81_FR_67288 81 FR 67098 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

81 FR 67098 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 190 (September 30, 2016)

Page Range67098-67100
FR Document2016-23740

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B turbofan engines with high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 8-10 spool, part numbers (P/Ns) 1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or 1844M90G02, installed. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8-10 spool. This AD requires eddy current inspections (ECIs) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the HPC stage 8-10 spool seal teeth and removing from service those parts that fail inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 8-10 spool, uncontained rotor release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67098-67100]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23740]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5307; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-08-AD; 
Amendment 39-18658; AD 2016-19-09]
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) GE90-76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, 
and GE90-94B turbofan engines with high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 
8-10 spool, part numbers (P/Ns) 1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or

[[Page 67099]]

1844M90G02, installed. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found 
on the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8-10 spool. This AD requires eddy 
current inspections (ECIs) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) 
of the HPC stage 8-10 spool seal teeth and removing from service those 
parts that fail inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the HPC stage 8-10 spool, uncontained rotor release, damage to the 
engine, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective November 4, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2016-5307.

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-2016-
5307; 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: John Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7756; 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 GE90-76B, GE90-77B, 
GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B turbofan engines with HPC stage 8-10 
spool, P/Ns 1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or 1844M90G02, installed. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2016 (81 FR 21286). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks found on the seal teeth of the 
HPC stage 8-10 spool during shop visits. The cracks initiated due to 
higher than intended temperatures at the seal teeth and damage to seal 
teeth coating from heavy rubs into the honeycomb. GE is developing a 
modification to address the unsafe condition.
    The NPRM proposed to require ECIs or FPIs of the HPC stage 8-10 
spool seal teeth and removing from service those parts that fail 
inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 
8-10 spool, uncontained rotor release, damage to the engine, and damage 
to the airplane.

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.

Support of the NPRM as Written

    Boeing and United Airlines support the NPRM as written.

Request To Clarify Performance of ECI and FPI

    Nao Seto requested that the FAA clarify with which service 
information the ECI and FPI will be performed.
    We agree. We added a statement to compliance paragraph (e) in this 
AD indicating the GE service documents in which guidance can be found 
for performing the ECI and the FPI.

Request To Clarify Supplementary Information

    General Electric Aviation requested that the Discussion paragraph 
be changed to read as follows: ``Based on recent testing, change the 
root cause of crack initiation from that of degraded surface properties 
caused by an alloy depletion zone (ADZ) to cracks initiated due to 
higher than intended temperatures at the seal teeth and damage to seal 
teeth coating from heavy rubs into the honeycomb.'' Recent testing and 
analysis have shown that the temperatures in the seal teeth are higher 
than design intent. This elevated temperature increases the stress in 
the region of the seal teeth, aligning with the cracking observed. GE 
also completed testing to determine the impact of alloy depletion zone 
on material capability. Testing showed material capability was not 
impacted.
    We agree. We oversaw the recent testing and analysis which supports 
the requested change. We changed the Discussion paragraph of this AD 
accordingly.

Request To Add Ultrasonic Inspection (USI) to the Compliance

    GE requested that USI be added to the Compliance section as an 
alternate inspection method. Additionally, GE requested that we revise 
the Related Information paragraph (h)(2) of this AD by updating the 
service information to revision 1 based on the qualifying USI 
procedure.
    We disagree. USI procedures are not an acceptable alternative to 
the existing ECI and FPI procedures specified in this AD. A USI is not 
a viable procedure for compliance at this time, therefore, we are not 
updating the service information in paragraph (h)(2) to Revision 1. We 
may consider an AMOC after sufficient substantiated data is presented 
to the FAA. We did not change this AD.

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.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed GE Service Bulletins SB 72-1141 R00, dated December 2, 
2015; and SB 72-1142 R00, dated November 30, 2015. The service 
information describes procedures for inspecting the HPC stage 8-10 
spool seal teeth.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 54 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. 
We estimate 14 parts will fail inspection at a pro-rated cost of 
$400,000 per part. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost 
of this AD to U.S. operators to be $5,604,590.

