Proposed Rule2022-23385
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turboprop Engines
Primary source
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Published
November 1, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-03-13, which applies to certain General Electric Company (GE) CT7- 5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 model turboprop engines. AD 2018-03-13 requires initial and repetitive visual inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the main propeller shaft. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-03-13, the manufacturer detected two additional cracks on a main propeller shaft during its ongoing investigation and subsequently published service information that introduced reduced inspection thresholds for initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and added initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft. Additionally, the manufacturer revised the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the maintenance manual (MM) to incorporate initial and repetitive USIs to inspect for cracks on the main propeller shaft. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft. Depending on the results of these inspections, this proposed AD would require replacement of the main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating action to these inspections, this proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing MM and the operator's existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the tasks and reduced inspection thresholds for the main propeller shaft. 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 210 (Tuesday, November 1, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 210 (Tuesday, November 1, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65694-65700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23385]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1314; Project Identifier AD-2021-00811-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turboprop
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2018-03-13, which applies to certain General Electric Company (GE) CT7-
5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and
CT7-9C3 model turboprop engines. AD 2018-03-13 requires initial and
repetitive visual inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections
(FPIs) of the main propeller shaft. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-03-13,
the manufacturer detected two additional cracks on a main propeller
shaft during its ongoing investigation and subsequently published
service information that introduced reduced inspection thresholds for
initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and added initial and
repetitive ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft.
Additionally, the manufacturer revised the airworthiness limitations
section (ALS) of the maintenance manual (MM) to incorporate initial and
repetitive USIs to inspect for cracks on the main propeller shaft. This
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections,
FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft. Depending on the results of
these inspections, this proposed AD would require replacement of the
main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating action to these
inspections, this proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the
existing MM and the operator's existing approved maintenance program or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the tasks and reduced
inspection thresholds for the main propeller shaft. 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 December
16, 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://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1314; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For GE 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#92f3e4fbf3e6fbfdfcbcf4fef7f7e6e1e7e2e2fde0e6d2f3f7bcaef3b2fae0f7f4af" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@ae.<a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</a></a>; website:
<a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</a>.
<bullet> 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ccfe9f2fbf1f3b2d8b2dff4f3dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5003253e373d3f7e147e13383f103631317e373f26">[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-2022-1314; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00811-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
the 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
[[Page 65695]]
<a href="http://regulations.gov">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
Sungmo Cho, 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 issued AD 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186 (83 FR 6125,
February 13, 2018) (AD 2018-03-13), for certain GE CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3,
CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 model
turboprop engines with main propeller shaft, part number 77581-11,
installed. AD 2018-03-13 was prompted by an in-flight failure of a main
propeller shaft on a GE CT7-9B model turboprop engine, resulting in the
loss of the propeller. The manufacturer determined the failure of the
main propeller shaft was caused by cracks initiating from undiscovered
corrosion in the dowel pin holes on the flange of the main propeller
shaft. AD 2018-03-13 requires visually inspecting the main propeller
shaft for wear, corrosion, and cracking and performing FPI for cracks.
The agency issued AD 2018-03-13 to prevent failure of the main
propeller shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in in-flight loss of the propeller, loss of engine thrust control, and
damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2018-03-13 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2018-03-13, the manufacturer detected two
additional cracks on a main propeller shaft during its ongoing
investigation and subsequently published service information that
introduced reduced inspection thresholds for initial and repetitive
visual inspections, FPIs, and added initial and repetitive USIs of the
main propeller shaft. Additionally, the manufacturer revised the ALS of
the MM to incorporate initial and repetitive USIs to inspect for cracks
on the main propeller shaft.
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 Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE Service Bulletin (SB) CT7-TP 72-0541 R01, dated
November 18, 2021 (GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541). This service information
specifies procedures for performing initial and repetitive visual
inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2018-
03-13. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual
inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft. Depending on
the results of these inspections, this proposed AD would require
replacement of the main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating
action to these inspections, this proposed AD would require revising
the ALS of the existing MM and the operator's existing approved
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate incorporating the tasks and reduced inspection thresholds
for the main propeller shaft. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at
least at least a private pilot certificate may revise the ALS of the
existing MM, and the owner/operator must enter compliance with the
applicable paragraphs of the AD into the aircraft records in accordance
with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 14 CFR 121.380, or 14 CFR
135.439. This is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance
regulations.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541 uses the term ``UTI,'' while this proposed AD
uses the term ``USI.''
