80_FR_70056 80 FR 69838 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

80 FR 69838 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 218 (November 12, 2015)

Page Range69838-69839
FR Document2015-28747

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B turbofan engine models. This AD was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B engine oil loss. This AD requires removal and replacement of the non-conforming ball valve in the oil filler cap. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69838-69839]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28747]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1658; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-18-AD; 
Amendment 39-18320; AD 2015-23-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B turbofan engine models. This AD 
was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B engine oil loss. This AD requires 
removal and replacement of the non-conforming ball valve in the oil 
filler cap. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which 
could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, 
and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective December 17, 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: [email protected]. 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-
1658; 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: [email protected].

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 GE GEnx-1B turbofan 
engine models. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 17, 
2015 (80 FR 34560). The NPRM was prompted by multiple reports of engine 
oil loss and resultant flight plan diversions. The NPRM proposed to 
require removal and replacement of the non-conforming ball valve in the 
oil filler cap. 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 (80 
FR 34560, June 17, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    One individual commenter expressed support for the NPRM (80 FR 
34560, June 17, 2015).

Request To Change Applicability

    American Airlines (American) requested that paragraph (c) 
Applicability be changed. American stated that the part number and the 
post-SB markings are located on the oil filler cap scupper not on the 
oil filler cap itself. American indicated that this change would 
improve clarity and accomplishment of the AD.

[[Page 69839]]

    We agree. We revised paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD to 
read: ``This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B 
model turbofan engines with oil filler cap, part number (P/N) 
2349M62G01, installed, that do not contain any of the following 
markings after the P/N on the oil filler cap scupper: ``P/M BALL PP,'' 
or ``RW,'' or ``79-0022.''

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously. We determined that this 
change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) No. 79-0022, Revision 
1, dated May 13, 2015. The SB describes procedures for removing and 
replacing the ball valve in the oil filler cap.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 86 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. 
Required parts cost about $11 per engine. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $8,256.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue 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, 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):

2015-23-04 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-18320; Docket No. 
FAA-2015-1658; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-18-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 17, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B 
model turbofan engines with oil filler cap, part number (P/N) 
2349M62G01, installed, that do not contain any of the following 
markings after the P/N on the oil filler cap scupper: ``P/M BALL 
PP,'' or ``RW,'' or ``79-0022.''

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of GEnx-1B engine oil loss. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which could lead 
to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and 
damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Within 360 cycles in service after the effective date of 
this AD, remove the ball valve, P/N 2349M68P01, from the affected 
oil filler cap and replace with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) Reserved.

(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: [email protected].

(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: 
[email protected].
    (2) GE GEnx-1B SB No. 79-0022, Revision 1, dated May 13, 2015, 
which is 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 AD, contact 
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, 
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email: [email protected].
    (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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 4, 2015.
Carlos Pestana,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28747 Filed 11-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

