80 FR 42707 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 138 (July 20, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 138 (July 20, 2015)
| Page Range | 42707-42708 | |
| FR Document | 2015-17703 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 138 (Monday, July 20, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 42707-42708] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-17703] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 138 / Monday, July 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 42707]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2015-0165; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-02-AD; Amendment 39-18212; AD 2015-15-03] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx turbofan engine models. This AD was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B engines experiencing power loss in ice crystal icing (ICI) conditions. This AD precludes the use of full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version B175 or earlier, in GEnx-1B engines, and the use of FADEC software, version C065 or earlier, in GEnx-2B engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine failure, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective August 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781- 238-7125. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015- 0165; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647- 5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McGuire, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx turbofan engine models. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2015 (80 FR 13797). The NPRM was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B engines experiencing power loss in ICI conditions. The NPRM proposed to preclude the use of FADEC software, version B175 or earlier, in GEnx-1B engines, and the use of FADEC software, version C065 or earlier, in GEnx-2B engines. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Request To Delay Issuance of AD United Airlines (United) commented that this AD should not be issued until after GEnx-1B FADEC software version B185 is released. United noted that software version B185 will provide a greater level of protection from damage to the engine due to ice crystal icing. United indicated that the proposed AD would allow engines to operate with FADEC software versions B178 and B180, which do not provide the protection of software version B185. We do not agree. We find that precluding use of FADEC software version B175 or earlier provides an adequate level of safety for inadvertent encounters in ICI environments. We did not change this AD. Request To Withdraw AD and Supersede Another AD United requested that we withdraw the proposed rule and, instead supersede AD 2013-24-01 (78 FR 70851, November 27, 2013), which requires revising the airplane flight manual for Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes and Model 787-8 airplanes powered by GEnx engines. We do not agree. Our AD addresses the susceptibility of GEnx engines when operating inadvertently in ICI conditions. AD 2013-24-01 (78 FR 70851, November 27, 2013) is setting operational limitations on Boeing Model 747-8, 747-8F, and 787-8 airplanes equipped with GEnx engines. The ADs have different purposes, and superseding AD 2013-24-01 is outside the scope of this AD. We did not withdraw this AD. Support for the NPRM The Boeing Company and the General Electric Company expressed support for the proposed rule. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 80 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 hour per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. No parts are required. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $6,800. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue [[Page 42708]] rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2015-15-03 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-18212; Docket No. FAA-2015-0165; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-02-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective August 24, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B model turbofan engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software version B175 or earlier, installed, and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines with FADEC software version C065 or earlier, installed. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B engines experiencing power loss in ice crystal icing (ICI) conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine failure, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not operate any GE GEnx-1B engine with FADEC software version B175 or earlier, installed in the electronic engine control (EEC). (2) Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not operate any GE GEnx-2B engine with FADEC software version C065 or earlier, installed in the EEC. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Christopher McGuire, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov. (2) GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) No. 73-0036 R00, dated January 6, 2015, and GE GEnx-2B SB No. 73-0035 R00, dated September 16, 2014, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from GE using the contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. (3) For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. (h) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 13, 2015. Carlos A. Pestana, Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-17703 Filed 7-17-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![42707
Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 138
Monday, July 20, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket greater level of protection from damage
contains regulatory documents having general to the engine due to ice crystal icing.
You may examine the AD docket on
applicability and legal effect, most of which United indicated that the proposed AD
are keyed to and codified in the Code of the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for would allow engines to operate with
Federal Regulations, which is published under FADEC software versions B178 and
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
0165; or in person at the Docket B180, which do not provide the
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by Management Facility between 9 a.m. protection of software version B185.
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, We do not agree. We find that
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL except Federal holidays. The AD docket precluding use of FADEC software
REGISTER issue of each week.
contains this AD, the regulatory version B175 or earlier provides an
evaluation, any comments received, and adequate level of safety for inadvertent
other information. The address for the encounters in ICI environments. We did
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION not change this AD.
