Rule2021-12302
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
June 11, 2021
Effective
June 28, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-25- 13, which applied to all Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 and GP7277 model turbofan engines with a certain low-pressure compressor (LPC) 1st-stage fan blade installed. AD 2019-25-13 required an ultrasonic inspection of the affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades and replacement of any affected LPC 1st-stage fan blade that fails the inspection. This AD lowers the initial inspection threshold and requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections on affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine due to the fracture of multiple LPC 1st-stage fan blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 111 (Friday, June 11, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 111 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31092-31095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12302]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0445; Project Identifier AD-2021-00268-E;
Amendment 39-21588; AD 2021-12-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-25-
13, which applied to all Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 and GP7277 model
turbofan engines with a certain low-pressure compressor (LPC) 1st-stage
fan blade installed. AD 2019-25-13 required an ultrasonic inspection of
the affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades and replacement of any affected
LPC 1st-stage fan blade that fails the inspection. This AD lowers the
initial inspection threshold and requires repetitive ultrasonic
inspections on affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades. This AD was prompted
by a report of an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine due to the
fracture of multiple LPC 1st-stage fan blades. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 28, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 28,
2021.
The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by July 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (800)
565-0140; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6ded3dac68482f6c6c198c3c2d598d5d9db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dab2bfb6aae8ee9aaaadf4afaeb9f4b9b5b7">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://www.engineallianceportal.com">www.engineallianceportal.com</a>. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759. It is
also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0445.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0445; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7236; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8fbdccdd8c0cdc686e486edc4dfc1c6e8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="16456273667e7378385a38537a617f785670777738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued AD 2019-25-13, Amendment 39-21011 (84 FR 71770,
December 30, 2019), (AD 2019-25-13), for all EA GP7270 and GP7277 model
turbofan engines with a certain LPC 1st-stage fan blade installed. AD
2019-25-13 required an ultrasonic inspection of the affected LPC 1st-
stage fan blades and replacement of any affected fan blades that fail
the inspection. AD 2019-25-13 resulted from a report of an IFSD of an
engine due to the fracture of multiple LPC 1st-stage fan blades. After
an analysis of these fractures, the
[[Page 31093]]
manufacturer determined the fan blades experienced cracks that
originated on the internal surface of the convex airfoil and propagated
to the point of failure. The cracks originated in a microtexture area
that can result in a low-cycle fatigue debit that may allow a crack to
initiate and propagate to failure. The FAA issued AD 2019-25-13 to
prevent failure of the fan blade.
Actions Since AD 2019-25-13 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019-25-13, the manufacturer performed
analysis of a fractured LPC 1st-stage fan blade and determined the
fracture resulted from a fatigue crack. The manufacturer determined
that repetitive ultrasonic inspection for cracks on the LPC 1st-stage
fan blade convex airfoil is necessary to decrease the risk of fracture
event. As a result of this analysis, the manufacturer published EA
Alert Service Bulletin (SB) EAGP7-A72-444, dated November 18, 2020.
This service information specifies lower initial inspection thresholds
for performing ultrasonic inspections of affected LPC 1st-stage fan
blades and contains procedures for performing repetitive ultrasonic
inspections of affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EA Alert SB EAGP7-A72-444, dated November 18,
2020. The Alert SB describes the inspection thresholds and procedures
for performing an ultrasonic inspection of the LPC 1st-stage fan
blades. This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
AD Requirements
This AD requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of
the affected LPC 1st-stage fan blades and replacement of any LPC 1st-
stage fan blade that fails the inspection.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies waiving
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no domestic
operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive
any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from any U.S.
operator. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for
the foregoing reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0445 and Project Identifier
AD-2021-00268-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Stephen
Elwin, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Perform ultrasonic inspection for one 8 work-hours x $85 per $0 $680 $0
set of 1st--stage LPC blades. hour = $680.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
[[Page 31094]]
aircraft that might need these replacements.
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace 1st-stage LPC fan blade............... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $190,000 $190,340
$340.
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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.
The FAA is 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019-25-13, Amendment 39-21011 (84
FR 71770, December 30, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2021-12-01 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39-21588; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0445; Project Identifier AD-2021-00268-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 28, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-25-13, Amendment 39-21011 (84 FR 71770,
December 30, 2019).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 and GP7277 model
turbofan engines with low-pressure compressor (LPC) 1st-stage fan
blades, part number (P/N) 5700531, 5702931, 5702931CL1, or
5702931CL2, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight shutdown of an
engine due to the fracture of multiple LPC 1st-stage fan blades. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC 1st-stage fan
blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
uncontained fan blade release, damage to the engine, and damage to
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within the compliance time specified in Table 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the LPC 1st-
stage fan blades using the Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Fan
Blades Installed In An Engine,'' paragraph 1, or ``For Fan Blades
Not Installed In An Engine,'' paragraph 1, as applicable, of EA
Alert Service Bulletin (SB) EAGP7-A72-444, dated November 18, 2020.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JN21.000
[[Page 31095]]
(2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles
since last inspection, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the LPC
1st-stage fan blades using the Accomplishment Instructions, ``For
Fan Blades Installed In An Engine,'' paragraph 1, or ``For Fan
Blades Not Installed In An Engine,'' paragraph 1, as applicable, of
EA Alert SB EAGP7-A72-444, dated November 18, 2020.
(3) If an ultrasonic inspection of an LPC 1st-stage fan blade
results in a rejectable ultrasonic indication, remove the LPC 1st-
stage fan blade from service and replace with a part eligible for
installation before further flight.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): Guidance on determining a rejectable
ultrasonic indication can be found in GP7000 1st Stage LPC Rotor
(Fan) Blade Assembly Airfoil Ultrasonic Inspection for Cracks (Fan
Blade Installed or Uninstalled), NDIP-1205, Revision C, dated
September 15, 2020.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the ultrasonic inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you performed the inspection before
the effective date of this AD using GP7000 1st Stage LPC Rotor (Fan)
Blade Assembly Airfoil Ultrasonic Inspection for Cracks (Fan Blade
installed or uninstalled), NDIP-1205, Revision B, dated September
27, 2019, or an earlier version.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
The reporting requirements contained within NDIP-1205 are not
required by this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in Related Information. Information may be emailed to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c889868de5898ce58985878b88aea9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4f5faf199f5f099f5f9fbf7f4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7236; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c192b5a4b1a9a4afef8def84adb6a8af81a7a0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="782b0c1d08101d165634563d140f1116381e1919561f170e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Engine Alliance (EA) Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-444,
dated November 18, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EA service information identified in this AD, contact
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
(800) 565-0140; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5ada0a9b5f7f185b5b2ebb0b1a6eba6aaa8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4dcd1d8c48680f4c4c39ac1c0d79ad7dbd9">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://www.engineallianceportal.com">www.engineallianceportal.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#096f6c6d7b6c6e27656c6e68654967687b68276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c5a3a0a1b7a0a2eba9a0a2a4a985aba4b7a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 25, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12302 Filed 6-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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