Rule2022-02455
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 7, 2022
Effective
March 14, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-13 for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A and CF6-80C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-13 required 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. This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and the manufacturer's subsequent determination to expand the population of affected HPT disks requiring UI inspection. This AD requires 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 AD also expands the applicability to include an additional population of affected HPT stage 1 and 2 disks requiring UI inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 25 (Monday, February 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6777-6779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02455]
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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;
Amendment 39-21881; AD 2021-26-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-13
for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A and CF6-80C model
turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-13 required 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. This AD
was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and the
manufacturer's subsequent determination to expand the population of
affected HPT disks requiring UI inspection. This AD requires 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 AD also expands the applicability
to include an additional population of affected HPT stage 1 and 2 disks
requiring UI inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 14, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 14,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9effe8f7ffeaf7f1f0b0f8f2fbfbeaedebeeeef1eceadef9fbb0fdf1f3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e8ffe0e8fde0e6e7a7efe5ececfdfafcf9f9e6fbfdc9eeeca7eae6e4">[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 (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0791.
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 final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is 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: 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#94c7e1faf3f9fbbad0bad7fcfbd4f2f5f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d6e48535a50521379137e55527d5b5c5c135a524b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-20-13, Amendment 39-21269 (85 FR
63193, October 7, 2020), (AD 2020-20-13). AD 2020-20-13 applied to
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. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2021 (86 FR 55545). The
NPRM 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 requiring UI inspection. After 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. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to 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. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to
expand the applicability to include an additional population of
affected HPT stage 1 and 2 disks.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included
the Air Line Pilots Association, International and FedEx Express. All
commenters supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF6-80C Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R05,
dated March 19, 2021. This 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. This SB specifies procedures
for UI of CF6-80A turbofan engine HPT stage 2 disks. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different engine models. 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.
[[Page 6778]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,512 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has determined that 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
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 2020-20-13, Amendment 39-21269 (85
FR 63193, October 7, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2021-26-22 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21881; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0791; Project Identifier AD-2021-00716-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 14, 2022.
(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 an installed
high-pressure turbine (HPT) disk with a serial number (S/N) listed
in Table 1 or 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 requiring ultrasonic inspection (UI). 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) For CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines, at each piece-part
exposure after the effective
[[Page 6779]]
date of this AD, perform a UI of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2
disks using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of
GE SB 72-1562.
(2) For CF6-80A model turbofan engines, at each piece-part
exposure after the effective date of this AD, perform a UI of
affected HPT stage 2 disks 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 rejectable indication was not found; or
(ii) With an S/N not listed in Table 1 or 2 of Appendix A,
paragraph 4., in GE SB 72-1562, or 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) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#266768630b67620b676b69656640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5e515a325e5b325e52505c5f797e7e31787069">[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 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#66351308010b09482248250e092600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e6b59388818b89c8a2c8a58e89a6808787c8818990">[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) GE CF6-80C Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R05, dated March
19, 2021.
(ii) GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R03, dated March 19, 2021.
(3) For GE 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#4d2c3b242c39242223632b212828393e383d3d223f390d2a28632e2220"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adccdbc4ccd9c4c2c383cbc1c8c8d9ded8ddddc2dfd9edcac883cec2c0">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://www.ge.com">www.ge.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 (817) 222-5110.
(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#e38591cd8a8d90938680978a8c8da38d829182cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ec8a9ec285829f9c898f98858382ac828d9e8dc28b839a">[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 December 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02455 Filed 2-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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