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

[[Page 67100]]

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):

2016-19-09 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-18658; Docket No. 
FAA-2016-5307; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-08-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 4, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-
77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B turbofan engines with a high-
pressure compressor (HPC) stage 8-10 spool, part numbers 1694M80G04, 
1844M90G01, or 1844M90G02, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the seal 
teeth of the HPC stage 8-10 spool. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the HPC stage 8-10 spool, uncontained rotor release, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) or fluorescent 
penetrant inspection (FPI) of the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8-10 
spool as follows:
    (i) For HPC stage 8-10 spools with fewer than 11,000 cycles 
since new (CSN) on the effective day of this AD, inspect at the next 
shop visit after reaching 6,000 CSN, not to exceed 12,500 CSN.
    (ii) For HPC stage 8-10 spools with 11,000 CSN or more on the 
effective day of this AD, inspect within the next 1,500 cycles in 
service.
    (iii) Thereafter, inspect the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8-10 
spool at each shop visit.
    (2) Remove from service any HPC stage 8-10 spool that fails the 
ECI or FPI required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD and replace with 
a part eligible for installation.
    (3) Guidance on performing the ECI and the FPI can be found in 
GE Service Bulletins (SBs) SB 72-1141 R00, dated December 2, 2015 
and SB 72-1142 R00, dated November 30, 2015.

(f) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an engine shop visit is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance during which 
the compressor discharge pressure seal face is exposed.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request. You may email your request to: [email protected].

