Rule2022-09631
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance 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
May 6, 2022
Effective
May 23, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from a billet of material suspected of having foreign material embedded. This AD requires the replacement of the affected stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 88 (Friday, May 6, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 88 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26967-26969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09631]
[[Page 26967]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0512; Project Identifier AD-2022-00367-E;
Amendment 39-22042; AD 2022-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277 model turbofan
engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed certain stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools were manufactured
from a billet of material suspected of having foreign material
embedded. This AD requires the replacement of the affected stages 7-9
compressor rotor spool. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 23, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by June 21, 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 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#b0d8d5dcc08284f0c0c79ec5c4d39ed3dfdd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e189848d91d3d5a19196cf949582cf828e8c">[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 (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-2022-0512; 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 the
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; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97c4e3f2e7fff2f9b9dbb9d2fbe0fef9d7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="095a7d6c79616c672745274c657e6067496f6868276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA was notified by the manufacturer of a powder metal material
contamination discovered in a part manufactured from the same billet
material used to manufacture the EA GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277 high-
pressure compressor (HPC) stage 8 rotor disk. Subsequent investigation
by the manufacturer determined that the HPC stage 8 rotor disk, which
is welded into the stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool, was manufactured
from billets suspected of having foreign material embedded. The
presence of foreign material in the billet may lead to crack formations
and premature failure of the HPC stage 8 rotor disk. This condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of the HPC stage 8 rotor disk,
uncontained release of the HPC stage 8 rotor disk, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane. 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 has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Engine Alliance Service Bulletin (SB) EAGP7-72-
449, Original Issue, dated December 9, 2021. The SB describes
procedures for removing and replacing the affected stages 7-9
compressor rotor spool.
AD Requirements
This AD requires the replacement of the affected stages 7-9
compressor rotor spool.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This issue is
still under investigation by the manufacturer and, depending on the
results of that investigation, the FAA may consider further rulemaking
action.
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 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(s), 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-2022-0512 and Project Identifier
AD-2022-00367-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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
[[Page 26968]]
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace stages 7-9 compressor rotor 8 work-hours x $85 per $853,400 $854,080 $0
spool. hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-10-04 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39-22042; Docket No. FAA-2022-
0512; Project Identifier AD-2022-00367-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 23, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and
GP7277 model turbofan engines with an installed:
(1) Stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool, part number (P/N)
2031M90G05, having serial number (S/N) GWN0R7R3; or
(2) Stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool, P/N 2031M90G07, having S/
N GWN0R9R3, GWN0R9TC, GWN0R9TM, GWN0RCT5, or GWN0RCT6.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed certain stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools were
manufactured from a billet of material suspected of having foreign
material embedded. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 8 rotor disk. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of
the HPC stage 8 rotor disk, 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
Within 500 flight cycles (FCs) after the effective date of this
AD, remove the affected stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool from
service and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is any stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool with an S/N that is not
identified in paragraph (c)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(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) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92d3dcd7bfd3d6bfd3dfddd1d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32737c771f73761f737f7d71725453531c555d44">[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.
[[Page 26969]]
(j) 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; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6f5d2c3d6cec3c888ea88e3cad1cfc8e6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="55062130253d303b7b197b1039223c3b153334347b323a23">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on April 30, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-09631 Filed 5-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 6, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.