Rule2022-11926
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
June 3, 2022
Effective
July 8, 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-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP- 1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2 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 mid seals, HPT rotor stage 2 disks, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 disks, and LPT stage 3 disks. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable CFM LEAP-1B Engine Shop Manual (ESM), and the operator's existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate reduced life limits for these parts. 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 107 (Friday, June 3, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33621-33623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11926]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0094; Project Identifier AD-2021-01251-E;
Amendment 39-22052; AD 2022-11-02]
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-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-
1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3,
LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2 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 mid seals, HPT rotor stage 2 disks,
low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 disks, and LPT stage 3 disks. This
AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the
applicable CFM LEAP-1B Engine Shop Manual (ESM), and the operator's
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate reduced life limits for these parts. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 8, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 8, 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#84e2e8e1e1f0f7f1f4f4ebf6f0c4e3e1aae7ebe9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="61070d040415121411110e13152106044f020e0c">[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-2022-0094.
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-2022-0094; 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; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#430e262b272a6d0f222e2d3a2a032522226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d895bdb0bcb1f694b9b5b6a1b198beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[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-1B21,
LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2,
LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2 model
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 15, 2022 (87 FR 8434). The NPRM was prompted by the engine
manufacturer notifying the FAA of the detection of melt-related
freckles in the billet, which may reduce the life of certain compressor
rotor stages 6-10 spools, HPT rotor mid seals, HPT rotor stage 2 disks,
LPT stage 2 disks, and LPT stage 3 disks (life-limited parts (LLPs)).
The manufacturer's investigation determined that, as a result of such
freckles forming in the billet, these LLPs may have undetected
subsurface anomalies that developed during the manufacturing process,
resulting in reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life
capability. Reduced material properties may cause premature LLP
fracture, which could result in uncontained debris release. As a result
of its investigation, the manufacturer determined the need to reduce
the life limits of these LLPs. To reflect these reduced life limits,
the manufacturer revised the CFM ALS, Chapter 05 of LEAP-1B ESM.
Additionally, the manufacturer published service information that
specifies procedures for the removal and replacement of these LLPs
before reaching their new life limits. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require revising the ALS of the CFM LEAP-1B ESM, as applicable to each
affected engine model, and the operator's existing approved maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate reduced life
limits for certain LLPs. 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
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), American Airlines
(AA), CFM, and United Airlines (UAL). The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Update Service Information Revisions
CFM requested that the FAA update the service information issue
numbers and dates to reflect the current revisions.
The FAA agrees and updated the service information issue numbers
and dates throughout this AD. The FAA also added a Credit For Previous
Actions paragraph to this AD, allowing operators to take credit for
required actions if accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD
using prior versions of the service information. This change imposes no
additional burden on operators who are required to comply with this AD.
[[Page 33622]]
Request To Include Future Revisions to Service Information
AA and UAL requested that the FAA revise the required actions of
the AD to allow the use of future approved revisions of the specified
service information. AA added that when the FAA publishes an AD that
incorporates an EASA AD by reference, the EASA AD includes language
stating the use of later revisions is acceptable for compliance. AA
suggested that since the FAA already approves future approved revisions
of documents that are incorporated by reference in a foreign AD, it is
reasonable and logical that this FAA AD allows future approved
revisions.
The FAA disagrees with revising the required actions of this AD to
allow for the use of future approved revisions of the service
information. Future revisions of the service information have not yet
been published by the manufacturer or reviewed by the FAA. In the case
of a foreign AD incorporated by reference in an FAA AD, the service
information referenced by EASA is a second-tier document. 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 Clarify the Intent of the AD
AA requested the FAA clarify if the AD requires the incorporation
of the LLP life limits in CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-72-00-0342-
01A-930A-D, Issue 002-00, dated July 26, 2021 (CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-
0342-01A-930A-D), identified in Other Related Service Information, or
if the AD requires revisions to the ESM.
The FAA notes that this AD does not require any actions using CFM
SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0342-01A-930A-D. This AD requires only revising the
ALS of the applicable CFM LEAP-1B ESM, and the operator's existing
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate reduced life limits for these parts using CFM High Pressure
Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00,
dated March 17, 2022, CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-
1B-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated March 17, 2022, and CFM Low
Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue
008-00, dated February 16, 2022. The revised life limits include
references to CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0342-01A-930A-D for lists of
specific part serial numbers.
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 the following service information:
<bullet> CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated March 17, 2022 (CFM LEAP-1B-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C). CFM LEAP-1B-05-11-02-01A-0B1B-C provides the new
life limits for the high pressure compressor rotor.
<bullet> CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated March 17, 2022 (CFM LEAP-1B-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C). CFM LEAP-1B-05-11-03-01A-0B1B-C provides the new limits
for the high pressure turbine rotor.
<bullet> CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-
04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 008-00, dated February 16, 2022 (CFM LEAP-1B-05-
11-04-01A-0B1B-C). CFM LEAP-1B-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C provides the new
life limits for the low pressure turbine 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 SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0342-01A-930A-D. CFM SB LEAP-
1B-72-00-0342-01A-930A-D specifies procedures for removing and
replacing the LLPs, and provides new life limits for certain serial
numbers of the LLPs.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 378 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
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Revise ALS of the ESM and the 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $32,130
operator's existing approved hour = $85.
maintenance or inspection program.
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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:
[[Page 33623]]
(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:
2022-11-02 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22052; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0094; Project Identifier AD-2021-01251-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 8, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21,
LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-
1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2
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 mid seals, HPT
rotor stage 2 disks, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 disks, and
LPT stage 3 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
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable CFM LEAP-
1B Engine Shop Manual (ESM) and the operator's existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating
the following service information:
(1) CFM High Pressure Compressor Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated March 17, 2022;
(2) CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated March 17, 2022; and
(3) CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-04-
01A-0B1B-C, Issue 008-00, dated February 16, 2022.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) You may take credit for the action required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM High Pressure Compressor
Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-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)(2) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM High Pressure Turbine
Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-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)(3) of this AD if the following service information was
incorporated into the ALS of the applicable ESM and the operator's
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
prior to the effective date of this AD: CFM Low Pressure Turbine
Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 006-00, dated
June 1, 2021, or Issue 007, dated February 15, 2022.
(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#5819161d75191c751915171b183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0919e95fd9194fd919d9f9390b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[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; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#59143c313d3077153834372030193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1ac84898588cfad808c8f9888a1878080cf868e97">[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-1B-05-
11-02-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 010-00, dated March 17, 2022.
(ii) CFM High Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-
03-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 007-00, dated March 17, 2022.
(iii) CFM Low Pressure Turbine Rotor Life Limits LEAP-1B-05-11-
04-01A-0B1B-C, Issue 008-00, dated February 16, 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#85e3e9e0e0f1f6f0f5f5eaf7f1c5e2e0abe6eae8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="42242e272736313732322d30360225276c212d2f">[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#670115490e0914170204130e0809270906150649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f697d2166617c7f6a6c7b6660614f616e7d6e21686079">[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 May 13, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11926 Filed 6-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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