82_FR_26688 82 FR 26579 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

82 FR 26579 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 109 (June 8, 2017)

Page Range26579-26580
FR Document2017-11780

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2L1F turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the affected engines which is the result of a revised operating profile. This AD requires replacement of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life limit. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26579-26580]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9490; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-26-AD; 
Amendment 39-18914; AD 2017-11-15]
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 General 
Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2L1F turbofan engines. This AD was 
prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the affected engines which 
is the result of a revised operating profile. This AD requires 
replacement of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, part 
number (P/N) 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life limit. We are issuing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2017.

ADDRESSES: See the For Further Information Contact section.

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-
9490; 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: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7147; 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 certain GE CF6-80C2L1F 
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 
23, 2017 (82 FR 7734) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a 
reduction in the life limit of the affected engines which is the result 
of a revised operating profile. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacement of the HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, at a newer, 
lower life limit. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 
spacer/impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, 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.

Request To Revise Compliance

    GE Aviation requested that we indicate in the compliance section of 
this AD that the affected HPT spacer/impeller is installed on GE CF6-
80C2L1F engines only. GE Aviation commented that this P/N impeller is 
also installed on other models of the CF6-80C2 engine.
    We disagree. We believe that the applicability section is clear 
that this AD applies to GE CF6-80C2L1F turbofan engines with a HPT 
spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, installed. We did not change this AD.

Miscellaneous Comment

    An individual commenter indicated that the proposal showed the 
FAA's commitment to ``staying on top of changes in the industry.'' The 
commenter noted, however, that although GE has updated the life 
expectancy of this part, it may still be a long time before it needs to 
be replaced. The commenter indicated, therefore, that the FAA's action 
may be ``over zealous'' and lead to ``large scale waste.''
    We disagree. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an engine 
rotating part, which could lead to failure of the part, uncontained 
release of the part, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. 
We did not change this AD.

Support for the NPRM

    An individual commenter supported the NPRM.

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 0 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of HPT spacer/impeller  0 work-hours x $85     $19,320 (pro-rated            $19,320              $0
 at reduced life.                    per hour = $0.         cost of part).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 26580]]

    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):
2017-11-15 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-18914; Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9490; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-26-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 13, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2L1F 
turbofan engines with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, 
part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine/
Turboprop Engine--Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the 
affected engines, which is the result of a revised operating 
profile. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 
spacer/impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    After the effective date of this AD, replace the HPT spacer/
impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, before it exceeds 18,000 flight cycles 
since new.

(g) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT 
spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, onto any engine, or return to 
service any engine with an HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, 
installed, if the HPT spacer/impeller exceeds 18,000 flight cycles 
since new.

(h) 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].

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Herman Mak, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7147; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2017.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11780 Filed 6-7-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 26579 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// 9490; or in person at the Docket this AD that the affected HPT spacer/ www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Management Facility between 9 a.m. impeller is installed on GE CF6– locations.html. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 80C2L1F engines only. GE Aviation Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 26, except Federal holidays. The AD docket commented that this P/N impeller is 2017. contains this AD, the regulatory also installed on other models of the Michael Kaszycki, evaluation, any comments received, and CF6–80C2 engine. Acting Manager, Transport Airplane other information. The address for the We disagree. We believe that the Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is applicability section is clear that this [FR Doc. 2017–11624 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am] Document Management Facility, U.S. AD applies to GE CF6–80C2L1F Department of Transportation, Docket BILLING CODE 4910–13–P turbofan engines with a HPT spacer/ Operations, M–30, West Building impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, installed. Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 We did not change this AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Miscellaneous Comment Federal Aviation Administration FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, An individual commenter indicated 14 CFR Part 39 Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine that the proposal showed the FAA’s & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District commitment to ‘‘staying on top of [Docket No. FAA–2016–9490; Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–26–AD; Amendment 39– Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: changes in the industry.’’ The 18914; AD 2017–11–15] 781–238–7147; fax: 781–238–7199; commenter noted, however, that email: herman.mak@faa.gov. although GE has updated the life RIN 2120–AA64 expectancy of this part, it may still be SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: a long time before it needs to be Airworthiness Directives; General Discussion replaced. The commenter indicated, Electric Company Turbofan Engines therefore, that the FAA’s action may be We issued a notice of proposed AGENCY: Federal Aviation rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR ‘‘over zealous’’ and lead to ‘‘large scale Administration (FAA), DOT. part 39 by adding an AD that would waste.’’ ACTION: Final rule. apply to certain GE CF6–80C2L1F We disagree. We are issuing this AD turbofan engines. The NPRM published to prevent failure of an engine rotating SUMMARY: We are adopting a new in the Federal Register on January 23, part, which could lead to failure of the airworthiness directive (AD) for General 2017 (82 FR 7734) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The part, uncontained release of the part, Electric Company (GE) CF6–80C2L1F NPRM was prompted by a reduction in damage to the engine, and damage to the turbofan engines. This AD was the life limit of the affected engines airplane. We did not change this AD. prompted by a reduction in the life limit which is the result of a revised of the affected engines which is the operating profile. The NPRM proposed Support for the NPRM result of a revised operating profile. to require replacement of the HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, at a An individual commenter supported This AD requires replacement of the newer, lower life limit. We are issuing the NPRM. high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/ impeller, part number (P/N) this AD to prevent failure of the HPT Conclusion 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life spacer/impeller, uncontained release of limit. We are issuing this AD to correct the HPT spacer/impeller, damage to the We reviewed the relevant data, the unsafe condition on these products. engine, and damage to the airplane. considered the comments received, and DATES: This AD is effective July 13, determined that air safety and the Comments 2017. public interest require adopting this AD We gave the public the opportunity to as proposed. ADDRESSES: See the FOR FURTHER participate in developing this AD. The INFORMATION CONTACT section. following presents the comments Costs of Compliance Examining the AD Docket received on the NPRM and the FAA’s We estimate that this AD affects 0 response to each comment. You may examine the AD docket on engines installed on airplanes of U.S. the Internet at http:// Request To Revise Compliance registry. www.regulations.gov by searching for GE Aviation requested that we We estimate the following costs to and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– indicate in the compliance section of comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators Replacement of HPT spacer/impel- 0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 $19,320 (pro-rated cost of part) ..... $19,320 $0 ler at reduced life. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES Authority for This Rulemaking rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, detail the scope of the Agency’s Title 49 of the United States Code section 106, describes the authority of authority. specifies the FAA’s authority to issue the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Jun 07, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM 08JNR1

