Rule2023-10763
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
May 19, 2023
Effective
June 23, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP- 1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A (LEAP-1A) model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disks (HPT stage 1 disks), forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools were manufactured from material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion. This AD requires replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 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 88 Issue 97 (Friday, May 19, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 97 (Friday, May 19, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32092-32094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10763]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0653; Project Identifier AD-2023-00280-E;
Amendment 39-22429; AD 2023-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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
CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP-
1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30,
LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A (LEAP-1A) model
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation
that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1
disks (HPT stage 1 disks), forward outer seals, and compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spools were manufactured from material suspected to have
reduced material properties due to iron inclusion. This AD requires
replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and
compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 23, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 23,
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-2023-0653; 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 service information identified in this final rule,
contact CFM International, S.A., GE Aviation Fleet Support, 1 Neumann
Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fc9d8a959d88959392d29a909999888f898c8c938e88bc9b99d29f9391"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="204156494154494f4e0e464c454554535550504f52546047450e434f4d">[email protected]</span></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-2023-0653.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7743; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b361e131f1255371a161502123b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b664e434f4205674a464552426b4d4a4a054c445d">[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 all CFM LEAP-1A model
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March
24, 2023 (88 FR 17753). The NPRM was prompted by notification from the
manufacturer that iron inclusion was detected in three non-LEAP-1A HPT
rotor disks. 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 CFM LEAP-1A HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and
compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools 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 subsequent uncontained failure of certain HPT stage 1 disks,
forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools. In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of certain HPT stage 1
disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools.
The FAA also proposed to prohibit installation of an HPT stage 1 disk,
forward outer seal, or compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool that has a
part number and serial number identified in the service information
onto any engine. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment, from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA). ALPA supported the NPRM without change.
[[Page 32093]]
Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule
Since the NPRM published, the FAA determined the need to change a
part name in the final rule from ``stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool''
to ``compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool,'' to make the nomenclature
consistent with the service information. The FAA has revised this final
rule to incorporate this change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes,
including the change described above and a change to the contact
address for service information, this AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM. 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 service information issued by CFM,
which identify the part numbers and serial numbers of HPT stage 1
disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools
with potentially reduced material properties and specify procedures for
replacement of these parts. These documents are distinct since they
apply to different engine serial numbers.
<bullet> Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D, Issue 003,
dated March 3, 2023.
<bullet> Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D, Issue 002,
dated November 17, 2022.
<bullet> Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D, Issue 001,
dated March 7, 2023.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 38 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
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 HPT stage 1 disk (38 8 work-hours x $85 $215,635 (pro-rated). $216,315 $8,219,970
affected parts). per hour = $680.
Replace forward outer seal (24 8 work-hours x $85 $47,500 (pro-rated).. 48,180 1,156,320
affected parts). per hour = $680.
Replace compressor rotor stages 6- 8 work-hours x $85 $37,660 (pro-rated).. 38,340 575,100
10 spool (15 affected parts). per 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:
2023-09-06 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22429; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0653; Project Identifier AD-2023-00280-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1A23,
LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-
1A29, LEAP-1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, and
LEAP-1A35A model turbofan engines.
(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, forward outer seals, and
compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools were manufactured from material
suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion.
The FAA is issuing this AD to
[[Page 32094]]
prevent fracture and subsequent uncontained failure of certain high-
pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and
compressor rotor stages 6-10 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) For engines with an installed HPT stage 1 disk, forward
outer seal, or compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool having a part
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Compliance,
paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through 9, of CFM Service Bulletin (SB)
LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated March 7, 2023 (CFM
SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D): At the next piece-part exposure
of the HPT stage 1 disk, forward outer seal, or compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spool, as applicable, or before exceeding the applicable
cycles since new (CSN) threshold identified in Compliance, paragraph
3.E., Tables 1 through 9, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD; or if
the applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as of the effective
date of this AD, within 50 flight cycles (FCs) from the effective
date of this AD; remove the HPT stage 1 disk, forward outer seal, or
compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool, as applicable, from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(2) For engines with an installed forward outer seal having a P/
N and S/N identified in Compliance, paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through
2, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D, Issue 003, dated March
3, 2023 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D): At the next piece-
part exposure of the forward outer seal, or before exceeding the
applicable CSN threshold identified in Compliance, paragraph 3.E.,
Tables 1 through 2, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD; or if
the applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as of the effective
date of this AD, within 50 FCs from the effective date of this AD;
remove the forward outer seal from service and replace with a part
eligible for installation.
(3) For engines with an installed HPT stage 1 disk having a P/N
and S/N identified in Compliance, paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through
2, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated
November 17, 2022 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D): At the
next piece-part exposure of the HPT stage 1 disk, or before
exceeding the applicable CSN threshold identified in Compliance,
paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through 2, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-
01A-930A-D, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this
AD; or if the applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as of the
effective date of this AD, within 50 FCs from the effective date of
this AD; remove the HPT stage 1 disk from service and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is an HPT stage 1 disk, forward outer seal, or compressor rotor
stages 6-10 spool that does not have a P/N and S/N identified in the
service information listed in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this
AD.
(i) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT stage
1 disk, forward outer seal, or compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool
that has a P/N and S/N identified in the service information listed
in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD on any engine.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Continued Operational Safety 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#63222d264e22274e222e2c20230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2b3bcb7dfb3b6dfb3bfbdb1b2949393dc959d84">[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 Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7743;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eea38b868a87c0a28f83809787ae888f8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83cee6ebe7eaadcfe2eeedfaeac3e5e2e2ade4ecf5">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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) CFM International, S.A. Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-
01A-930A-D, Issue 003, dated March 3, 2023.
(ii) CFM International, S.A. Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-
0493-01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated November 17, 2022.
(iii) CFM International, S.A. Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-
0496-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated March 7, 2023.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM
International, S.A., GE Aviation Fleet Support, 1 Neumann Way, M/D
Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c4d5a454d58454342024a404949585f595c5c435e586c4b49024f4341"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f1e09161e0b1610115119131a1a0b0c0a0f0f100d0b3f181a511c1012">[email protected]</span></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#2e485c0047405d5e4b4d5a4741406e404f5c4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3452461a5d5a47445157405d5b5a745a5546551a535b42">[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 May 8, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10763 Filed 5-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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