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 176 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
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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Visually inspect, FPI, and USI the 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $29,920
main propeller shaft. hour = $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacement:
[[Page 65696]]
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace the main propeller shaft.............. 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $48,360 $49,040
$680.
Revise the ALS of the MM...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85
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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 that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186 (83
FR 6125, February 13, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-1314; Project
Identifier AD-2021-00811-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by December 16, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186 (83 FR 6125,
February 13, 2018).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CT7-5A2, CT7-
5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3
model turboprop engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7210, Turbine Engine
Reduction Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of a main propeller
shaft on a GE CT7-9B model turboprop engine, resulting in the loss
of the propeller. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the main propeller shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in in-flight loss of the propeller, loss of engine
thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For affected CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, and CT7-7A1 model
turboprop engines, using the compliance times specified in Figure 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform initial and repetitive
visual inspections, fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs), and
ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP01NO22.046
(2) For affected CT7-9B, CT7-B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3
model turboprop engines, using the compliance times specified in
Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, perform initial and
repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller
shaft.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP01NO22.047
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[[Page 65698]]
(3) Perform the visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD as follows:
(i) Prior to performance of the inspections, clean the main
propeller shaft flange using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B., of GE Service Bulletin (SB) CT7-TP 72-0541 R01,
dated November 18, 2021 (GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541).
(ii) Visually inspect the main propeller shaft for wear,
corrosion, and cracking using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.C.(1), of GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541.
(iii) Spot-FPI the area on the main propeller shaft flange face
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(2)(a), of GE
SB CT7-TP 72-0541.
(iv) USI the two dowel pin holes of the main propeller shaft
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(3)(a), of GE
SB CT7-TP 72-0541.
(4) If a crack or rejectable indication is found during the
initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, or USIs required by
paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD, before further flight,
remove the main propeller shaft from service and replace it with a
part eligible for installation.
(5) For all affected engines, if the main propeller shaft CSN is
unknown, use the propeller gearbox (PGB) CSN. If the PGB CSN is
unknown, assume the inspection threshold is exceeded.
(h) Optional Terminating Action
Accomplishing the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) through (4) of
this AD, as applicable by engine model, constitutes terminating
action for the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3)
of this AD.
(1) For affected CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, and CT7-7A1 model
turboprop engines, revise the airworthiness limitations section
(ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) and the operator's
existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as
applicable, by incorporating the information in Figure 3 to
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP01NO22.048
[[Page 65699]]
(2) For affected CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3
model turboprop engines, revise the ALS of the existing MM and the
operator's existing approved maintenance program or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating the information in Figure 4
to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP01NO22.049
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
(3) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (k) of this AD,
no alternative inspection times or intervals may be approved for
this main propeller shaft.
(4) The optional terminating actions in paragraphs (h)(1) and
(2) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The
record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 14 CFR
121.380, or 14 CFR 135.439.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is a main propeller shaft that has been inspected in accordance with
paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) and (3) of this AD, and a crack or
rejectable indication was not found.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial visual inspection, FPI, and
USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD if you
performed these initial inspections before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541 R00, dated September
9, 2021.
(k) 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
[[Page 65700]]
identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email it to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b5a555e365a5f365a5654585b7d7a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="13525d563e52573e525e5c50537572723d747c65">[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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation
Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c0f29323b31337218721f34331c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abf8dec5ccc6c485ef85e8c3c4ebcdcaca85ccc4dd">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 CT7-TP 72-0541 R01, dated November 18,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For GE 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#2d4c5b444c59444243034b414848595e585d5d425f596d4c4803114c0d455f484b10" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@ae.<a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</a></a>;
website: <a href="http://ge.com">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#a9cfdb87c0c7dad9cccaddc0c6c7e9c7c8dbc887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="771105591e1904071214031e1819371916051659101801">[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 October 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23385 Filed 10-31-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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