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact John Frost, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7756; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) GE SB 72-1141, R00, dated December 2, 2015 and GE SB 72-
1142, R00, dated November 30, 2015, which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD, can be obtained from GE, using the contact 
information in paragraph (h)(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, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26, 2016.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-23740 Filed 9-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                  67098            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  or unusual design feature, special                      must take into account that some pilot-               List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
                                                  conditions are prescribed under the                     demanded maneuvers (e.g., rapid roll)                   Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
                                                  provisions of § 21.16.                                  are necessarily associated with intended              and recordkeeping requirements.
                                                    Special conditions are initially                      full performance, which may saturate
                                                  applicable to the model for which they                                                                        ■ The authority citation for these
                                                                                                          the surface. Therefore, simple alerting
                                                  are issued. Should the type certificate                                                                       special conditions is as follows:
                                                                                                          systems function in both intended and
                                                  for that model be amended later to                      unexpected control-limiting situations.                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
                                                  include any other model that                            As a result, they must be properly                    44702, 44704.
                                                  incorporates the same novel or unusual                  balanced between providing necessary                  The Special Conditions
                                                  design features, or should any other                    crew awareness and being a potential
                                                  model already included on the same                                                                              Accordingly, pursuant to the
                                                                                                          nuisance to the flightcrew. A monitoring
                                                  type certificate be modified to                                                                               authority delegated to me by the
                                                                                                          system that compares airplane motion
                                                  incorporate the same novel or unusual                                                                         Administrator, the following special
                                                                                                          and surface deflection with pilot inputs
                                                  design feature, these special conditions                                                                      conditions are issued as part of the type
                                                                                                          could help reduce nuisance alerting.
                                                  would also apply to the other model                                                                           certification basis for the Embraer S.A.
                                                  under § 21.101.                                            These special conditions also address              Model ERJ 190–300 series airplanes.
                                                    In addition to the applicable                         flight control system mode                              1. In addition to the requirements of
                                                  airworthiness regulations and special                   annunciation. Suitable mode                           14 CFR 25.143, 25.671, and 25.672, the
                                                  conditions, the ERJ 190–300 must                        annunciation must be provided to the                  following requirements apply:
                                                  comply with the fuel vent and exhaust                   flightcrew for events that significantly                a. The system design must ensure that
                                                  emission requirements of 14 CFR part                    change the operating mode of the                      the flightcrew is made suitably aware
                                                  34 and the noise-certification                          system but do not merit the classic                   whenever the primary control means
                                                  requirements of 14 CFR part 36.                         ‘‘failure warning.’’                                  nears the limit of control authority.
                                                    The FAA issues special conditions, as                    These special conditions contain the                 Note: The term ‘‘suitably aware’’ indicates
                                                  defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance                  additional safety standards that the                  annunciations provided to the flightcrew are
                                                  with § 11.38, and they become part of                   Administrator considers necessary to                  appropriately balanced between nuisance
                                                  the type certification basis under                      establish a level of safety equivalent to             and that necessary for crew awareness.
                                                  § 21.101.                                               that established by the existing                        b. If the design of the flight control
                                                  Novel or Unusual Design Features                        airworthiness standards.                              system has multiple modes of operation,
                                                    The ERJ 190–300 will incorporate the                                                                        a means must be provided to indicate to