26580 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations We are issuing this rulemaking under (a) Effective Date DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the authority described in Subtitle VII, This AD is effective July 13, 2017. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Federal Aviation Administration ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (b) Affected ADs section, Congress charges the FAA with None. 14 CFR Part 39 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (c) Applicability [Docket No. FAA–2017–0016; Directorate air commerce by prescribing regulations Identifier 2016–NE–31–AD; Amendment 39– for practices, methods, and procedures This AD applies to General Electric 18917; AD 2017–12–02] the Administrator finds necessary for Company (GE) CF6–80C2L1F turbofan engines with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) RIN 2120–AA64 safety in air commerce. This regulation spacer/impeller, part number (P/N) is within the scope of that authority Airworthiness Directives; General 1539M12P02, installed. because it addresses an unsafe condition Electric Company Turbofan Engines that is likely to exist or develop on (d) Subject products identified in this rulemaking Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) AGENCY: Federal Aviation action. Code 7250, Turbine/Turboprop Engine— Administration (FAA), DOT. Turbine Section. ACTION: Final rule. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism (e) Unsafe Condition SUMMARY: We are adopting a new implications under Executive Order This AD was prompted by a reduction in airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 13132. This AD will not have a the life limit of the affected engines, which General Electric Company (GE) GEnx– substantial direct effect on the States, on is the result of a revised operating profile. We 1B64, –1B64/P1, –1B64/P2, –1B67, the relationship between the national are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the –1B67/P1, –1B67/P2, –1B70, –1B70/P1, government and the States, or on the HPT spacer/impeller, uncontained release of –1B70/P2, –1B70/75/P1, –1B70/75/P2, distribution of power and the HPT spacer/impeller, damage to the –1B70C/P1, –1B70C/P2, –1B74/75/P1, responsibilities among the various engine, and damage to the airplane. –1B74/75/P2, –1B76A/P2 turbofan levels of government. (f) Compliance engines. This AD was prompted by a For the reasons discussed above, I fracture of the fuel manifold which led Comply with this AD within the to an in-flight shutdown of the engine. certify that this AD: compliance times specified, unless already (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory This AD requires replacement of the done. outer left side signal fuel manifold with action’’ under Executive Order 12866, After the effective date of this AD, replace a part eligible for installation. We are (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, issuing this AD to address the unsafe DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures before it exceeds 18,000 flight cycles since condition on these products. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), new. DATES: This AD is effective July 13, (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (g) Installation Prohibition in Alaska to the extent that it justifies 2017. After the effective date of this AD, do not ADDRESSES: For service information making a regulatory distinction, and install an HPT spacer/impeller, P/N identified in this final rule, contact (4) Will not have a significant 1539M12P02, onto any engine, or return to economic impact, positive or negative, General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, service any engine with an HPT spacer/ on a substantial number of small entities Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, installed, if the under the criteria of the Regulatory HPT spacer/impeller exceeds 18,000 flight OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272; fax: Flexibility Act. cycles since new. 513–552–3329; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this service information List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance at the FAA, Engine & Propeller (AMOCs) Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, The Manager, Engine Certification Office, Burlington, MA. For information on the Safety. FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use availability of this material at the FAA, the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to call 781–238–7125. It is also available Adoption of the Amendment make your request. You may email your on the internet at http:// Accordingly, under the authority request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. www.regulations.gov by searching for delegated to me by the Administrator, (i) Related Information and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 0016. For more information about this AD, follows: contact Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Examining the AD Docket Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & You may examine the AD docket on PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, DIRECTIVES the Internet at http:// Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238– www.regulations.gov by searching for 7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email: ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– herman.mak@faa.gov. continues to read as follows: 0016; or in person at the Docket Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference Management Facility between 9 a.m. None. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES § 39.13 [Amended] except Federal holidays. The AD docket Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding contains this final rule, the regulatory May 23, 2017. the following new airworthiness evaluation, any comments received, and Carlos A. Pestana, other information. The address for the directive (AD): Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller 2017–11–15 General Electric Company: Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Document Management Facility, U.S. Amendment 39–18914; Docket No. FAA–2016–9490; Directorate Identifier [FR Doc. 2017–11780 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am] Department of Transportation, Docket 2016–NE–26–AD. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Operations, M–30, West Building VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Jun 07, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM 08JNR1


Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:07:14
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:07:14
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 July 13, 2017.
ContactHerman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7147; fax: 781- 238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 26579 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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