AD 98-21-01 Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1 Series Turbofan Engines

International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1 series turbofan engines, installed on but not limited to Airbus A320 series aircraft. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fan blade root cracks, which could result in fan blade root failure, an uncontained engine failure, and damage to the aircraft, for those engines that have not previously been inspected in accordance with IAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. V2500-ENG-72-0316, dated May 15, 1998; or No. V2500-ENG-72-0316, Revision 1, dated June 5, 1998; or No.V2500-ENG-72-0316, Revision 2, dated August 28, 1998, accomplish the following: (a) Within 150 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time ultrasonic inspection of fan blade roots for cracks, and, if necessary, replace cracked fan blades with serviceable parts, in accordance with IAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. V2500-ENG-72-0316, Revision 2, dated August 28, 1998. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be [[Page 53560]] used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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 inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following IAE SB: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Document No. Pages Revision Date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V2500-ENG-72-0316............................... 1-7 2 August 28, 1998. Total pages: 7. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Rolls-Royce Commercial Aero Engine Limited, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE2488J, Attention: Publication Services ICL-TP. 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 October 21, 1998. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 28, 1998. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-26529 Filed 10-5-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P