Rule2022-27835
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
December 22, 2022
Effective
January 26, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. This 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 AD requires replacement of the affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. 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 245 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 245 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78513-78515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-27835]
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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;
Amendment 39-22276; AD 2022-25-20]
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 and GEnx-2B model
turbofan engines. This 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 AD requires replacement of the affected HPT stage 2
disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 26, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
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-2022-0978; 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 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#6d2c0108150804433943200c1f1c180808032d0b0c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ecad8089948985c2b8c2a18d9e9d99898982ac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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 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), GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-
2B67/P (GEnx-2B) model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on September 9, 2022 (87 FR 55328). The NPRM was
prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that 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. 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. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require replacement of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward
seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools with parts eligible for
installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from four commenters. The commenters were
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), American Airlines,
GE Aviation, and The Boeing Company (Boeing). ALPA, American Airlines,
and Boeing supported the proposed AD without change. GE Aviation
requested a change to the proposed AD. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
[[Page 78514]]
Request To Add Alternate Part Numbers to AD Applicability
GE Aviation requested that the FAA add alternate part numbers (P/
Ns) to Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. GE Aviation explained that
the forward seal and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool may have
reworked P/Ns that occur after entry into service. While the P/Ns
provided in the NPRM are the best information available as to current
P/Ns, GE requested that the FAA add certain alternate P/Ns to Table 1
to paragraph (c), Applicability, of this final rule to ensure
compliance.
The FAA agrees for the reasons provided and has revised Table 1 to
paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD as requested by GE Aviation.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 0 engines installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry require replacement of the forward seal
or HPT stage 2 disk.
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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Replace stages 6-10 compressor 8 work-hours x $85 per $846,519 (pro- $847,199 $2,541,597
rotor spool. hour = $680. rated).
Replace forward seal............. 8 work-hours x $85 per 364,558 (pro-rated) 365,238 0
hour = $680.
Replace HPT stage 2 disk......... 8 work-hours x $85 per 363,424 (pro-rated) 364,104 0
hour = $680.
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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:
2022-25-20 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22276; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0978; Project Identifier AD-2022-00460-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 26, 2023.
(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.
[[Page 78515]]
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Affected HPT Stage 2 Disks, Forward Seals, and
Stages 6-10 Compressor Rotor Spools
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part name P/N S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HPT stage 2 disk................ 2300M84P02 TMT4AF08
TMT4AF10
TMT4AF11
TMT4AF12
Forward seal.................... 2417M60P02 VOLF1931
or VOLF1933
2759M04P01 VOLF1942
...................... VOLF1977
...................... VOLF1993
...................... VOLF2014
Stages 6-10 compressor rotor 2357M30G02 GWN0R86N
spool. or
2340M36G01
Stages 6-10 compressor rotor 2439M35G01 GWN0RCKT
spool. or GWN0R62G
2610M90G01 GWN0R86J
...................... GWN0R5EK
...................... GWN0R6EH
...................... GWN0R7K1
...................... GWN0R89A
Stages 6-10 compressor rotor 2439M35G02 GWN0RA89
spool. GWN0R6K9
...................... GWN0R7G9
...................... GWN0R7K4
...................... GWN0R752
...................... GWN0R98P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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 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 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#ca8b848fe78b8ee78b8785898aacababe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85c4cbc0a8c4c1a8c4c8cac6c5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[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#5e1f323b263b37700a70133f2c2f2b3b3b301e383f3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7d5059445955126812715d4e4d495959527c5a5d5d125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on December 2, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-27835 Filed 12-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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