AD 99-27-01 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 Series Turbofan Engines

Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-209, -217, -217A, - 217C, and -219 series turbofan engines, installed on, but not limited to, McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series airplanes. 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 (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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent an uncontained blade failure that could result in damage to the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) For JT8D-209, -217, and -217A engines, perform the 3rd and 4th stage low pressure turbine (LPT) blade torque inspections in accordance with the intervals and procedures described in PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. 6224, Revision 2, dated August 27, 1998, Accomplishment Instructions, Part 1, A(1) through B(3). (b) For JT8D-217C and -219 engines, perform the 4th stage LPT blade torque inspection in accordance with the intervals and procedures described in PW SB No. 6224, Revision 2, dated August 27, 1998, Accomplishment Instructions, Part 2, C(1) through C(3). Effective Date for Computing Compliance Intervals (c) For the purpose of this AD, use the effective date of this AD for computing compliance intervals whenever PW SB No. 6224, Revision 2, dated August 27, 1998, refers to the publication date of the SB. 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. 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. Ferry Flights (e) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin No. 6224, Revision 2, dated August 27, 1998. This incorporation by [[Page 72918]] 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 2, 2000. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 20, 1999. David A. Downey, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-33566 Filed 12-28-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U