Rule2022-19189
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
September 7, 2022
Effective
October 12, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of fuel leaks caused by high cycle fatigue (HCF) cracks found at the braze joints on fuel manifolds, and the subsequent manufacturer redesign of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) fuel hose variable stator vane (VSV) manifold, VSV fuel hose manifold, low-pressure turbine (LPT) fuel hose variable bleed valve (VBV) manifold, and VBV fuel hose manifold. This AD requires removal and replacement of the fuel hydraulic lines. 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 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54613-54615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19189]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0514; Project Identifier AD-2022-00357-E;
Amendment 39-22155; AD 2022-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company 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
certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by several reports of fuel leaks caused by high
cycle fatigue (HCF) cracks found at the braze joints on fuel manifolds,
and the subsequent manufacturer redesign of the high-pressure turbine
(HPT) fuel hose variable stator vane (VSV) manifold, VSV fuel hose
manifold, low-pressure turbine (LPT) fuel hose variable bleed valve
(VBV) manifold, and VBV fuel hose manifold. This AD requires removal
and replacement of the fuel hydraulic lines. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 12, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 12,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c3a2b5aaa2b7aaacadeda5afa6a6b7b0b6b3b3acb1b783a4a6eda0acae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92f3e4fbf3e6fbfdfcbcf4fef7f7e6e1e7e2e2fde0e6d2f5f7bcf1fdff">[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="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0514.
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-2022-0514; 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: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7178; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81c0ede4f9e4e8afd5afcce0f3f0f4e4e4efc1e7e0e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b5a777e637e72354f35567a696a6e7e7e755b7d7a7a357c746d">[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 certain GE GEnx-1B
model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
June 3, 2022 (87 FR 33658). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of
fuel manifold leaks resulting in multiple flight delays and
cancellations on four separate occasions between 2018 and 2021 on
airplanes with GEnx-1B model turbofan engines installed. The
manufacturer's investigation revealed that variations in braze coverage
and braze fillet radii caused high stress concentration factors at the
braze block joints, leading to HCF failure in the tube bundles with
brazed joints. As a result of its investigation, the manufacturer
determined that the HPT fuel hose VSV manifold, VSV fuel hose manifold,
LPT fuel hose VBV manifold, and VBV fuel hose manifold required
redesign by replacing all braze features and cushioned clamps with
block clamps. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the removal and
replacement of the fuel hydraulic lines. The FAA is issuing this
[[Page 54614]]
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from five commenters. Commenters included
the Air Line Pilots Association, International, American Airlines, The
Boeing Company, United Airlines, and an anonymous commenter. All
commenters supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 73-0099 R00, dated
February 28, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for
the removal and replacement of the fuel hydraulic lines. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 298 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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Remove fuel hydraulic lines........... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $50,660
hour = $170.
Install redesigned fuel hydraulic 2.50 work-hours x $85 232,000 232,212.50 69,199,325
lines. per hour = $212.50.
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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:
2022-18-04 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22155; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0514; Project Identifier AD-2022-00357-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B64/P1, GEnx-
1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2, GEnx-1B70, GEnx-
1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-1B70/P2, GEnx-1B70C/
P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/75/P2, GEnx-1B76/P2,
and GEnx-1B76A/P2 model turbofan engines with engine serial numbers
956-102 through 958-775, inclusive, 958-795, and 958-802.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7310, Engine Fuel
Distribution.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports of fuel leaks caused by
high cycle fatigue cracks found at the braze joints on certain GEnx-
1B fuel manifolds. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks
on the variable bypass valve and variable stator vane fuel hose
manifolds. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
engine fire and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this
AD, remove and replace the fuel hydraulic lines using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A and 3.B, of GE GEnx-1B
Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0099 R00, dated February 28, 2022.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit''' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine case flanges, except for
the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop
visit:
(1) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance.
(2) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
replacing the fan or propulsor without subsequent maintenance.
[[Page 54615]]
(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#c0818e85ed8184ed818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95d4dbd0b8d4d1b8d4d8dad6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[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 Alexei Marqueen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7178; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9edff2fbe6fbf7b0cab0d3ffecefebfbfbf0def8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c081aca5b8a5a9ee94ee8da1b2b1b5a5a5ae80a6a1a1eea7afb6">[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) GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 73-0099 R00, dated February 28,
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#5f3e29363e2b3630317139333a3a2b2c2a2f2f302d2b1f383a713c3032"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0362756a62776a6c6d2d656f666677707673736c71774364662d606c6e">[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#e88e9ac681869b988d8b9c818786a886899a89c68f879e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1573673b7c7b66657076617c7a7b557b7467743b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 17, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19189 Filed 9-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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