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Federal Aviation Administration Document Management Facility, U.S. Request To Withdraw AD and
Department of Transportation, Docket Supersede Another AD
14 CFR Part 39 Operations, M–30, West Building United requested that we withdraw
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 the proposed rule and, instead
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, supersede AD 2013–24–01 (78 FR
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0165; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–02–AD; Amendment 39–
DC 20590. 70851, November 27, 2013), which
18212; AD 2015–15–03] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: requires revising the airplane flight
Christopher McGuire, Aerospace manual for Model 747–8 and 747–8F
RIN 2120–AA64
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, series airplanes and Model 787–8
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 airplanes powered by GEnx engines.
Airworthiness Directives; General New England Executive Park, We do not agree. Our AD addresses
Electric Company Turbofan Engines Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– the susceptibility of GEnx engines when
238–7120; fax: 781–238–7199; email: operating inadvertently in ICI
AGENCY:Federal Aviation chris.mcguire@faa.gov. conditions. AD 2013–24–01 (78 FR
Administration (FAA), DOT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 70851, November 27, 2013) is setting
ACTION: Final rule. Discussion operational limitations on Boeing Model
747–8, 747–8F, and 787–8 airplanes
We issued a notice of proposed equipped with GEnx engines. The ADs
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
airworthiness directive (AD) for all have different purposes, and
part 39 by adding an AD that would superseding AD 2013–24–01 is outside
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx apply to all General Electric Company
turbofan engine models. This AD was the scope of this AD. We did not
(GE) GEnx turbofan engine models. The withdraw this AD.
prompted by reports of GEnx-1B and NPRM published in the Federal
GEnx-2B engines experiencing power Register on March 17, 2015 (80 FR Support for the NPRM
loss in ice crystal icing (ICI) conditions. 13797). The NPRM was prompted by
This AD precludes the use of full The Boeing Company and the General
reports of GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B Electric Company expressed support for
authority digital engine control (FADEC) engines experiencing power loss in ICI
software, version B175 or earlier, in the proposed rule.
conditions. The NPRM proposed to
GEnx-1B engines, and the use of FADEC preclude the use of FADEC software, Conclusion
software, version C065 or earlier, in version B175 or earlier, in GEnx-1B We reviewed the relevant data,
GEnx-2B engines. We are issuing this engines, and the use of FADEC software, considered the comments received, and
AD to prevent engine failure, loss of version C065 or earlier, in GEnx-2B determined that air safety and the
thrust control, and damage to the engines. We are issuing this AD to public interest require adopting this AD
airplane. correct the unsafe condition on these as proposed.
DATES: This AD is effective August 24, products.
Costs of Compliance
2015. Comments We estimate that this AD affects 80
ADDRESSES: For service information We gave the public the opportunity to engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
identified in this AD, contact General participate in developing this AD. The registry. We also estimate that it will
Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room following presents the comments take about 1 hour per engine to comply
285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH received on the NPRM and the FAA’s with this AD. The average labor rate is
45215; phone: 513–552–3272; email: response to each comment. $85 per hour. No parts are required.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this Based on these figures, we estimate the
service information at the FAA, Engine Request To Delay Issuance of AD
total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to
& Propeller Directorate, 12 New England United Airlines (United) commented be $6,800.
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. that this AD should not be issued until
For information on the availability of after GEnx-1B FADEC software version Authority for This Rulemaking
this material at the FAA, call 781–238– B185 is released. United noted that Title 49 of the United States Code
7125. software version B185 will provide a specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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![42708 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 138 / Monday, July 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 2015–15–03 General Electric Company: (h) Material Incorporated by Reference
section 106, describes the authority of Amendment 39–18212; Docket No. None.
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: FAA–2015–0165; Directorate Identifier
2015–NE–02–AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
Aviation Programs, describes in more July 13, 2015.
detail the scope of the Agency’s (a) Effective Date Carlos A. Pestana,
authority. This AD is effective August 24, 2015.
We are issuing this rulemaking under Acting Directorate Manager, Engine &
(b) Affected ADs Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Service.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: None.
