AD 2003-05-07 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, and -17AR Turbofan Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, and -17AR turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Boeing 727 and 737 series, 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 (d) 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 with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. To prevent first and second stage fan section separation from the low pressure compressor (LPC), resulting in turbine rotor overspeed, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane, do the following: (a) At the next accessibility of the LPC, do the following: (1) Remove from service 3rd-4th stage compressor rotor spacer assemblies part numbers (P/Ns) 479927, 522194, 583385, 656814, 656815, 660649, 660655, 716851, 716853, 716854, 762140, 762145, 762271, 762468, 789554, and 789752 and replace with a serviceable part. (2) Remove from service 4th-5th stage compressor rotor spacer assemblies P/Ns 479929, 522196, 656816, 656817, 660650, 660656, 716855, 762138, and 762142 and replace with a serviceable part. (3) Remove from service 4th-5th stage compressor rotor spacer assemblies P/N 628778 that do not incorporate service bulletin (SB) 5409, and replace with a serviceable part. Note 2: Information on modifying parts listed in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD into servicable parts is contained in PW SBs No. 5409, SB No. 5716, and SB No. 5734. (4) Incorporate new tierods, retaining rings, 2nd stage compressor air seal or spacer assembly, flat washers and tierod nuts in the LPC in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of PW SB JT8D 6429, dated August 23, 2002. (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install 3rd-4th or 4th-5th stage compressor rotor spacer assemblies listed in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD into any engine. Definition (c) For the purpose of this AD, accessibility means removal of the LPC from the engine and disassembly that provides piece-part exposure to the parts listed in paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 must submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 3: 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 (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference (f) The actions must be done in accordance with Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin JT8D 6429, dated August 23, 2002. 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 may be obtained from Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565-8770; 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. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 17, 2003. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 4, 2003. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-5692 Filed 3-12-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P