                                                                                                          Applicability
                                                  following novel or unusual design                                                                             the flightcrew any mode that
                                                  features: A fly-by-wire EFCS and no                       As discussed above, these special                   significantly changes or degrades the
                                                  direct coupling from the flight deck                    conditions are applicable to the ERJ                  normal handling or operational
                                                  controller to the control surface.                      190–300 series airplanes. Should                      characteristics of the airplane.
                                                                                                          Embraer S.A. apply at a later date for a                Issued in Renton, Washington, on
                                                  Discussion                                              change to the type certificate to include             September 23, 2016.
                                                     As a result of the EFCS and lack of                  another model incorporating the same                  Michael Kaszycki,
                                                  direct coupling from the flight deck                    novel or unusual design feature, these                Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                  controller to the control surface, the                  special conditions would apply to that                Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                  pilot is not aware of the actual control                model as well.                                        [FR Doc. 2016–23665 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  surface position. Some unusual flight                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                  conditions, arising from atmospheric                    Conclusion
                                                  conditions and/or airplane or engine                      This action affects only certain novel
                                                  failures, may result in full or nearly full             or unusual design features on one model               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                  surface deflection. Unless the flightcrew               of airplanes. It is not a rule of general
                                                  is made aware of excessive deflection or                                                                      Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                          applicability.
                                                  impending control surface limiting,
                                                  piloted or auto-flight system control of                  The substance of these special                      14 CFR Part 39
                                                  the airplane might be inadvertently                     conditions has been subjected to the
                                                                                                          notice and comment period in several                  [Docket No. FAA–2016–5307; Directorate
                                                  continued in such a manner to cause                                                                           Identifier 2016–NE–08–AD; Amendment 39–
                                                  loss of control or other unsafe stability               prior instances and has been derived                  18658; AD 2016–19–09]
                                                  or performance characteristics. The                     without substantive change from those
                                                                                                          previously issued. It is unlikely that                RIN 2120–AA64
                                                  airworthiness standards do not contain
                                                  adequate or appropriate safety standards                prior public comment would result in a
                                                                                                          significant change from the substance                 Airworthiness Directives; General
                                                  for the conditions that result from the                                                                       Electric Company Turbofan Engines
                                                  EFCS and lack of direct coupling from                   contained herein. Therefore, because a
                                                  the flight deck controller to the control               delay would significantly affect the                  AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                  surface.                                                certification of the airplane, the FAA                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                     To establish a level of safety                       has determined that prior public notice               ACTION: Final rule.
                                                  equivalent to that established in the                   and comment are unnecessary and
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                                                  regulations, these special conditions are               impracticable, and good cause exists for              SUMMARY:  We are adopting a new
                                                  established. These special conditions                   adopting these special conditions upon                airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                                  require that the flightcrew receive a                   publication in the Federal Register. The              General Electric Company (GE) GE90–
                                                  suitable flight control position                        FAA is requesting comments to allow                   76B, GE90–77B, GE90–85B, GE90–90B,
                                                  annunciation when a flight condition                    interested persons to submit views that               and GE90–94B turbofan engines with
                                                  exists in which nearly full surface                     may not have been submitted in                        high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage
                                                  authority (not crew-commanded) is                       response to the prior opportunities for               8–10 spool, part numbers (P/Ns)
                                                  being used. Suitability of such a display               comment described above.                              1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        67099

