Rule2023-02512
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
February 7, 2023
Effective
March 14, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C1, CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34- 8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A3, CF34-8E2, CF34-8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34- 8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6, and CF34-8E6A1 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a predicted reduction in the cyclic life of the combustion chamber assembly aft flange. This AD requires revisions to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate initial and repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the combustion chamber assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7859-7862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02512]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0766; Project Identifier 2019-NE-23-AD; Amendment
39-22312; AD 2023-02-05]
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 all
General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C1, CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-
8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A3, CF34-8E2, CF34-8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34-
8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6, and CF34-8E6A1 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by a predicted reduction in the cyclic life of the
combustion chamber assembly aft flange. This AD requires revisions to
the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine
manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate initial and
repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the combustion
chamber assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 14, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 14,
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-2019-0766; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For GE 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#503126393124393f3e7e363c353524232520203f2224106c3170382235366d" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@<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. It is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2019-0766.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#277444485353096a097453425142495448496741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2a1919d8686dcbfdca1869784979c819d9cb2949393dc959d84">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 7860]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GE
CF34-8C1, CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5B1, CF34-C5A2, CF34-8C5A3,
CF34-8E2, CF34-8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34-8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6, and
CF34-8E6A1 (CF34-8C and GE CF34-8E) model turbofan engines, including
engine models marked on the engine data plate as CF34-8C5/B, CF34-8C5/
M, CF34-8C5A1/B, CF34-8C5A1/M, CF34-8C5B1/B, CF34-8C5A2/B, and CF34-
8C5A2/M. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on October 07,
2022 (87 FR 60944). The SNPRM was prompted by a predicted reduction in
the cyclic life of the combustion chamber assembly aft flange. As a
result, the manufacturer incorporated temporary revisions (TRs) into
the GE CF34-8C and GE CF34-8E EMs for a scheduled maintenance check. In
the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to require revisions to the ALS of the
existing EM and the operator's existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate initial and
repetitive FPIs of the combustion chamber assembly. 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 three commenters. The commenters
were Horizon Air, Japan Airlines (JAL), and SkyWest Airlines (SkyWest).
The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Replace ``ESM'' Reference With ``EM'' Reference
Horizon Air requested that the FAA replace all references of
``ESM'' with ``EM'' in this final rule. Horizon Air reasoned that the
SNPRM only defines the acronym ``EM,'' and both acronyms are used
interchangeably in the SNPRM.
The FAA clarifies that the reference to ``ESM'' is not an acronym
defined by the FAA in the proposed AD and used interchangeably with
``EM.'' ``ESM'' is part of GE's chapter title within each task
reference and must be used for an accurate reference. The FAA did not
change this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Add the Date of the Task in Paragraph (g)(3)
Horizon Air requested that the FAA include the task revision date
for ``TASK 05-21-03-200-801,'' referenced in paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of
the SNPRM. Horizon Air reasoned that adding the task revision date
would make the wording consistent with the dates of the tasks in
paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (2)(ii) of the SNPRM.
The FAA established a shorthand notation in paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of
the SNPRM, which contains the full citation, including the task
revision date, followed by the shorthand notation ``TASK 05-21-03-200-
801.'' The FAA then used the established shorthand notation to
reference the task in paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of the SNPRM. The FAA did
not change this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Revise Paragraph (g)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (3)(ii) of the AD
Horizon Air requested that the FAA revise paragraphs (g)(1)(ii),
(2)(ii), and (3)(ii) of the AD, as those paragraphs do not clearly
include that performance of the inspection within 2,200 cycles from the
effective date of this AD is only applicable to those combustion
chamber assemblies that have exceeded the inspection threshold
specified in the tables referenced in TASK 05-21-03-200-801. Similarly,
JAL requested that the FAA revise paragraph (g)(1)(ii) for the same
reasons articulated by Horizon Air.
In response to these comments, the FAA has revised the language in
paragraphs (g)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (3)(ii) of this AD to clarify that
where the notes to Tables 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805, included in TASK
05-21-03-200-801, specify to perform the inspection within 2,200 cycles
from the issuance date of the TR, this AD requires performing the
inspection within 2,200 cycles from the effective date of this AD. The
FAA further clarifies that the notes are part of the task, and
therefore, has removed ``including the notes.''
