Rule2022-04694
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
March 7, 2022
Effective
April 11, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10E model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed Teflon material in the A-sump oil strainer (strainer assembly) screen after several reports of in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) and unscheduled engine removals (UERs). This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of the strainer assembly screen. As a terminating action to the initial and repetitive visual inspections, this AD requires the replacement of the stationary oil seal at the No. 1 forward bearing. 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 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12571-12574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04694]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0699; Project Identifier AD-2020-01685-E;
Amendment 39-21959; AD 2022-05-08]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10E model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed
Teflon material in the A-sump oil strainer (strainer assembly) screen
after several reports of in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) and unscheduled
engine removals (UERs). This AD requires initial and repetitive visual
inspections of the strainer assembly screen. As a terminating action to
the initial and repetitive visual inspections, this AD requires the
replacement of the stationary oil seal at the No. 1 forward bearing.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11,
2022.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#28495e41495c414746064e444d4d5c5b5d5858475a5c684f4d064b4745"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e4f3ece4f1eceaebabe3e9e0e0f1f6f0f5f5eaf7f1c5e2e0abe6eae8">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.ge.com">https://www.ge.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
(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-2021-0699.
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-2021-0699; 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: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c497a7abb0b0ea89ea97b0a1b2a1aab7abaa84a2a5a5eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c192a2aeb5b5ef8cef92b5a4b7a4afb2aeaf81a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain GE CF34-10E2A1,
CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, and CF34-
10E7-B (CF34-10E) model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 24, 2021 (86 FR 47264). The NPRM was
prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed Teflon material
in the strainer assembly screen after several reports of IFSDs and UERs
on airplanes operating with GE CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, and
CF34-10E7 model turbofan engines. After investigation, the manufacturer
determined that the failures were the result of Teflon oil seals
disbonding from the aluminum housing when used with either high thermal
stability (HTS) or high performance capability (HPC) oils. The
stationary oil seal deterioration resulted from the failure of the
bonding adhesive, known as EA9658, which does not have the high
temperature capabilities as designed and is negatively impacted by the
use of HTS or HPC oils. This deterioration results in Teflon particles
collecting in the strainer assembly. The manufacturer determined that
CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E6A1, and CF34-10E7-B model turbofan engines are
subject to the same unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the strainer
assembly screen. As a terminating action to the initial and repetitive
visual inspections, the FAA proposed to require the replacement of the
stationary oil seal, part number (P/N) B1316-00453 or P/N B1316-01274,
installed at the No. 1 forward bearing. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from four commenters. The commenters were
the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), GE, Helvetic
Airways AG (Helvetic Airways), and JetBlue Airways (JetBlue). The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Change the Applicability
GE, Helvetic Airways, and JetBlue requested that the FAA change
paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD to align with GE CF34-10E
Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0365 R04, dated April 27, 2021 (GE CF34-10E SB
72-0365 R04). GE specifically requested that the FAA include language
that specifies the timeframe (after September 2014) to
[[Page 12572]]
identify which stationary oil seals have adhesive EA9658 and are
subject to the disbonding failure mode. GE and JetBlue noted that
paragraph (c), Applicability, of the NPRM differs from GE CF34-10E SB
72-0365 R04, as it does not identify stationary oil seal, P/N B1316-
00453 or P/N B1316-01274, replaced or repaired after September 2014,
which is when the EA9658 adhesive was introduced to the field. GE and
JetBlue commented that the NPRM, as written, would apply to all
stationary oil seals, regardless of when they were manufactured or
repaired. Helvetic Airways noted that paragraph (c), Applicability, of
the NPRM does not account for the population of affected stationary oil
seals, as identified in paragraph A., Effectivity, of GE CF34-10E SB
72-0365 R04.
In response to these comments, the FAA updated paragraph (c),
Applicability, of this AD to specify this AD applies to GE CF34-10E
model turbofan engines with a stationary oil seal, P/N B1316-00453 or
P/N B1316-01274, installed at the No. 1 forward bearing, that has been
repaired, overhauled, or entered into service after August 2014, and
used HTS oil or HPC oil for 56 flight hours or more during the life of
the stationary oil seal.
Request To Clarify the Applicability by Engine Serial Number
GE suggested that the FAA revise paragraph (c), Applicability, of
this AD to include the list of engine serial numbers (ESNs), 424714
through 424892, as an additional but alternate approach to identify
affected CF34-10E engines.
The FAA notes that the list of ESNs includes those engines that
were produced with the affected stationary oil seal. Those new-make
engines are included in paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD by
referencing the stationary oil seal, P/N B1316-00453 or P/N B1316-
01274, which entered service after August 2014. The FAA did not change
this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Update Compliance Time
GE requested that the FAA update paragraph (g)(1)(i) of the NPRM to
remove ``at the next engine shop visit.'' GE reasoned that the intent
of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04 is to perform the inspection on-wing
without removing the engine.
In response to GE's comment, the FAA has removed ``at the next
engine shop visit'' and combined paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of the
NPRM into one paragraph, (g)(1) of this AD, to eliminate reference to
an engine shop visit.
Request To Update Definition
GE requested that the FAA update paragraph (i), Definition, of this
AD to indicate that a part eligible for installation is a stationary
oil seal with a P/N other than P/N B1316-00453 or P/N B1316-001274 and
with FM57 adhesive. GE reasoned that there could be room for
interpretation as to what P/N other than B1316-00453 and P/N B1316-
01274 could be in the future, especially if the manufacturer redesigns
the stationary oil seal with a new adhesive and a new failure mode is
introduced.
