Rule2022-10447
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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 16, 2022
Effective
June 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 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. This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related freckles in the billet, which may reduce the life of certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools, high pressure turbine (HPT) rotor interstage seals, HPT rotor stage 2 disks, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 1 disks, LPT stage 2 disks, LPT stage 3 disks, and LPT stage 4 disks. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable CFM LEAP-1A Engine Shop Manual (ESM) and the operator's existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP) to incorporate reduced life limits for these parts. This AD also requires the removal of certain LPT stage 4 disks identified by serial number (S/N) prior to their new life limits. 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 94 (Monday, May 16, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29651-29654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10447]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1183; Project Identifier AD-2021-01193-E;
Amendment 39-22029; AD 2022-09-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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 all
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. This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related freckles
in the billet, which may reduce the life of certain compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spools, high pressure turbine (HPT) rotor interstage seals,
HPT rotor stage 2 disks, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 1 disks, LPT
stage 2 disks, LPT stage 3 disks, and LPT stage 4 disks. This AD
requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the
applicable CFM LEAP-1A Engine Shop Manual (ESM) and the operator's
existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP)
to incorporate reduced life limits for these parts. This AD also
requires the removal of certain LPT stage 4 disks identified by serial
number (S/N) prior to their new life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 21, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 21,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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#91f7fdf4f4e5e2e4e1e1fee3e5d1f6f4bff2fefc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51373d343425222421213e23251136347f323e3c">[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. It is
also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1183.
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-2021-1183; 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: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7743; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b163e333f3275173a363522321b3d3a3a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c588a0ada1aceb89a4a8abbcac85a3a4a4eba2aab3">[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 all 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. The NPRM published
[[Page 29652]]
in the Federal Register on January 18, 2022 (87 FR 2563). The NPRM was
prompted by the manufacturer's detection of melt-related freckles in
the billet, which may reduce the life of certain compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spools, HPT rotor interstage seals, HPT rotor stage 2
disks, LPT stage 1 disks, LPT stage 2 disks, LPT stage 3 disks, and LPT
stage 4 disks (life-limited parts (LLPs)). Through the manufacturer's
investigation, it was determined that these LLPs may have subsurface
anomalies that developed during the manufacturing process, resulting in
a lower life capability. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
revising the ALS of the CFM LEAP-1A ESM, as applicable to each affected
engine model, and the operator's existing approved CAMP to incorporate
reduced life limits for certain LLPs. In the NPRM, the FAA also
proposed to require operators to remove certain LPT stage 4 disks,
identified by S/N, before reaching their new life limits. The LPT stage
4 disks, identified by S/N in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of the NPRM,
were discovered by the manufacturer after publication of the ALS
revision.
After the NPRM was issued, CFM revised its service information by
including additional part numbers for newly manufactured parts that did
not exist prior to NPRM publication. Accordingly, the FAA has revised
paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD to require operators to update the ALS
of the applicable CFM LEAP-1A ESM and the operator's existing approved
CAMP to include CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-
11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated February 15, 2022, instead of CFM
Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C,
Issue 009-00, dated June 1, 2021.
The FAA has also added a credit for previous actions paragraph to
this AD, providing credit to operators that incorporated CFM Low
Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue
009-00, dated June 1, 2021, into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the
operator's existing approved CAMP prior to the effective date of this
AD.
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 two commenters. The commenters were
American Airlines (AA) and Air Line Pilot Association, International
(ALPA). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Include Future Revisions to ESM
AA requested that the FAA add `` . . . or later'' to the following
ALS references in paragraph (g) of this AD to allow for the use of
future revisions;
(i) CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-
02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated September 15, 2021, or later;
(ii) CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-03-
01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated September 15, 2021, or later; and
(iii) CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-
01A-0B1B-C, Issue 009-00, dated June 1, 2021, or later.
AA stated that they are currently using Issues 7, 9, and 10 of the
referenced service information and their ALS and CAMP are already in
compliance with this AD. AA also stated that CFM continues to update
the referenced service information and Issues 7, 9, and 10 will be
further revised. As a result, the requirements of this AD will cause AA
to use outdated service information.
The FAA disagrees with adding ``or later'' when referencing the
service information in paragraph (g) of this AD. Future revisions of
the service information have not yet been published by the manufacturer
or reviewed by the FAA. A request for an alternative method of
compliance can be submitted to the FAA if future revisions of the
service information referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD are
published. Additionally, if future revisions of the service information
are published by the manufacturer and approved by the FAA, the FAA may
consider further rulemaking.