69838 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Approval of the Office of the Secretary chapter II, subchapter D, of title 10 of § 431.306 Energy conservation standards the Code of Federal Regulations, as set and their effective dates. The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final rule. forth below: * * * * * List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 431 (e) Walk-in cooler and freezer PART 431—ENERGY EFFICIENCY refrigeration systems. All walk-in cooler Administrative practice and PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN and walk-in freezer refrigeration procedure, Confidential business COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL systems manufactured starting on June information, Energy conservation, EQUIPMENT 5, 2017, must satisfy the following Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. standards: ■ 1. The authority citation for part 431 Issued in Washington, DC, on November 4, continues to read as follows: 2015. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6317. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency ■ 2. Section 431.306 is amended by and Renewable Energy. revising paragraph (e) to read as follows: For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE amends part 431 of Equations for Class descriptor Class minimum AWEF (Btu/W-h) Dedicated Condensing, Medium Temperature, Indoor System, <9,000 Btu/h Capacity .. DC.M.I, <9,000 .............................. 5.61 Dedicated Condensing, Medium Temperature, Indoor System, ≥9,000 Btu/h Capacity .. DC.M.I, ≥9,000 .............................. 5.61 Dedicated Condensing, Medium Temperature, Outdoor System, <9,000 Btu/h Capacity DC.M.O, <9,000 ............................ 7.60 Dedicated Condensing, Medium Temperature, Outdoor System, ≥9,000 Btu/h Capacity DC.M.O, ≥9,000 ............................ 7.60 [FR Doc. 2015–28728 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am] 45215; phone: 513–552–3272; email: Discussion BILLING CODE 6450–01–P geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this We issued a notice of proposed service information at the FAA, Engine rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England part 39 by adding an AD that would DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. apply to all GE GEnx–1B turbofan For information on the availability of engine models. The NPRM published in Federal Aviation Administration this material at the FAA, call 781–238– the Federal Register on June 17, 2015 7125. (80 FR 34560). The NPRM was 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket prompted by multiple reports of engine [Docket No. FAA–2015–1658; Directorate oil loss and resultant flight plan Identifier 2015–NE–18–AD; Amendment 39– You may examine the AD docket on diversions. The NPRM proposed to 18320; AD 2015–23–04] the Internet at http:// require removal and replacement of the RIN 2120–AA64 www.regulations.gov by searching for non-conforming ball valve in the oil and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– filler cap. We are issuing this AD to Airworthiness Directives; General 1658; or in person at the Docket correct the unsafe condition on these Electric Company Turbofan Engines Management Facility between 9 a.m. products. AGENCY: Federal Aviation and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Comments Administration (FAA), DOT. except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory We gave the public the opportunity to ACTION: Final rule. participate in developing this AD. The evaluation, any comments received, and SUMMARY: We are adopting a new following presents the comments other information. The address for the airworthiness directive (AD) for all received on the NPRM (80 FR 34560, Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is General Electric Company (GE) GEnx– June 17, 2015) and the FAA’s response Document Management Facility, U.S. to each comment. 1B turbofan engine models. This AD Department of Transportation, Docket was prompted by reports of GEnx–1B Operations, M–30, West Building Support for the NPRM engine oil loss. This AD requires Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 removal and replacement of the non- One individual commenter expressed New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, support for the NPRM (80 FR 34560, conforming ball valve in the oil filler DC 20590. cap. We are issuing this AD to prevent June 17, 2015). loss of engine oil, which could lead to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request To Change Applicability failure of one or more engines, loss of Christopher McGuire, Aerospace thrust control, and damage to the Engineer, Engine Certification Office, American Airlines (American) airplane. FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 requested that paragraph (c) mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Applicability be changed. American DATES: This AD is effective December New England Executive Park, stated that the part number and the 17, 2015. Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– post-SB markings are located on the oil 238–7120; fax: 781–238–7199; email: ADDRESSES: For service information filler cap scupper not on the oil filler identified in this AD, contact General chris.mcguire@faa.gov. cap itself. American indicated that this Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: change would improve clarity and 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH accomplishment of the AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:30 Nov 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12NOR1.SGM 12NOR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 69839 We agree. We revised paragraph (c), substantial direct effect on the States, on (e) Compliance Applicability, of this AD to read: ‘‘This the relationship between the national Comply with this AD within the AD applies to all General Electric government and the States, or on the compliance times specified, unless already Company (GE) GEnx–1B model turbofan distribution of power and done. engines with oil filler cap, part number responsibilities among the various (1) Within 360 cycles in service after the (P/N) 2349M62G01, installed, that do levels of government. effective date of this AD, remove the ball not contain any of the following valve, P/N 2349M68P01, from the affected oil For the reasons discussed above, I filler cap and replace with a part eligible for markings after the P/N on the oil filler certify that this AD: installation. cap scupper: ‘‘P/M BALL PP,’’ or ‘‘RW,’’ (2) Reserved. (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory or ‘‘79–0022.’’ action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance Conclusion (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (AMOCs) We reviewed the relevant data, DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures The Manager, Engine Certification Office, considered the comment received, and (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use determined that air safety and the (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to public interest require adopting this AD make your request. You may email your in Alaska, and request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. with the change described previously. (4) Will not have a significant We determined that this change will not economic impact, positive or negative, (g) Related Information increase the economic burden on any on a substantial number of small entities (1) For more information about this AD, operator or increase the scope of this under the criteria of the Regulatory contact Christopher McGuire, Aerospace AD. Flexibility Act. Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New Related Service Information List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 England Executive Park, Burlington, MA We reviewed GE GEnx–1B Service 01803; phone: 781–238–7120; fax: 781–238– Bulletin (SB) No. 79–0022, Revision 1, Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov. dated May 13, 2015. The SB describes safety, Incorporation by reference, (2) GE GEnx–1B SB No. 79–0022, Revision Safety. 1, dated May 13, 2015, which is not procedures for removing and replacing incorporated by reference in this AD, can be the ball valve in the oil filler cap. Adoption of the Amendment obtained from GE using the contact Costs of Compliance information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. Accordingly, under the authority (3) For service information identified in We estimate that this AD affects 86 delegated to me by the Administrator, this AD, contact General Electric Company, engines installed on airplanes of U.S. the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, registry. We also estimate that it will follows: Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513–552–3272; take about 1 hour per engine to comply email: geae.aoc@ge.com. with this AD. The average labor rate is PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (4) You may view this service information $85 per hour. Required parts cost about DIRECTIVES at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, $11 per engine. Based on these figures, ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 MA. For information on the availability of we estimate the cost of the AD to U.S. this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. operators to be $8,256. continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on Authority for This Rulemaking November 4, 2015. Title 49 of the United States Code § 39.13 [Amended] Carlos Pestana, specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, the following new airworthiness section 106, describes the authority of Service. directive (AD): [FR Doc. 2015–28747 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am] the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more 2015–23–04 General Electric Company: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P detail the scope of the Agency’s Amendment 39–18320; Docket No. FAA–2015–1658; Directorate Identifier authority. 2015–NE–18–AD. We are issuing this rulemaking under DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the authority described in Subtitle VII, (a) Effective Date Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Federal Aviation Administration This AD is effective December 17, 2015. ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (b) Affected ADs 14 CFR Part 39 section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in None. [Docket No. FAA–2014–0454; Directorate air commerce by prescribing regulations (c) Applicability Identifier 2013–NM–138–AD; Amendment for practices, methods, and procedures This AD applies to all General Electric 39–18298; AD 2015–21–06] the Administrator finds necessary for Company (GE) GEnx–1B model turbofan RIN 2120–AA64 safety in air commerce. This regulation engines with oil filler cap, part number (P/ is within the scope of that authority N) 2349M62G01, installed, that do not Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing because it addresses an unsafe condition contain any of the following markings after the P/N on the oil filler cap scupper: ‘‘P/M Company Airplanes that is likely to exist or develop on mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES products identified in this rulemaking BALL PP,’’ or ‘‘RW,’’ or ‘‘79–0022.’’ AGENCY: Federal Aviation action. (d) Unsafe Condition Administration (FAA), DOT. This AD was prompted by reports of ACTION: Final rule. Regulatory Findings GEnx–1B engine oil loss. We are issuing this This AD will not have federalism AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which could SUMMARY: We are superseding implications under Executive Order lead to failure of one or more engines, loss Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002–07– 13132. This AD will not have a of thrust control, and damage to the airplane. 08 for certain The Boeing Company VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:30 Nov 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12NOR1.SGM 12NOR1


Document Created: 2015-12-14 14:53:01
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 14:53:01
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective December 17, 2015.
ContactChristopher 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 Citation80 FR 69838 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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