Request To Correct an Incorrect Reference to a Task in Paragraph
(g)(2)(i)
SkyWest requested that the FAA correct an incorrect reference in
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. SkyWest noted that Table 802 does not
exist in TASK 05-11-25-200-801, which is specific to GE CF34-8C5 model
turbofan engines with/B minor model designation.
In response to this comment, the FAA has revised paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this AD from ``Table 801 in TASK 05-11-05-200-801 and
Table 802 in TASK 05-11-25-200-801, dated November 3, 2020, from ESM
05-11-25 Static Structures--BJ Life Limits (TASK 05-11-25-200-801)'' to
``Tables 801 (for -8C1) and 802 (for -8C5) in TASK 05-11-05-200-801,
dated March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-11-05 Static Structures--Life Limits
(TASK 05-11-05-200-801).''
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 SNPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following tasks:
<bullet> TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-
11-05 Static Structures--Life Limits, of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091, Rev
51, dated April 1, 2022;
<bullet> TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-
11-05 Static Structures--Life Limits, of GE CF34-8E EM GEK112031, Rev
43, dated April 1, 2022; and
<bullet> TASK 05-11-25-200-801, dated November 3, 2020, from ESM
05-11-25 Static Structures--BJ Life Limits, of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091,
Rev 51, dated April 1, 2022.
These tasks, differentiated by GE CF34-8 turbofan engine model,
identify the combustion chamber assembly part number, life limit
cycles, and revised inspections.
The FAA also reviewed the following tasks:
<bullet> TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM 05-
21-03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001, of GE CF34-
8C EM GEK105091, Rev 51, dated April 1, 2022; and
<bullet> TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM 05-
21-03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001, of GE CF34-
8E EM GEK112031, Rev 43, dated April 1, 2022.
These tasks, differentiated by GE CF34-8 turbofan engine model,
describe revised inspection threshold limits and re-inspection interval
limits for the combustion chamber assembly.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties
[[Page 7861]]
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 1,633 GE CF34-8C turbofan
engine models and 857 GE CF34-8E turbofan engine models installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the EM and 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $211,650
operator's existing approved hour = $85.
maintenance or inspection program (GE
CF34-8C and CF34-8E).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2023-02-05 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22312; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0766; Project Identifier 2019-NE-23-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 14, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C1, CF34-
8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A3, CF34-8E2, CF34-
8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34-8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6, and CF34-8E6A1
model turbofan engines, including engine models marked on engine
data plate as CF34-8C5/B, CF34-8C5/M, CF34-8C5A1/B, CF34-8C5A1/M,
CF34-8C5B1/B, CF34-8C5A2/B, and CF34-8C5A2/M.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine
Combustion Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a predicted reduction in the cyclic life
of the combustion chamber assembly aft flange. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the combustion chamber assembly. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in combustion
chamber assemblies failing before reaching their published life
limit, uncontained release of the combustion chamber assembly,
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine
manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the following
requirements for fluorescent penetrant inspections of the combustion
chamber assembly aft flange.
(1) For combustion chamber assemblies with part numbers (P/Ns)
4145T11G08, 4145T11G09, 4180T27G01, or 4180T27G03 installed on GE
CF34-8E model turbofan engines:
(i) Replace Table 801, Static Structures--Life Limits (Table
801), with the revised Table 801 in TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated
March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-11-05 Static Structures--Life Limits
(TASK 05-11-05-200-801), of GE CF34-8E EM GEK112031, Rev 43, dated
April 1, 2022 (GE CF34-8E EM GEK112031), and
(ii) Add TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM
05-21-03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001 (TASK
05-21-03-200-801), of GE CF34-8E EM GEK112031. Where the notes to
Tables 801 and 802, included in TASK 05-21-03-200-801 of GE CF34-8E
EM GEK112031, specify to perform the inspection within 2,200 cycles
from the issuance date of the temporary revision (TR), this AD
requires performing the inspection within 2,200 cycles from the
effective date of this AD.