                                                  1844M90G02, installed. This AD was                      April 11, 2016 (81 FR 21286). The                     Request To Add Ultrasonic Inspection
                                                  prompted by reports of cracks found on                  NPRM was prompted by reports of                       (USI) to the Compliance
                                                  the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8–10                    cracks found on the seal teeth of the                   GE requested that USI be added to the
                                                  spool. This AD requires eddy current                    HPC stage 8–10 spool during shop                      Compliance section as an alternate
                                                  inspections (ECIs) or fluorescent                       visits. The cracks initiated due to higher            inspection method. Additionally, GE
                                                  penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the HPC                 than intended temperatures at the seal                requested that we revise the Related
                                                  stage 8–10 spool seal teeth and                         teeth and damage to seal teeth coating                Information paragraph (h)(2) of this AD
                                                  removing from service those parts that                  from heavy rubs into the honeycomb.                   by updating the service information to
                                                  fail inspection. We are issuing this AD                 GE is developing a modification to                    revision 1 based on the qualifying USI
                                                  to prevent failure of the HPC stage 8–10                address the unsafe condition.                         procedure.
                                                  spool, uncontained rotor release,                         The NPRM proposed to require ECIs                     We disagree. USI procedures are not
                                                  damage to the engine, and damage to the                 or FPIs of the HPC stage 8–10 spool seal              an acceptable alternative to the existing
                                                  airplane.                                               teeth and removing from service those                 ECI and FPI procedures specified in this
                                                  DATES: This AD is effective November 4,                 parts that fail inspection. We are issuing            AD. A USI is not a viable procedure for
                                                  2016.                                                   this AD to prevent failure of the HPC                 compliance at this time, therefore, we
                                                  ADDRESSES: For service information                      stage 8–10 spool, uncontained rotor                   are not updating the service information
                                                  identified in this final rule, contact                  release, damage to the engine, and                    in paragraph (h)(2) to Revision 1. We
                                                  General Electric Company, GE-Aviation,                  damage to the airplane.                               may consider an AMOC after sufficient
                                                  Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,                    Comments                                              substantiated data is presented to the
                                                  OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272; email:                                                                         FAA. We did not change this AD.
                                                                                                            We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                  aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may                                                                         Conclusion
                                                                                                          participate in developing this AD. The
                                                  view this service information at the
                                                                                                          following presents the comments                         We reviewed the relevant data,
                                                  FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
                                                                                                          received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                    considered the comments received, and
                                                  1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA.
                                                                                                          response to each comment.                             determined that air safety and the
                                                  For information on the availability of
                                                  this material at the FAA, call 781–238–                 Support of the NPRM as Written                        public interest require adopting this AD
                                                  7125. It is also available on the Internet                                                                    as proposed.
                                                                                                            Boeing and United Airlines support
                                                  at http://www.regulations.gov by                        the NPRM as written.                                  Related Service Information
                                                  searching for and locating Docket No.                                                                           We reviewed GE Service Bulletins SB
                                                  FAA–2016–5307.                                          Request To Clarify Performance of ECI
                                                                                                          and FPI                                               72–1141 R00, dated December 2, 2015;
                                                  Examining the AD Docket                                                                                       and SB 72–1142 R00, dated November
                                                                                                            Nao Seto requested that the FAA                     30, 2015. The service information
                                                    You may examine the AD docket on                      clarify with which service information
                                                  the Internet at http://                                                                                       describes procedures for inspecting the
                                                                                                          the ECI and FPI will be performed.                    HPC stage 8–10 spool seal teeth.
                                                  www.regulations.gov by searching for                      We agree. We added a statement to
                                                  and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                       compliance paragraph (e) in this AD                   Costs of Compliance
                                                  5307; or in person at the Docket                        indicating the GE service documents in                   We estimate that this AD affects 54
                                                  Management Facility between 9 a.m.                      which guidance can be found for                       engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
                                                  and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                      performing the ECI and the FPI.                       registry. We also estimate that it will
                                                  except Federal holidays. The AD docket                                                                        take about 1 hour per engine to comply
                                                  contains this AD, the regulatory                        Request To Clarify Supplementary
                                                                                                          Information                                           with this AD. The average labor rate is
                                                  evaluation, any comments received, and                                                                        $85 per hour. We estimate 14 parts will
                                                  other information. The address for the                    General Electric Aviation requested                 fail inspection at a pro-rated cost of
                                                  Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is                  that the Discussion paragraph be                      $400,000 per part. Based on these
                                                  Document Management Facility, U.S.                      changed to read as follows: ‘‘Based on                figures, we estimate the total cost of this
                                                  Department of Transportation, Docket                    recent testing, change the root cause of              AD to U.S. operators to be $5,604,590.
                                                  Operations, M–30, West Building                         crack initiation from that of degraded
                                                  Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        surface properties caused by an alloy                 Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                  New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                      depletion zone (ADZ) to cracks initiated                 Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                  DC 20590.                                               due to higher than intended                           specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John                   temperatures at the seal teeth and                    rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                  Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine                       damage to seal teeth coating from heavy               section 106, describes the authority of
                                                  Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District                rubs into the honeycomb.’’ Recent                     the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                                  Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:                    testing and analysis have shown that the              Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                  781–238–7756; fax: 781–238–7199;                        temperatures in the seal teeth are higher             detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                  email: john.frost@faa.gov.                              than design intent. This elevated                     authority.
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              temperature increases the stress in the                  We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                                                                          region of the seal teeth, aligning with               the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                                  Discussion                                              the cracking observed. GE also                        Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                    We issued a notice of proposed                        completed testing to determine the                    ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
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                                                  rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                       impact of alloy depletion zone on                     section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                  part 39 by adding an AD that would                      material capability. Testing showed                   promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                  apply to all GE GE90–76B, GE90–77B,                     material capability was not impacted.                 air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                  GE90–85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B                          We agree. We oversaw the recent                     for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                  turbofan engines with HPC stage 8–10                    testing and analysis which supports the               the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                  spool, P/Ns 1694M80G04, 1844M90G01,                     requested change. We changed the                      safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                  or 1844M90G02, installed. The NPRM                      Discussion paragraph of this AD                       is within the scope of that authority
                                                  published in the Federal Register on                    accordingly.                                          because it addresses an unsafe condition


