, not detected, could lead to uncontained
2005–02–05 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment multiple fan blade failure, and damage to the
or on the distribution of power and 39–13950. Docket No. 2000–NE–13–AD.
responsibilities among the various airplane.
Supersedes AD 2003–12–15,
levels of government. Amendment 39–13200. Compliance
For the reasons discussed above, I (e) You are responsible for having the
Effective Date
certify that the regulation: actions required by this AD performed within
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) the compliance times specified unless the
becomes effective February 11, 2005.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; actions have already been done.
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the Affected ADs (f) If you have a full set of fan blades,
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003–12–15, modified using RR Service Bulletin No.
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and Amendment 39–13200. RB.211–72–C946, Revision 2, dated
September 26, 2002, that can be identified by
3. Will not have a significant Applicability a blue triangle etched on the blade airfoil
economic impact, positive or negative, suction surface close to the leading edge tip
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce (RR) plc
on a substantial number of small entities RB211–535E4–37, RB211–535E4–B–37, and of each blade, no further action is required.
under the criteria of the Regulatory RB211–535E4–B–75 series turbofan engines (g) On RB211–535E4 engines, operated to
Flexibility Act. with low pressure compressor (LPC) fan Flight Profile A, ultrasonically inspect, and if
We prepared a summary of the costs blades with the part numbers (P/Ns) listed in required, relubricate using the following
to comply with this AD and placed it in Table 1 of this AD. These engines are Table 2:

TABLE 2.—RB211–535E4 FLIGHT PROFILE A


Initial inspec- Repeat inspection
tion within cy-
Engine location Type action In accordance with within
cles-since-new (CSN)
(CSN)

(1) On-wing ......... 17,350 (i) Root Probe, inspect and RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(7), 1,400
relubricate, OR dated April 2, 2004.
(ii) Wave Probe .................. RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7), 1,150
dated April 2, 2004.
(2) In Shop .......... 17,350 Root Probe, inspect and re- RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(4), 1,400
lubricate. dated April 2, 2004.

(h) On RB211–535E4 engines, operated to required, relubricate using the following


Flight Profile B, ultrasonically inspect, and if Table 3:

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3866 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 17 / Thursday, January 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations

TABLE 3.—RB211–535E4 FLIGHT PROFILE B


Initial inspec- Repeat inspection
Engine location tion within Type action In accordance with within
(CSN) (CSN)

(1) On-wing ......... 12,350 (i) Root Probe, inspect and RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(7), 850
relubricate, OR dated April 2, 2004.
(ii) Wave Probe .................. RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7), 700
dated April 2, 2004.
(2) In Shop .......... 12,350 Root Probe, inspect and re- RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(4), 850
lubricate. dated April 2, 2004.

(i) On RB211–535E4 engines, operated to ultrasonically inspect, and if required,


combined Flight Profile A and B, relubricate using the following Table 4:

TABLE 4.—RB211–535E4 FLIGHT PROFILE A AND B


Initial inspection Repeat inspection
Engine location within Type action In accordance with within
(CSN) (CSN)

(1) On-wing ......... 65% hard life (i) Root Probe, inspect RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.A.(1) through As current flight pro-
(To calculate, and relubricate, OR 3.A.(7), dated April 2, 2004. file.
see Compli-
ance Section
1.C(4)).
...................... (ii) Wave Probe ................ RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.B.(1) through As current flight pro-
3.B.(7), dated April 2, 2004. file.
(2) In Shop .......... 65% hard life Root Probe, inspect and RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.C.(1) through As current flight pro-
(To calculate, relubricate. 3.C.(4), dated April 2, 2004. file.
see Compli-
ance Section
1.C.(4)).

(j) Fan blades that have been operated Limits Manual. See References Section (k) On RB211–535E4–B engines,
within RB211–535E4 Flight Profile A and B 1.G.(3), of MSB RB.211–72–C879, Revision 4, ultrasonically inspect, and if required,
will have final life as defined in the Time dated April 2, 2004. relubricate using the following Table 5:

TABLE 5.—RB211–535E4–B
Initial inspec- Repeat inspection
Engine location tion within Type action In accordance with within
(CSN) (CSN)

(1) On-wing ......... 17,000 (i) Root Probe, inspect and RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(7), 1,200
relubricate, OR dated April 2, 2004.
(ii) Wave Probe. ................. RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7), 1,000
dated April 2, 2004.
(2) In Shop .......... 17,000 Root Probe, inspect and re- RB.211–72–C879 Revision 4, 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(4), 1,200
lubricate.. dated April 2, 2004.

Optional Terminating Action AD 2003–12–15 (Amendment 39–13200, 68 England Region, Office of the Regional
(l) Application of Metco 58 blade root FR 37735, June 25, 2003) and RR MSB No. Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
coating using RR SB No. RB.211–72–C946, RB.211–72–C879, Revision 3, dated October Burlington, MA; or on the Internet at
Revision 2, dated September 26, 2002, 9, 2002. http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National
constitutes terminating action to the Material Incorporated by Reference Archives and Records Administration
repetitive inspection requirements specified (NARA). For information on the availability
in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) of this AD. (o) You must use Rolls-Royce Mandatory
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–
Service Bulletin No. RB.211–72–C879,
Alternative Methods of Compliance Revision 4, dated April 2, 2004, to perform 6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
the inspections and relubrication required by federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
(m) The Manager, Engine Certification
this AD. The Director of the Federal Register ibr_locations.html.
Office, has the authority to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this approved the incorporation by reference of Related Information
AD if requested using the procedures found this service bulletin in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get (p) CAA airworthiness directive AD 002–
in 14 CFR 39.19.
a copy from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, 01–2000, dated October 9, 2002, also
Previous Credit Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011– addresses the subject of this AD.
(n) Previous credit is allowed for initial 44–1332–242–424; fax: 011–44–1332–249–
and repetitive inspections performed using 936. You may review copies at the FAA, New

