Removal of 2nd Stg Disks By P/N and S/N

Amendment 39-12353.
Docket 98-ANE-71-AD.

Applicability This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, and -17AR series turbofan engines with 2nd stage compressor disks, part number (P/N) 745902, P/N 790832, and P/N 807502, installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 727 series airplanes, Boeing 737-100 and -200 series airplanes and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 series airplanes.

Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance
Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. To prevent a rupture of the 2nd stage compressor disk caused by machining damage, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane, accomplish the following:

Removal of Disk (a) Remove from service 2nd stage compressor disks, P/N 745902, P/N 790832, and P/N 807502, identified by serial number (SN) in the Accomplishment Instructions of PW JT8D Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) JT8D A6336, Revision 1, dated June 29, 1999, prior to accumulating 2,000 cycles since new.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (b)
An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO). Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO.

Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference (d)
The disks identified by SN's must be removed in accordance with Pratt & Whitney ASB JT8D A6336, Revision 1, dated June 29, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the ASB may be obtained from Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565-6600, fax (860) 565-4503. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 2001.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts on July 20, 2001
Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18760 Filed 7-30-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert McCabe, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803- 5299; telephone (781) 238-7138; fax (781) 238-7199.