Proposed Rule2022-05524
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
March 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed cracks in the high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 blades. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set. Depending on the results of the BSIs, this proposed AD would require either additional BSIs at reduced intervals or replacement of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set. This proposed AD would also require sending the inspection results to CFM if any unserviceable finding is found. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 54 (Monday, March 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 54 (Monday, March 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15896-15899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05524]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0160; Project Identifier AD-2022-00009-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A model turbofan
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two in-flight
shutdowns (IFSDs) and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that
revealed cracks in the high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1
blades. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope
inspections (BSIs) of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage
1 nozzle set. Depending on the results of the BSIs, this proposed AD
would require either additional BSIs at reduced intervals or
replacement of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1
nozzle set. This proposed AD would also require sending the inspection
results to CFM if any unserviceable finding is found. 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 May 5,
2022.
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
[[Page 15897]]
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact CFM
International, S.A., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D
Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82e3f4ebe3f6ebedecace4eee7e7f6f1f7f2f2edf0f6c2e5e7ace1edef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f594839c94819c9a9bdb9399909081868085859a8781b59290db969a98">[email protected]</span></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.
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-2022-0160; 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: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7743; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a270f020e0344260b070413032a0c0b0b440d051c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e6ab838e828fc8aa878b889f8fa6808787c8818990">[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-2022-0160; Project Identifier
AD-2022-00009-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 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 received about this NPRM.
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 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 Mehdi
Lamnyi, 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 received reports of two single-engine IFSDs on airplanes
powered by LEAP-1A model turbofan engines, operating extensively in the
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A post-flight BSI of the
HPT module revealed that the engine failures were due to cracks in the
HPT rotor stage 1 blades. After investigation, the manufacturer
determined that engines operating in the MENA region are susceptible to
accelerated HPT rotor stage 1 blade deterioration and airfoil distress
due to the build-up of dust. This unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, loss of
thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
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 CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0461-01A-
930A-D, Issue 002-00, dated December 21, 2021. This SB specifies
procedures for performing a BSI of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT
stator stage 1 nozzle set for LEAP-1A model turbofan engines operating
in the MENA region, performing all applicable corrective actions, and
reporting any unserviceable results to CFM. 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 require initial and repetitive BSIs of the
HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set and,
depending on the results of the inspections, additional BSIs at reduced
intervals or replacement of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator
stage 1 nozzle set. This proposed AD would also require a BSI of the
HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set installed on
the sister engine of the same airplane if certain criteria are met.
This proposed AD would also require sending the inspection results to
CFM if any unserviceable finding is found.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.E.(1)(g)2 and
5.E.(1)(g)3, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0461-01A-930A-D, Issue 002-00,
dated December 21, 2021, specify removing one engine if certain
conditions exist, whereas this proposed AD would require replacement of
the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set if
certain conditions exist.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
The inspection reports that would be required by this proposed AD will
enable the manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature,
cause, and extent of the cracking, and eventually to develop final
action to address the unsafe condition. Once final action has been
identified, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 15898]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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BSI the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $0
HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set. hour = $340.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary reporting
and replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number
of airplanes 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 the HPT rotor stage 1 blades....... 150 work-hours x $85 per hour = $988,200 $1,000,950
$12,750.
Replace the HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set.. 24 work-hours x $85 per hour = 701,460 703,500
$2,040.
BSI the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340. 0 340
stator stage 1 nozzle set (on the sister
engine).
Report BSI results to CFM.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... 0 85
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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 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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
CFM International, S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0160; Project
Identifier AD-2022-00009-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 5, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A23,
LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-
1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and
LEAP-1A35A model turbofan engines with an installed high-pressure
turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 blade, having part number (P/N)
2747M92P01, P/N 2553M91G03, P/N 2553M91G05, P/N 2553M91G06, P/N
2553M91G07, or P/N 2553M91G08 that has accumulated more than 800
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) takeoffs.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of two in-flight shutdowns and
subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed cracks in
the HPT rotor stage 1 blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the HPT rotor stage 1
[[Page 15899]]
blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, loss of thrust control,
and loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Group 1 Engines: Borescope Inspection (BSI) of HPT Rotor Stage
1 Blades and HPT Stator Stage 1 Nozzle Set
For Group 1 engines with an affected HPT rotor stage 1 blade
installed:
(i) Within 100 flight cycles (FCs) after accumulating 800 MENA
takeoffs on the HPT rotor stage 1 blade, before the HPT rotor stage
1 blade accumulates 1,750 cycles since new (CSN), or within 100 FCs
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform
an initial BSI of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage
1 nozzle set in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 5.E.(1)(c) and 5.E.(1)(d), of CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-
1A-72-00-0461-01A-930A-D, Issue 002-00, dated December 21, 2021 (the
SB).
(ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 150 FCs since the
last BSI, perform a repetitive BSI of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades
and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.E.(1)(c) and 5.E.(1)(d),
of the SB.
(2) Group 2 Engines: BSI of HPT Rotor Stage 1 Blades and HPT Stator
Stage 1 Nozzle Set
For Group 2 engines with an affected HPT rotor stage 1 blade
installed:
(i) Within 100 FCs after accumulating 800 MENA takeoffs on the
HPT rotor stage 1 blade, before the HPT rotor stage 1 blade
accumulates 2,600 CSN, or within 100 FCs after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an initial BSI of the HPT
rotor stage 1 blades and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.E.(1)(c) and
5.E.(1)(d), of the SB.
(ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 FCs since the
last BSI, perform a repetitive BSI of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades
and HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.E.(1)(c) and 5.E.(1)(d),
of the SB.
(3) BSI Results Disposition
Based on the results of the BSI required by paragraph (g)(1) or
(2) of this AD, as applicable, either re-inspect or replace the HPT
rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set using the
criteria, compliance times, and procedures referenced in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.E.(1)(f), of the SB.
(4) Conditional Inspection of the Sister Engine on the Same
Airplane
(i) Based on the BSI results disposition required by paragraph
(g)(3) of this AD, if re-inspection or replacement of the HPT rotor
stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1 nozzle set is required within
50 FCs based on the criteria, compliance times, and procedures
referenced in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.E.(1)(f),
of the SB, then perform the actions required in paragraph (g)(4)(ii)
of this AD.
(ii) Within 5 FCs after performing the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable, either inspect or
replace the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1 nozzle
set on the sister engine using the procedures and compliance times
in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph, 5.E.(1)(g), of the
SB. Where the SB specifies to remove the engine, this AD requires
replacement of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades or HPT stator stage 1
nozzle set, as applicable.
(5) Reporting Requirements
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1), (2),
(3), or (4) of this AD, as applicable, any HPT unserviceable finding
is found on an engine as identified in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 5.E.(1)(f) of the SB, within 30 days of
performing the inspection, report the HPT unserviceable finding to
CFM in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
5.E.(1)(f)1, of the SB.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): The Accomplishment Instructions in
paragraph 5.E.(1)(f) of the SB reference applicable aircraft
maintenance manual tasks for procedures and compliance times for the
actions required by paragraphs (g)(3) through (5) of this AD.
(h) Definitions
(1) Group 1 engines are CFM LEAP-1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30,
LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A model turbofan
engines.
(2) Group 2 engines are CFM LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1,
LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, and LEAP-1A26E1 model turbofan engines.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``MENA takeoff'' is any
takeoff accomplished in the MENA region, as defined in the Planning
Information, paragraph 3.D., of the SB.
(4) For the purpose of this AD, ``sister engine'' refers to the
other engine installed on the same airplane.
(i) 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 (j)(1) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9e8e7ec84e8ed84e8e4e6eae9cfc8c887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2f3fcf79ff3f69ff3fffdf1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7743; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1ac84898588cfad808c8f9888a1878080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="024f676a666b2c4e636f6c7b6b426463632c656d74">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM
International, S.A., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D
Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c6d7a656d78656362226a606969787f797c7c637e784c6b69226f6361"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81e0f7e8e0f5e8eeefafe7ede4e4f5f2f4f1f1eef3f5c1e6e4afe2eeec">[email protected]</span></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
(817) 222-5110.
Issued on March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05524 Filed 3-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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