Proposed Rule2022-19397
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
September 9, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55328-55331]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19397]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; Project Identifier AD-2022-00460-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model
turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer
investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT)
stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools
were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron
inclusion. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the
affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor
rotor spools. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24,
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 NPRM, contact General
Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513)
552-3272; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c4a5b2ada5b0adabaaeaa2a8a1a1b0b7b1b4b4abb6b084a3a1eaa7aba9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a3b2c333b2e333534743c363f3f2e292f2a2a35282e1a3d3f74393537">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.ge.com">https://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.
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-2022-0978; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
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#22634e475a474b0c760c6f4350535747474c624443430c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0e1ccc5d8c5c98ef48eedc1d2d1d5c5c5cee0c6c1c18ec7cfd6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; Project Identifier
AD-2022-00460-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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
[[Page 55329]]
placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Alexei Marqueen, 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.
Background
The FAA was notified by the manufacturer of the detection of iron
inclusion in an HPT stage 2 disk manufactured from the same powder
metal material used to manufacture certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward
seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools for 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, GEnx-1B76A/P2 (GEnx-1B) and GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-
2B67/P (GEnx-2B) model turbofan engines. Further investigation by the
manufacturer determined that the iron inclusion is attributed to
deficiencies in the manufacturing process. The investigation by the
manufacturer also determined that certain GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B HPT stage
2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools made
from billets manufactured using the same process may have reduced
material properties and a lower fatigue life capability due to iron
inclusion, which may cause premature fracture and uncontained failure.
As a result of its investigation, the manufacturer published service
information that specifies procedures for the removal and replacement
of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor
rotor spools installed on GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris
release, damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0505, Revision 02,
dated April 5, 2022. The FAA also reviewed GE GEnx-2B Service Bulletin
72-0444, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2022. This service information
describes procedures for removing the HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal,
and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different engine models.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require the removal of certain HPT stage 2
disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools and
replacement with parts eligible for installation.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0505, Revision 02, dated April 5,
2022, uses the term ``HPT rotor stage 2 disk,'' while this proposed AD
uses the term ``HPT stage 2 disk.''
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 3 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates that 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would
require replacement of the forward seal or HPT stage 2 disk.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace stages 6-10 compressor 8 work-hours x $85 $846,519 (average pro- $847,199 $2,541,597
rotor spool. per hour = $680. rated part cost).
Replace forward seal.............. 8 work-hours x $85 $364,558 (average pro- 365,238 0
per hour = $680. rated part cost).
Replace HPT stage 2 disk.......... 8 work-hours x $85 $363,424 (average pro- 364,104 0
per hour = $680. rated part cost).
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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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 55330]]
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:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; Project
Identifier AD-2022-00460-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 24, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company 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, GEnx-1B76A/P2, GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-2B67/P
model turbofan engines with an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT)
stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool
with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table
1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09SE22.046
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section; 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10
compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material
suspected to contain iron inclusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent fracture and potential
[[Page 55331]]
uncontained failure of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and
stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the
engine, and damage to the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before exceeding 600 flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and
stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool from service and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
(2) For affected engines not in service, before further flight,
remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and stages 6-10
compressor rotor spool and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is any HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10
compressor rotor spool with a P/N and S/N not identified in Table 1
to paragraph (c) of this AD.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``engines not in service'' are
engines that are in long-term or short-term storage as of the
effective date of this AD.
(i) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT stage
2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool with a
P/N and S/N identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD onto
any engine.
(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#3a7b747f177b7e177b7775797a5c5b5b145d554c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aaebe4ef87ebee87ebe7e5e9eacccbcb84cdc5dc">[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 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#f6b79a938e939fd8a2d8bb97848783939398b6909797d8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="347558514c515d1a601a795546454151515a745255551a535b42">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19397 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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