Request To Add Credit for Previous Actions
AA requested that the FAA add a new paragraph (h)(3) to this AD to
allow credit for previous actions associated with the required actions
proposed in paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of the NPRM, similar to the credit
paragraphs proposed in (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the NPRM. AA requested that
the new paragraph (h)(3) provide credit to operators if CFM Low
Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue
008-00 was incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the
operator's existing approved CAMP prior to the effective date of this
AD.
The FAA notes that CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP
1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 009-00, dated June 1, 2021, was the first
issue of this service information to include the reduced life limits
for that module as a result of the investigation into melt-related
freckles in the billet. Issue 008-00 and earlier issues do not include
the reduced life limits so the FAA will not provide credit for issues
released prior to Issue 009-00. Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the
manufacturer published CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP
1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated February 15, 2022. As a
result, the FAA has added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD, providing credit
for actions required by paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD if CFM Low
Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue
009-00, dated June 1, 2021, was incorporated into the ALS of the
applicable ESM and the operator's existing approved CAMP prior to the
effective date of this AD.
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 CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits
LEAP 1A-05-11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated September 15, 2021
(CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-02-01A-0B1B-C); CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life
Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated September 15,
2021 (CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C); and CFM Low Pressure Turbine
Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated
February 15, 2022 (CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C). CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-
02-01A-0B1B-C provides the new life limits for the high-pressure
compressor, CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C provides the new life
limits for the HPT rotor, and CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C
[[Page 29653]]
provides the new life limits for the LPT rotor. 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 009-00,
dated July 26, 2021; CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 006-00,
dated July 26, 2021, and CFM LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 009,
dated June 1, 2021. This service information provides the new life
limits for the LLPs.
The FAA also reviewed CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0413-
01A-930A-D, Issue 004-00, dated December 11, 2021 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-
00-0413-01A-930A-D). CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0413-01A-930A-D specifies
procedures for removing and replacing the LLPs, and provides new life
limits for certain S/Ns of the LLPs.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 256 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 256 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry require revising the ALS of the
CFM LEAP-1A ESM and the operator's existing approved CAMP. The FAA
estimates that zero airplanes of U.S. registry require replacement of
the LPT stage 4 disk.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise ALS of Engine Manual and the 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $21,760
operator's existing approved CAMP. hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to replace the LPT stage 4
disk:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace LPT Stage 4 disk.............. 225 work-hours x $85 per $129,000 $148,125 $0
hour = $19,125.
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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
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:
2022-09-09 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22029; Docket No.
FAA-2021-1183; Project Identifier AD-2021-01193-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 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.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section, and JASC Code 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related freckles
in the billet, which may reduce the life of certain compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spools, high pressure turbine (HPT) rotor interstage
seals, HPT rotor stage
[[Page 29654]]
2 disks, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 1 disks, LPT stage 2
disks, LPT stage 3 disks, and LPT stage 4 disks. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent the failure of the high-pressure compressor, HPT
rotor, and LPT rotor. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in release of uncontained debris, 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) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable CFM
LEAP-1A Engine Shop Manual (the ESM) and the operator's existing
approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP) by
incorporating the following service information:
(i) CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated September 15, 2021; and
(ii) CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated September 15, 2021; and
(iii) CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-
04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated February 15, 2022.
(2) Before the LPT stage 4 disk, part number (P/N) 362-039-520-
0, with serial numbers identified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD (Figure 1) accumulates the cycles in Figure 1, or within 100
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
remove the affected LPT stage 4 disk from service and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MY22.000
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) You may take credit for the action required by paragraph
(g)(1)(i) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved CAMP prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM
High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-02-01A-
0B1B-C, Issue 009-00, dated July 26, 2021.
(2) You may take credit for the action required by paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved CAMP prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM
High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C,
Issue 006-00, dated July 26, 2021.
(3) You may take credit for the action required by paragraph
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved CAMP prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM
Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C,
Issue 009-00, dated June 1, 2021.
(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. You may email your request
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6f2e212a422e2b422e22202c2f090e0e41080019"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f9b8b7bcd4b8bdd4b8b4b6bab99f9898d79e968f">[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
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; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#377a525f535e197b565a594e5e7751565619505841"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f624a474b4601634e424156466f494e4e01484059">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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) CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated September 15, 2021.
(ii) CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated September 15, 2021.
(iii) CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP 1A-05-11-
04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated February 15, 2022.
(3) 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#6a0c060f0f1e191f1a1a05181e2a0d0f44090507"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="52343e373726212722223d20261235377c313d3f">[email protected]</span></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#a0c6d28ec9ced3d0c5c3d4c9cfcee0cec1d2c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dabca8f4b3b4a9aabfb9aeb3b5b49ab4bba8bbf4bdb5ac">[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 April 15, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10447 Filed 5-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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