AD 2004-01-08 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 Series Turbofan Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-7R4D, -7R4D1, -7R4E, -7R4E1, -7R4E4, -7R4G2, and -7R4H1 turbofan engines with steel fan cases. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Industrie A300 and A310, and Boeing 747 and 767 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 (e) 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 at the next shop visit, but no later than December 31, 2012, unless already done. To prevent uncontained fan blade failures, resulting in damage to the airplane, do the following: (a) For PW JT9D-7R4D, -7R4D1, -7R4E, -7R4E1, -7R4E4, and -7R4H1 turbofan engines with steel fan cases that have PW service bulletin (SB) 72-312 incorporated, replace fan case shield part number (P/N) 802095 with the four-piece fan case shield and install four fan case shield supports. Information on replacing fan case shields and installing fan case shield supports can be found in PW SB JT9D-7R4-72-583. (b) For PW JT9D-7R4G2 turbofan engines with steel fan cases that have PW SB 72-88 and PW SB 72-311 incorporated, replace fan case shield P/N 802094 with the four-piece fan case shield and install four fan case shield supports. Information on replacing fan case shields and installing fan case shield supports can be found in Part A of PW SB JT9D-7R4-72-584. (c) For PW JT9D-7R4G2 turbofan engines with steel fan cases that do not have PW SB 72-88 incorporated, but have PW SB 72-311 incorporated, replace fan case shield P/N 802094 with the four-piece fan case shield and install four fan case shield supports. Information on replacing fan case shields and installing fan case shield supports can be found in Part B of PW SB JT9D-7R4-72-584. Definitions (d) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as separation of the B-flange during in-shop maintenance. Separation of the B-flange in order to replace fan case assemblies for rub strip repairs is not considered a shop visit. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 (f) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 10, 2004. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 29, 2003. Robert E. Guyotte, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-45 Filed 1-5-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P