(2) For combustion chamber assemblies with P/Ns 4126T87G04,
4126T87G05, 4126T87G07, 4126T87G08, 4180T27G04, 4923T82G01, or
4923T82G02 installed on GE CF34-8C1 model turbofan engines, or with
P/Ns 4145T11G08, 4145T11G10, 4180T27G02, 4180T27G04, or 4923T82G02
installed on GE CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5/M, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5A1/M,
CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A2/M, CF34-8C5A3, or CF34-8C5B1 model turbofan
engines:
(i) Replace Tables 801 (for -8C1) and 802 (for -8C5) Static
Structures--Life Limits (Table 801 and Table 802), with the revised
Tables 801 and 802 in TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated March 4, 2021,
from ESM 05-11-
[[Page 7862]]
05 Static Structures--Life Limits (TASK 05-11-05-200-801), of GE
CF34-8C EM GEK105091, Rev 51, dated April 1, 2022 (GE CF34-8C EM
GEK105091); and
(ii) Add TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM
05-21-03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001 (TASK
05-21-03-200-801), of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091. Where the notes to
Tables 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805, included in TASK 05-21-03-200-
801 of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091, specify to perform the inspection
within 2,200 cycles from the issuance date of the TR, this AD
requires performing the inspection within 2,200 cycles from the
effective date of this AD.
(3) For combustion chamber assemblies with P/Ns 4145T11G08,
4145T11G10, 4180T27G02, 4180T27G04, or 4923T82G02 installed on GE
CF34-8C5B1/B, CF34-8C5/B, CF34-8C5A1/B, or CF34-8C5A2/B model
turbofan engines:
(i) Replace Table 801 (for/B -8C5) Static Structures--Life
Limits with the revised Table 801 in TASK 05-11-25-200-801, of GE
CF34-8C EM GEK105091; and
(ii) Add TASK-05-21-03-200-801, of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091.
Where the notes to Tables 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805, included in
TASK 05-21-03-200-801 of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091, specify to perform
the inspection within 2,200 cycles from the issuance date of the TR,
this AD requires performing the inspection within 2,200 cycles from
the effective date of this AD.
(4) After performing the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)
through (3) of this AD, except as provided in paragraph (i) of this
AD, no alternative life limits may be approved.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for revising the ALS of the existing EM and
the operator's existing approved maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD
if the actions were completed before the effective date of this AD
using GE CF34-8E EM TR 05-0085, dated February 21, 2019; GE CF34-8C
TR 05-0141, dated February 21, 2019; GE CF34-8C TR 05-0143, dated
February 13, 2019; GE CF34-8E TR 05-0086, dated February 13, 2019;
or GE CF34-8C TR 05-0142, dated February 13, 2019.
(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 it to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ce8f808be38f8ae38f83818d8ea8afafe0a9a1b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a1b141f771b1e771b1715191a3c3b3b743d352c">[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 Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7132; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91c2f2fee5e5bfdcbfc2e5f4e7f4ffe2feffd1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="471424283333690a691433223122293428290721262669202831">[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) TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-11-
05 Static Structures--Life Limits, of GE CF34-8C EM GEK105091, Rev
51, dated April 1, 2022.
(ii) TASK 05-11-05-200-801, dated March 4, 2021, from ESM 05-11-
05 Static Structures--Life Limits, of GE CF34-8E EM GEK112031, Rev
43, dated April 1, 2022.
(iii) TASK 05-11-25-200-801, dated November 3, 2020, from ESM
05-11-25 Static Structures--BJ Life Limits, of GE CF34-8C EM
GEK105091, Rev 51, dated April 1, 2022.
(iv) TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM 05-21-
03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001, of GE CF34-
8C EM GEK105091, Rev 51, dated April 1, 2022.
(v) TASK 05-21-03-200-801, dated April 1, 2019, from ESM 05-21-
03 Airworthiness Limitations--Mandatory Inspection 001, of GE CF34-
8E EM GEK112031, Rev 43, dated April 1, 2022.
(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#214057484055484e4f0f474d444455525451514e5355611d4001495344471c" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@<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#c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa9c88d49394898a9f998e939594ba949b889bd49d958c">[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 January 19, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02512 Filed 2-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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