The FAA disagrees with updating the definition of a part eligible
for installation in paragraph (i) of this AD to include a reference to
FM57 adhesive. The FAA cannot define a part eligible for installation
based on future redesigns by the manufacturer. The FAA may consider
future rulemaking if a new failure mode is discovered. The FAA did not
change this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Update Service Information or Allow for Credit
GE requested that the FAA revise paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to
reference GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04, R03, and R02. GE commented that
paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM references GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04 to
comply with the AD; however, some operators may have complied with
earlier revisions of the service bulletin. GE reasoned that paragraph
3.A.(1)(d) of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04, R03, R02 are identical.
JetBlue requested that the FAA update this AD to allow credit for
inspections performed using previous revisions of GE CF34-10E SB 72-
0365. JetBlue commented that the NPRM specifically references GE CF34-
10E SB 72-0365 R04. JetBlue reasoned that, in addition to R04 of GE
CF34-10E SB 72-0365, they performed repetitive inspections in
accordance with R03 and R02.
This AD does not mandate that operators use GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365
R04 to perform the visual inspections. GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04 is
referenced in paragraph (g), Required Actions, of this AD as guidance
to perform the visual inspections of the strainer assembly screen.
Therefore, if operators used earlier versions of the service
information to perform the visual inspections, they would be in
compliance with the requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. Regarding
the comment requesting that this AD include credit for pervious actions
using earlier versions of the service information, the FAA notes that
this change is unnecessary. Paragraph (f) of this AD mandates
compliance with the required actions, unless already done. The FAA did
not change this AD as a result of this comment.
Support for the AD
ALPA expressed support for the AD as written.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, 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 CF34-10E Service Bulletin 72-0365 R04, dated
April 27, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for
performing a visual inspection and a borescope inspection of the
strainer assembly for Teflon particles. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 46 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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Inspect the strainer assembly 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $3,910
screen. = $85.
Replace the stationary oil seal.... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour 8,628 8,798 404,708
= $170.
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[[Page 12573]]
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,
(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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-05-08 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21959; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0699; Project Identifier AD-2020-01685-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10E2A1,
CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, and CF34-
10E7-B model turbofan engines with a stationary oil seal, part
number (P/N) B1316-00453 or P/N B1316-01274, installed at the No. 1
forward bearing, that:
(1) Has been repaired, overhauled, or entered into service after
August 2014; and
(2) Has used high thermal stability oil or high performance
capability oil for 56 flight hours (FHs) or more during the life of
the stationary oil seal.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7261, Turbine Engine
Oil System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by investigation by the manufacturer that
revealed Teflon material in the A-sump oil strainer (strainer
assembly) screen after several reports of in-flight shutdowns and
unscheduled engine removals. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the stationary oil seal at the No. 1 forward bearing. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the
engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before the stationary oil seal accumulates 100 FHs after the
effective date of this AD, or within 100 FHs of the stationary oil
seal accumulating 2,250 FHs since new, whichever occurs later,
perform an initial visual inspection of the strainer assembly screen
for Teflon material. Guidance on performing the visual inspection of
the strainer assembly screen can be found in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1)(d), of GE CF34-10E Service Bulletin
(SB) 72-0365 R04, dated April 27, 2021.
(2) Thereafter, within the following compliance times, repeat
the visual inspection of the strainer assembly screen required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD:
(i) For an affected stationary oil seal having accumulated 2,250
to 7,000 FHs since new at the time of the last inspection, repeat
the visual inspection every 750 FHs.
(ii) For an affected stationary oil seal having accumulated
7,001 to 10,000 FHs since new at the time of the last inspection,
repeat the visual inspection every 375 FHs.
(iii) For an affected stationary oil seal having accumulated
more than 10,000 FHs since new at the time of the last inspection,
repeat the visual inspection every 100 FHs.
(3) If, based on any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or
(2) of this AD, Teflon material is found in the strainer assembly
screen, before further flight, remove the stationary oil seal at the
No. 1 forward bearing from service and replace it with a part
eligible for installation.
(4) Before an affected stationary oil seal accumulates 10,000
FHs since new or within 500 FHs after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, remove the stationary oil seal at the No. 1
forward bearing from service and replace it with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Terminating Action
Removal of the stationary oil seal, P/N B1316-00453 or P/N
B1316-01274, installed at the No. 1 forward bearing, and replacement
with a part eligible for installation, constitutes terminating
action for the initial and repetitive inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is a stationary oil seal that has a P/N other than P/N B1316-00453
or P/N B1316-01274.
(j) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to permit a non-revenue ferry flight, consisting
of no more than five cycles, to a location where the engine can be
removed from service for operators who are prohibited from further
flight due to Teflon material found in the strainer assembly screen
if operators perform the actions in Appendix--A, paragraph 4.A., of
GE CF34-10E SB 72-0365 R04, dated April 27, 2021, and the engine
still meets the criteria in paragraph 4.A. for flying an additional
five cycles. This ferry flight must be performed with only essential
flight crew, without passengers, and involve non-ETOPS operations.
(k) 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 (l) of this AD. You may email your request
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#13525d563e52573e525e5c50537572723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a7b747f177b7e177b7775797a5c5b5b145d554c">[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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
[[Page 12574]]
238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#db88b8b4afaff596f588afbeadbeb5a8b4b59bbdbabaf5bcb4ad"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f5a6969a8181dbb8dba6819083909b869a9bb5939494db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 CF34-10E Service Bulletin 72-0365 R04, dated April 27,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5332253a32273a3c3d7d353f363627202623233c21271334367d303c3e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f6e79666e7b6660612169636a6a7b7c7a7f7f607d7b4f686a216c6062">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.ge.com">https://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#bed8cc90d7d0cdcedbddcad7d1d0fed0dfccdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1c7d38fc8cfd2d1c4c2d5c8cecfe1cfc0d3c08fc6ced7">[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 February 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-04694 Filed 3-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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