Proposed Rule2022-19400
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) GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90- 110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 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 55319-55322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19400]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0989; Project Identifier AD-2022-00468-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) GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-
110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and
stages 7-9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2
disks, and stages 7-9 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="http://www.regulations.gov">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;
[[Page 55320]]
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#315047585045585e5f1f575d545445424441415e43457156541f525e5c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5534233c34213c3a3b7b3339303021262025253a27211532307b363a38">[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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0989; 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#9ddcf1f8e5f8f4b3c9b3d0fcefece8f8f8f3ddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27664b425f424e0973096a465556524242496741464609404851">[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-2022-0989; Project Identifier
AD-2022-00468-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="http://www.regulations.gov">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 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 1 disks, HPT stage
2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools for the GE90-90B, GE90-
94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B 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 HPT
stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages
7-9 compressor rotor spools installed on GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-
110B1, and GE90-115B 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 the following service information issued by GE,
which specifies procedures for removing the affected HPT stage 2 disk
from service. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different engine models.
<bullet> GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0893 R01, dated November 30,
2021.
<bullet> GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0899 R00, dated April 29,
2022.
The FAA also reviewed GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0897 R00, dated
February 23, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for
removing the affected stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool from service.
The FAA also reviewed GE90 Service Bulletin 72-1214 R00, dated April
29, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for removing
the affected HPT stage 1 disk and HPT stage 2 disk from service.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require the replacement of certain HPT stage
1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0893 R01, dated November 30, 2021,
and GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0899 R00, dated April 29, 2022, use
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 1 engine 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 HPT stage 1 disk or stages 7-9 compressor
rotor spool.
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 HPT stage 2 disk.......... 8 work-hours x $85 $459,473 (average pro- $460,153 $460,153
per hour = $680. rated cost of part).
[[Page 55321]]
Replace HPT stage 1 disk.......... 8 work-hours x $85 $867,041 (average pro- 867,721 0
per hour = $680. rated cost of part).
Replace stages 7-9 compressor 8 work-hours x $85 $442,204 (average pro- 442,884 0
rotor spool. per hour = $680. rated cost of part).
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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:
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-2022-0989; Project
Identifier AD-2022-00468-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 GE90-90B, GE90-94B,
GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan engines with an installed
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or
stages 7-9 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] TP09SE22.047
[[Page 55322]]
(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 that certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and
stages 7-9 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 uncontained
failure of certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages
7-9 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 400 flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk,
and stages 7-9 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, and stages
7-9 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages
7-9 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, ``affected engines not in
service'' are affected 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
1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 7-9 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#0f4e414a224e4b224e42404c4f696e6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6e7e8e38be7e28be7ebe9e5e6c0c7c788c1c9d0">[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#f1b09d94899498dfa5dfbc9083808494949fb1979090df969e87"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9e8c5ccd1ccc087fd87e4c8dbd8dcccccc7e9cfc8c887cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 29, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19400 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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