[FR Doc. 2015–17703 Filed 7–17–15; 8:45 am]
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (c) Applicability BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to all General Electric
Company (GE) GEnx–1B model turbofan
air commerce by prescribing regulations
engines with full authority digital engine DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
for practices, methods, and procedures control (FADEC) software version B175 or
the Administrator finds necessary for earlier, installed, and GEnx–2B model Federal Aviation Administration
safety in air commerce. This regulation turbofan engines with FADEC software
is within the scope of that authority version C065 or earlier, installed. 14 CFR Part 71
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on (d) Unsafe Condition [Docket No. FAA–2015–2219; Airspace
products identified in this rulemaking This AD was prompted by reports of Docket No. 15–AWA–5]
action. GEnx–1B and GEnx–2B engines experiencing
RIN 2120–AA66
power loss in ice crystal icing (ICI)
Regulatory Findings conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent
Amendment of Class B Airspace; New
This AD will not have federalism engine failure, loss of thrust control, and
damage to the airplane.
Orleans, LA
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a (e) Compliance AGENCY: Federal Aviation
substantial direct effect on the States, on Administration (FAA), DOT.
Comply with this AD within the
the relationship between the national compliance times specified, unless already ACTION: Final rule, technical
government and the States, or on the done. amendment.
distribution of power and (1) Thirty days after the effective date of
responsibilities among the various this AD, do not operate any GE GEnx–1B SUMMARY: This action amends Class B
levels of government. engine with FADEC software version B175 or airspace at the Louis Armstrong New
For the reasons discussed above, I earlier, installed in the electronic engine Orleans International Airport, New
certify that this AD: control (EEC). Orleans, LA, by removing reference to
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (2) Thirty days after the effective date of the Instrument Landing System (ILS)
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, this AD, do not operate any GE GEnx–2B Runway 10 Outer Compass Locator
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under engine with FADEC software version C065 or (LOM) from the text header information
earlier, installed in the EEC. and surface area (Area A) description
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance and replacing it in the Area A
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (AMOCs) description with the geographic
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies The Manager, Engine Certification Office, latitude/longitude coordinates of the
making a regulatory distinction, and FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use LOM. This change is necessary due to
(4) Will not have a significant the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to the planned decommissioning of the
economic impact, positive or negative, make your request. You may email your LOM navigation aid. The Louis
on a substantial number of small entities request to: ANE–AD–AMOC@faa.gov. Armstrong New Orleans International
under the criteria of the Regulatory (g) Related Information Airport and New Orleans Naval Air
Flexibility Act. Station Joint Reserve Base (Alvin
(1) For more information about this AD,
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 contact Christopher McGuire, Aerospace Callender Field) airport names and
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, airport reference point (ARP) geographic
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation coordinates are also updated. The St.
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
safety, Incorporation by reference, England Executive Park, Burlington, MA Charles and Lakefront airports, used in
Safety. 01803; phone: 781–238–7120; fax: 781–238– the Class B description, are added in the
Adoption of the Amendment 7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov. legal description text header
(2) GE GEnx–1B Service Bulletin (SB) No. information, as well as, the Harvey VHF
Accordingly, under the authority 73–0036 R00, dated January 6, 2015, and GE Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air
delegated to me by the Administrator, GEnx–2B SB No. 73–0035 R00, dated Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid.
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as September 16, 2014, which are not
Lastly, general editing of the legal
follows: incorporated by reference in this AD, can be
obtained from GE using the contact description is accomplished to improve
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. clarity. These changes are editorial only
DIRECTIVES (3) For service information identified in to match existing FAA aeronautical
this proposed AD, contact General Electric database information and do not alter
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 the current charted boundaries or
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
continues to read as follows: Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; altitudes or the ATC procedures for the
phone: 513–552–3272; email: New Orleans Class B airspace area.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. geae.aoc@ge.com.
DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC,
§ 39.13 [Amended] (4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, November 12, 2015. The Director of the
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Federal Register approves this
the following new airworthiness MA. For information on the availability of incorporation by reference action under
directive (AD): this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:02 Jul 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20JYR1.SGM 20JYR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_42845/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 12:58:15
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 12:58:15
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective August 24, 2015. | |
| Contact | Christopher McGuire, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 42707 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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