Proposed Rule2021-21643
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
October 6, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-13, which applies to certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6- 80A and CF6-80C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-13 requires ultrasonic inspection (UI) of high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks and replacement of any HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk that fails the inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-13, the manufacturer determined that the requirement to perform UI of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks should be expanded to include an additional population of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks. This proposed AD would retain the required UI while expanding the population of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 191 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55545-55547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21643]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0791; Project Identifier AD-2021-00716-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020-20-13, which applies to certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-
80A and CF6-80C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-13 requires
ultrasonic inspection (UI) of high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and
stage 2 disks and replacement of any HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk that
fails the inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-13, the
manufacturer determined that the requirement to perform UI of affected
HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks should be expanded to include an
additional population of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks. This
proposed AD would retain the required UI while expanding the population
of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
22, 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 NPRM, contact General
Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513)
552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5b4a3bcb4a1bcbabbfbb3b9b0b0a1a6a0a5a5baa7a195b4b0fbb2b0fbb6bab8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6a7b0afa7b2afa9a8e8a0aaa3a3b2b5b3b6b6a9b4b286a7a3e8a1a3e8a5a9ab">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="http://www.ge.com">www.ge.com</a>.
You may view this service information at the Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.
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-2021-0791; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7241; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d083a5beb7bdbffe94fe93b8bf90b6b1b1feb7bfa6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5f6d0cbc2c8ca8be18be6cdcae5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0791; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00716-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
the proposal 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 we receive about this proposed AD.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
[[Page 55546]]
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 NPRM. Submissions
containing CBI should be sent to Sungmo Cho, 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020-20-13, Amendment 39-21269 (85 FR 63193,
October 7, 2020), (AD 2020-20-13), for certain GE CF6-80A, CF6-80A1,
CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5,
CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-
80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F,
CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F
model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-13 was prompted by an uncontained
failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and the manufacturer's determination to
expand the population of affected HPT disks. AD 2020-20-13 retains the
required inspections of AD 2018-15-04 (83 FR 43739; August 28, 2018),
while expanding the population of affected HPT disks. The agency issued
AD 2020-20-13 to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 disk (CF6-80C2
engines) and the HPT stage 2 disk (CF6-80C2 and CF6-80A engines).
Actions Since AD 2020-20-13 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-13, the manufacturer discovered an
error in the service information and determined that the requirement to
perform UI of affected HPT stage 1 and 2 disks should be expanded to
include an additional population of HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks. GE,
therefore, revised its service information to include the additional
affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF6-80C Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R05,
dated March 19, 2021 (GE SB 72-1562). The SB specifies procedures for
UI of CF6-80C2 turbofan engine HPT stage 1 and 2 disks. The FAA also
reviewed GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R03, dated March 19, 2021 (GE SB 72-
0869). This SB specifies procedures for UI of CF6-80A turbofan engine
HPT stage 2 disks. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2020-20-
13. This proposed AD would require UI of HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks
and replacement of any HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk that fails the
inspection. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability to
include an additional population of affected HPT stage 1 and 2 disks.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
GE SB 72-1562 and GE SB 72-0869 specify that information, including
the disk part number, disk serial number, accumulated cycles to date,
and documented results of the inspection must be sent to GE Aviation
Fleet Support. This proposed AD would not mandate sending information
to GE Aviation Fleet Support.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,512 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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UI of HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks... 10 work-hours x $85 per $0 $850 $1,285,200
hour = $850.
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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
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
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 CF6-80C2 HPT stage 1 disk............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $799,700 $799,721.25
$21.25.
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT stage 2 disk............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = 364,600 364,621.25
$21.25.
Replace CF6-80A HPT stage 2 disk.............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = 344,000 344,021.25
$21.25.
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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.
[[Page 55547]]
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 2020-20-13, Amendment 39-21269 (85
FR 63193, October 7, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0791; Project
Identifier AD-2021-00716-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by November 22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-20-13, Amendment 39-21269 (85 FR 63193,
October 7, 2020).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-
80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-
80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-
80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-
80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F model turbofan engines with high-pressure
turbine (HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Tables 1 and 2 of
Appendix A, paragraph 4., in GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-
1562 R05, dated March 19, 2021 (GE SB 72-1562), and Table 1 of
Appendix--A, paragraph 4., in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R03, dated March
19, 2021 (GE SB 72-0869).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2
disk and the manufacturer's determination to expand the population
of affected HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the HPT stage 1 disk (CF6-80C2 engines) and the HPT stage 2 disk
(CF6-80C2 and CF6-80A engines). The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in an uncontained HPT disk 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) After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic
inspection (UI) for cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on the
CF6-80C2 turbofan engine at each piece-part exposure using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE SB 72-1562.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, perform a UI for cracks
in HPT stage 2 disks on the CF6-80A turbofan engine at each piece-
part exposure using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A.(2), of GE SB 72-0869.
(3) If any disk fails the inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, replace the disk with a part eligible for
installation before further flight.
(h) No Reporting Requirements
The reporting requirements specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE SB 72-
1562, and paragraph 3.A.(3), of GE SB 72-0869, are not required by
this AD.
(i) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is an HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk:
(i) That has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)
or (2) of this AD and a crack or rejectable indication was not
found; or
(ii) With a serial number not listed in Tables 1 and 2 of
Appendix A, paragraph 4., in GE SB 72-1562, and Table 1 of
Appendix--A, paragraph 4., in GE SB 72-0869.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' of the
HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk is the separation of that HPT disk from
its mating rotor parts within the HPT rotor module (thermal shield
and HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disk, respectively).
(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 paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eeafa0abc3afaac3afa3a1adae888f8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84c5cac1a9c5c0a9c5c9cbc7c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b587e656c6664254f254863644b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17446279707a78395339547f785771767639707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8decfbe4ecf9e4e2e3a3ebe1e8e8f9fef8fdfde2fff9cdece8a3eae8a3eee2e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dabbacb3bbaeb3b5b4f4bcb6bfbfaea9afaaaab5a8ae9abbbff4bdbff4b9b5b7">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: <a href="http://www.ge.com">www.ge.com</a>. You may view this referenced 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.
Issued on September 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21643 Filed 10-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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