AD 85-12-02

85-12-02 PRATT & WHITNEY AIRCRAFT: Amendment 39-5072. Applies to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft JT9D-3A, -7, -7H, -7A, -7AH, -7F, and -7J series turbofan engines.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent centrifugal oil filter (COF) bearing failures which may initiate main gearbox fires, accomplish the following:

Remove the COF, related gears, bearings, and attaching hardware from the main gearbox of PWA JT9D- 3A, -7, -7H, -7A, -7AH, -7F, and -7J series turbofan engines per PWA SB 5486, Revision 3, dated August 29, 1983, or FAA approved equivalent, when access to the removed gearbox is afforded, but not later than December 31, 1988.

Upon request, an alternative means of compliance may be approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office, Aircraft Certification Division, New England Region, Federal Aviation Administration, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803.

Aircraft may be ferried in accordance with the provisions of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) 21.197 and 21.199 to a base where the AD can be accomplished.

Upon request of the operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval of the Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA New England Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection intervals specified in this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of the operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the increase for that operator.

The PWA SB 5486, Revision 3, dated August 29, 1983, described in this directive is incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1). All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the SB from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Publication Department, P.O. Box 611, Middletown, Connecticut 06457. This document also may be examined at the Office of the Regional Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, New England Region, Rules Docket No. 84-ANE-27, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

This amendment becomes effective on July 17, 1985.