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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 17 / Thursday, January 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 3867

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on You may examine the AD docket at substantiate the claim of an equivalent
January 18, 2005. the FAA, New England Region, Office of level of safety as it relates to the revised
Jay J. Pardee, the Regional Counsel, 12 New England inspection intervals. The commenter’s
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You proposal is also operator-specific and
Aircraft Certification Service. may examine the service information, at does not provide literature for the rest
[FR Doc. 05–1384 Filed 1–26–05; 8:45 am] the FAA, New England Region, Office of of the fleet. The FAA will evaluate a
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P the Regional Counsel, 12 New England request for an AMOC that includes data
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at substantiating that an acceptable level of
the National Archives and Records safety is maintained using this
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Administration (NARA). For procedure.
information on the availability of this Costs of Compliance Underestimated
Federal Aviation Administration material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/ Another commenter states that the
14 CFR Part 39 federal_register/ costs of compliance are underestimated.
code_of_federal_regulations/ The commenter requests that we
[Docket No. 98–ANE–80–AD; Amendment
39–13948; AD 2005–02–03] ibr_locations.html. consider the costs of numerous parts
removed when complying with this AD.
RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAA does not agree. The indirect
Keith Lardie, Aerospace Engineer, costs associated with this AD are not
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine directly related to the required actions,
Whitney JT8D–209, –217, –217A, and Propeller Directorate, 12 New and therefore, are not addressed in the
–217C, and –219 Series Turbofan England Executive Park, Burlington, MA economic analysis for this AD. A
Engines 01803–5299; telephone (781) 238–7189, finding that an AD is warranted means
fax (781) 238–7199. that the original engine design no longer
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA achieves the level of safety specified by
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with related airworthiness requirements and
ACTION: Final rule.
a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). that other required actions are
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an The proposed AD applies to Pratt & necessary.
existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Whitney (PW) JT8D–209, –217, –217A, Another commenter states that the
Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D–209, –217, –217C, and -219 series turbofan engines. costs of compliance are underestimated.
–217A, –217C, and –219 series turbofan We published the proposed AD in the The commenter states that the cost of
engines. That AD currently requires Federal Register on August 16, 2004 (69 turbine blades and cost of labor to
torque inspection of the 3rd stage and FR 50346). That action proposed to replace the blades when complying with
4th stage low pressure turbine (LPT) require torque inspections of the 3rd this AD should be considered. The FAA
blades for shroud notch wear and stage and 4th stage LPT blades for agrees. We estimate that 10% of the
replacement of the blade if wear limits shroud notch wear and replacement of blade sets will fail the inspection per
are exceeded. This AD continues to the blade if wear limits are exceeded. year and will require replacement.
require those torque inspections at That action also proposed to require Therefore, the estimated cost of turbine
shorter inspection intervals of the replacing the LPT-to-exhaust case bolts blades and labor to replace the blades is
refurbished 3rd stage and 4th stage LPT and nuts with bolts and nuts made of added to the total cost of the AD to U.S.
blades, but the same or longer Tinidur material. operators to perform initial torque
inspection intervals of the new 3rd stage inspection and bolt and nut
Examining the AD Docket
and 4th stage LPT blades, for shroud replacement.
notch wear and replacement of the You may examine the AD Docket
(including any comments and service Request To Clearly Identify the
blade if wear limits are exceeded. This Superseded AD
AD also requires replacing LPT-to- information), by appointment, between
exhaust case bolts and nuts with bolts 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Another commenter requests that the
and nuts made of Tinidur material. This Friday, except Federal holidays. See identification of the superseded AD be
AD results from reports of 194 blade ADDRESSES for the location. clarified. The FAA does not agree. The
fractures since 1991, with 37 of those fact that this AD supersedes AD 99–27–
Comments
blade fractures resulting in LPT case 01 is clearly stated in the compliance
We provided the public the section of this AD. Although AD 99–22–
separation, and three reports of
opportunity to participate in the 14 requires replacement of the LPT-to-
uncontained 3rd stage and 4th stage LPT
development of this AD. We have exhaust case bolts and nuts, that AD
blade failures with cowl penetration.
considered the comments received. primarily addresses installation of high
We are issuing this AD to prevent an
uncontained blade failure that could Use of Radioisotope Inspection pressure turbine (HPT) containment
result in damage to the airplane. Procedure hardware. Further, a notice of proposed
rulemaking was published in the
DATES: This AD becomes effective One commenter proposes to use a Federal Register on July 15, 2004 (69 FR
March 3, 2005. The Director of the radioisotope inspection procedure, 42356), which moves the requirement to
Federal Register approved the which they have developed and was replace the LPT-to-exhaust case bolts
incorporation by reference of certain approved as an alternative method of and nuts from AD 99–22–14 to this AD.
publications listed in the regulations as compliance (AMOC) for a previously
of March 3, 2005. issued AD. The commenter states that Request To Include Reference to NDIP–
ADDRESSES: You can get the service this inspection method is more reliable 662, Revision D
information identified in this AD from than the torque inspections mandated in Another commenter requests that this
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East this AD and provides an equivalent AD include a reference to NDIP–622,
Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) level of safety. The FAA does not agree. Revision D. The FAA does not agree. We
565–8770, fax (860) 565–4503. The commenter did not provide data to assume that the commenter intended to

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