Rule2022-13710
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
June 29, 2022
Effective
July 14, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE Passport 20-17BB1A, GE Passport 20- 18BB1A, and GE Passport 20-19BB1A model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by fuel leakage from the fuel nozzle to fuel manifold coupling nut connections. This AD requires a visual inspection of the core compartment, a re-torque of the core compartment coupling nuts, a ground power assurance check, and a borescope inspection. Depending on the results of the inspections, this AD requires operators to perform applicable maintenance in accordance with their FAA-approved instructions for continued airworthiness. 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 124 (Wednesday, June 29, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 29, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38647-38650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13710]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0691; Project Identifier AD-2022-00601-E;
Amendment 39-22098; AD 2022-13-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) GE Passport 20-17BB1A, GE Passport 20-
18BB1A, and GE Passport 20-19BB1A model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by fuel leakage from the fuel nozzle to fuel manifold coupling
nut connections. This AD requires a visual inspection of the core
compartment, a re-torque of the core compartment coupling nuts, a
ground power assurance check, and a borescope
[[Page 38648]]
inspection. Depending on the results of the inspections, this AD
requires operators to perform applicable maintenance in accordance with
their FAA-approved instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 14, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 14,
2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 15, 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
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone:
(513) 552-5387; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b5a4d525a4f525455155d575e5e4f484e4b4b54494f7b5c5e15585456"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e8ffe0e8fde0e6e7a7efe5ececfdfafcf9f9e6fbfdc9eeeca7eae6e4">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://www.ge.com">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-2022-0691.
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-2022-0691; 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: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f6c5c504b4b1172116c4b5a495a514c50517f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85d6e6eaf1f1abc8abd6f1e0f3e0ebf6eaebc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On March 31, 2022, and April 4, 2022, two Bombardier Inc. BD-700-
2A12 airplanes (marketed as Global 7500 airplanes), powered by GE
Passport P20-19BB1A and GE Passport P20-18BB1A model turbofan engines,
respectively, experienced an engine fire during flight. The engine fire
on the GE Passport P20-19BB1A resulted in a commanded in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) and air turnback (ATB). The engine fire on the GE
Passport P20-18BB1A resulted in an ATB. A subsequent investigation by
the manufacturer found evidence of fuel leakage on the lower outboard
core panel, aft end of the bifi plate, ignition lead, and fuel manifold
B-nut connections. The investigation also found that fuel nozzle to
fuel manifold B-nut connections were under-torqued on both event
engines and the fuel leak at the fuel nozzle B-nut connections likely
caused the engine fires. As a result, the manufacturer published GE
Service Bulletin (SB) PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0141-00A-930A-D, Issue No 000,
dated April 12, 2022, and GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D,
Issue No 001, dated May 11, 2022. The service information specifies
procedures for the performance of a visual inspection of the fuel
nozzle zone in the core compartment for indications of fuel leakage,
undetected fire, or heat distress, re-torque of the coupling nuts in
the core compartment, a ground power assurance check, and a borescope
inspection. This condition, if not addressed, could result in engine
fire, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of 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 Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D, Issue No
001, dated May 11, 2022 (GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142). GE SB
PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142 specifies procedures for the performance of a
visual inspection, a re-torque of the coupling nuts in the core
compartment, a ground power assurance check, and a borescope
inspection. 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 GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0141-00A-930A-D, Issue No
000, dated April 12, 2022 (GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0141). GE SB
PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0141 specifies procedures for the performance of a
borescope inspection of the core compartment for indications of fuel
leak or fire.
AD Requirements
This AD requires a visual inspection of the core compartment, re-
torque of the core compartment coupling nuts, a ground power assurance
check, and a borescope inspection. Depending on the results of the
inspections, this AD requires operators to perform applicable
maintenance in accordance with their FAA-approved instructions for
continued airworthiness.
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D specifies procedures for
reporting information to the manufacturer. This AD does not require
operators to report information to the manufacturer.
GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D specifies procedures for
contacting a GE field service engineer or 24/7 Business Aviation
Support. This AD does not require operators to contact a GE field
service engineer or 24/7 Business Aviation Support. Instead, this AD
requires following an FAA-approved method to return the engine to
service.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This unsafe
condition 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
[[Page 38649]]
effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
The FAA considers fuel leakage and engine fire to be an urgent safety
issue. The visual inspection of the core compartment is necessary to
prevent engine fire, IFSD, damage to the airplane, failure of the
engine, and loss of control of the airplane. All GE Passport 20-17BB1A,
Passport 20-18BB1A, and Passport 20-19BB1A model turbofan engines are
equipped with fuel nozzle to fuel manifold coupling nut connections
which were determined by the manufacturer to have the potential for
under-torqueing, following two incidents of engine fire on airplanes
wherein a fuel leak at the fuel nozzle coupling nut connection was
likely the cause of the fire. Affected engines must undergo a visual
inspection before exceeding 30, 50, or 75 flight cycles (FCs) after the
effective date of this AD, depending on the engine's cycles since new
(CSN). Re-torque of the core compartment coupling nuts is required
within 30 or 100 FCs after the effective date of the AD, depending on
the engine serial number. Current fleet utilization data estimates the
flight cycles will be accumulated between 30 and 90 days after the
effective date of this AD. For affected engines with indications of
fuel leakage, undetected fire, or heat distress following a visual
inspection of the core compartment, this AD requires operators to
perform applicable maintenance in accordance with their FAA-approved
instructions for continued airworthiness. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, 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,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
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-2022-0691 and Project Identifier
AD-2022-00601-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 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 Scott
Stevenson, 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 the 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 42 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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Visual inspection of core compartment. 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $7,140
hour = $170.
Re-torque core compartment coupling 31 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,635 110,670
nuts. hour = $2,635.
Ground power assurance check and 4 work-hours x $85 per 0 340 14,280
borescope inspection. hour = $340.
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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 38650]]
(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:
2022-13-12 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22098; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0691; Project Identifier AD-2022-00601-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 14, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE Passport 20-
17BB1A, GE Passport 20-18BB1A, and GE Passport 20-19BB1A model
turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine
Combustion Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple engine fires that have occurred
as a result of fuel leakage from the fuel nozzle to fuel manifold
coupling nut connections. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fuel
leakage from the fuel nozzle to fuel manifold coupling nut
connections. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
engine fire, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all affected engines, within the compliance times
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, perform
a visual inspection of the core compartment for indications of fuel
leakage, undetected fire, and heat distress:
(i) For engines with less than or equal to 150 cycles since new
(CSN) as of the effective date of this AD, inspect before exceeding
30 flight cycles (FCs) after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) For engines with 151 to 200 CSN as of the effective date of
this AD, inspect before exceeding 50 FCs after the effective date of
this AD.
(iii) For engines with greater than 200 CSN as of the effective
date of this AD, inspect before exceeding 75 FCs after the effective
date of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD can be found in GE
Service Bulletin (SB) PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0141-00A-930A-D, Issue No.
000, dated April 12, 2022, or GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-
930A-D, Issue No. 001, dated May 11, 2022 (GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-
0142-00A-930A-D).
(2) If, during the visual inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, there are indications of fuel leakage, undetected
fire, or heat distress, before further flight, perform applicable
maintenance in accordance with the FAA-approved instructions for
continued airworthiness.
(3) For engines with engine serial number (ESN) 904257 or
higher, before exceeding 30 FCs after the effective date of the AD,
re-torque the core compartment coupling nuts in accordance with
Accomplishment Instructions, 6.B., Procedure, paragraphs (8) through
(24) of GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D.
(4) For engines with ESN 904256 or lower, before exceeding 100
FCs after the effective date of the AD, re-torque the core
compartment coupling nuts in accordance with Accomplishment
Instructions, 6.B., Procedure, paragraphs (8) through (24) of GE SB
PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D.
(5) For all affected engines, before further flight after
performing the required actions in paragraph (g)(3) or (4), as
applicable, perform a ground power assurance check and a borescope
inspection of the core compartment in accordance with Accomplishment
Instructions, 6.B., Procedure, paragraphs (32) through (38) of GE SB
PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D.
(h) Exception to the Service Information
Where GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D specifies
contacting ``your GE field service engineer or 24/7 Business
Aviation Support,'' this AD requires the engine to be serviced using
FAA-approved maintenance procedures.
(i) No Reporting Requirements
The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions,
6.B., Procedure, paragraphs (11), (14), (18), (20), (23) and (36) of
GE SB PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D are not required by this
AD.
(j) 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 (k) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82c3ccc7afc3c6afc3cfcdc1c2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cf8e818ae28e8be28e82808c8fa9aeaee1a8a0b9">[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.
(k) 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) 238-7132; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#481b2b273c3c6605661b3c2d3e2d263b2726082e2929662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="efbc8c809b9bc1a2c1bc9b8a998a819c8081af898e8ec1888099">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 Service Bulletin PASSPORT20-A-72-00-0142-00A-930A-D,
Issue No 001, dated May 11, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dabbacb3bbaeb3b5b4f4bcb6bfbfaea9afaaaab5a8ae9abdbff4b9b5b7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0263746b63766b6d6c2c646e676776717772726d70764265672c616d6f">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://www.ge.com">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#9bfde9b5f2f5e8ebfef8eff2f4f5dbf5fae9fab5fcf4ed"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7c1d589cec9d4d7c2c4d3cec8c9e7c9c6d5c689c0c8d1">[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 June 14, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-13710 Filed 6-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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