AD 2003-12-07 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D Series 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 737 and 727 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 fracture of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) disks, which can result in uncontained release of engine fragments, inflight engine shutdown, and airframe damage, do the following: (a) Perform initial and repetitive inspections of HPC disks for corrosion pits and cracks after stripping the protective coating in accordance with the intervals specified in the compliance section and procedures specified in the accomplishment instructions of PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. JT8D A6431, Revision 1, dated March 7, 2003. (b) Before further flight, replace HPC disks found with corrosion pits or cracks beyond serviceable limits as defined by PW ASB No. JT8D A6431, Revision 1, dated March 7, 2003. (c) For the purposes of this AD, use the effective date of this AD for computing compliance intervals whenever PW ASB No. JT8D A6431, Revision 1, dated March 7, 2003, refers to the release date of the ASB. 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 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 (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 airplanes 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 Alert Service Bulletin No. JT8D A6431, Revision 1, dated March 7, 2003. 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) 565-6600; 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. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 18, 2003. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 5, 2003. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-14844 Filed 6-12-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P