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                                                  67100            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  that is likely to exist or develop on                   (d) Unsafe Condition                                  (i) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                  products identified in this rulemaking                     This AD was prompted by reports of cracks             None.
                                                  action.                                                 found on the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8–             Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
                                                                                                          10 spool. We are issuing this AD to prevent           September 26, 2016.
                                                  Regulatory Findings                                     failure of the HPC stage 8–10 spool,
                                                                                                                                                                Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
                                                    This AD will not have federalism                      uncontained rotor release, damage to the
                                                  implications under Executive Order                      engine, and damage to the airplane.                   Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
                                                                                                                                                                Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                  13132. This AD will not have a                          (e) Compliance
                                                  substantial direct effect on the States, on                                                                   [FR Doc. 2016–23740 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                             Comply with this AD within the
                                                  the relationship between the national                   compliance times specified, unless already
                                                                                                                                                                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

                                                  government and the States, or on the                    done.
                                                  distribution of power and                                  (1) Perform an eddy current inspection
                                                  responsibilities among the various                                                                            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                          (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection
                                                  levels of government.                                   (FPI) of the seal teeth of the HPC stage 8–10         Federal Aviation Administration
                                                    For the reasons discussed above, I                    spool as follows:
                                                  certify that this AD:                                      (i) For HPC stage 8–10 spools with fewer
                                                                                                                                                                14 CFR Part 39
                                                    (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                 than 11,000 cycles since new (CSN) on the
                                                  action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                   effective day of this AD, inspect at the next         [Docket No. FAA–2015–4866; Directorate
                                                    (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under               shop visit after reaching 6,000 CSN, not to           Identifier 2015–NE–33–AD; Amendment 39–
                                                  DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  exceed 12,500 CSN.                                    18648; AD 2016–18–17]
                                                  (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                          (ii) For HPC stage 8–10 spools with 11,000
                                                                                                          CSN or more on the effective day of this AD,          RIN 2120–AA64
                                                    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                                                                                          inspect within the next 1,500 cycles in
                                                  in Alaska to the extent that it justifies               service.                                              Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell
                                                  making a regulatory distinction, and                       (iii) Thereafter, inspect the seal teeth of the    International Inc. Turboprop and
                                                    (4) Will not have a significant                       HPC stage 8–10 spool at each shop visit.              Turboshaft Engines
                                                  economic impact, positive or negative,                     (2) Remove from service any HPC stage 8–
                                                  on a substantial number of small entities               10 spool that fails the ECI or FPI required by
                                                                                                                                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                  under the criteria of the Regulatory                    paragraph (e)(1) of this AD and replace with          Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                  Flexibility Act.                                        a part eligible for installation.                     ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                             (3) Guidance on performing the ECI and
                                                  List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      the FPI can be found in GE Service Bulletins          SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                                    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                (SBs) SB 72–1141 R00, dated December 2,               airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                                  safety, Incorporation by reference,                     2015 and SB 72–1142 R00, dated November               Honeywell International Inc.
                                                  Safety.                                                 30, 2015.                                             (Honeywell) TPE331 model turboprop
                                                                                                          (f) Definition                                        engines and TSE331–3U model
                                                  Adoption of the Amendment                                                                                     turboshaft engines. This AD was
                                                                                                            For the purpose of this AD, an engine shop          prompted by the discovery of cracks in
                                                    Accordingly, under the authority                      visit is the induction of an engine into the
                                                  delegated to me by the Administrator,                   shop for maintenance during which the
                                                                                                                                                                a 2nd stage compressor impeller during
                                                  the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        compressor discharge pressure seal face is            a routine shop visit. This AD requires
                                                  follows:                                                exposed.                                              removal of the 2nd stage compressor
                                                                                                                                                                impeller. We are issuing this AD to
                                                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 prevent failure of the compressor
                                                                                                          (AMOCs)
                                                  DIRECTIVES                                                                                                    impeller, uncontained part release,
                                                                                                            The Manager, Engine Certification Office,           damage to the engine, and damage to the
                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use               airplane.
                                                  continues to read as follows:                           the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
                                                                                                          make your request. You may email your                 DATES: This AD is effective November 4,
                                                      Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.                      2016.
                                                  § 39.13   [Amended]                                     (h) Related Information                               Examining the AD Docket
                                                  ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                      (1) For more information about this AD,              You may examine the AD docket on
                                                  the following new airworthiness                         contact John Frost, Aerospace Engineer,               the Internet at http://
                                                  directive (AD):                                         Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200                www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                          District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;                and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                  2016–19–09 General Electric Company:
                                                                                                          phone: 781–238–7756; fax: 781–238–7199;               4866; or in person at the Docket
                                                      Amendment 39–18658; Docket No.
                                                                                                          email: john.frost@faa.gov.
                                                      FAA–2016–5307; Directorate Identifier                                                                     Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                                                                             (2) GE SB 72–1141, R00, dated December
                                                      2016–NE–08–AD.
                                                                                                          2, 2015 and GE SB 72–1142, R00, dated                 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                  (a) Effective Date                                      November 30, 2015, which are not                      except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                                                                          incorporated by reference in this AD, can be          contains this AD, the regulatory
                                                    This AD is effective November 4, 2016.
                                                                                                          obtained from GE, using the contact                   evaluation, any comments received, and
                                                  (b) Affected ADs                                        information in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.           other information. The address for the
                                                    None.                                                    (3) For service information identified in          Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                          this AD, contact General Electric Company,            Document Management Facility, U.S.
                                                  (c) Applicability                                       GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,                 Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                     This AD applies to General Electric                  Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272;            Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                  Company (GE) GE90–76B, GE90–77B, GE90–                  email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com.
                                                                                                                                                                Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                  85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B turbofan                       (4) You may view this service information
                                                                                                          at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,           New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                  engines with a high-pressure compressor
                                                  (HPC) stage 8–10 spool, part numbers                    1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For             DC 20590.
                                                  1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or 1844M90G02,                  information on the availability of this               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  installed.                                              material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.               Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 13:34:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 13:34:14
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 November 4, 2016.
ContactJohn Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7756; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 67098 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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