Rule2023-24386
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company 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
November 6, 2023
Effective
December 11, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-03-13 for certain General Electric Company (GE) Model CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7- 7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 engines. AD 2018-03-13 required initial and repetitive visual inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the main propeller shaft. This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of a main propeller shaft on a GE Model CT7-9B engine, resulting in the loss of the propeller. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft. Depending on the results of these inspections, this AD requires replacement of the main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating action to these inspections, this AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (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. 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 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76117-76122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24386]
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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;
Amendment 39-22579; AD 2023-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-03-13
for certain General Electric Company (GE) Model CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-
7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 engines. AD
2018-03-13 required initial and repetitive visual inspections and
fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the main propeller shaft.
This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of a main propeller shaft
on a GE Model CT7-9B engine, resulting in the loss of the propeller.
This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and
ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft. Depending on
the results of these inspections, this AD requires replacement of the
main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating action to these
inspections, this AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations
section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (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. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 11, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
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 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#7f1e09161e0b1610115119131a1a0b0c0a0f0f100d0b3f1e1a51431e5f170d1a1942" 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. It is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1314.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-
7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d6e48535a50521379137e55527d5b5c5c135a524b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a391f040d0705442e442902052a0c0b0b440d051c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186
(83 FR 6125, February 13, 2018) (AD 2018-03-13). AD 2018-03-13 applied
to certain GE Model CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1,
CT7-9B2, CT7-9C and CT7-9C3 engines. The SNPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 11, 2023 (88 FR 44068). The SNPRM was prompted by a
comment from GE Aerospace on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
GE Aerospace stated that certain engine models were included in
incorrect Figures within the Required Actions paragraph of the NPRM,
which would attribute inaccurate inspection thresholds to those engine
models. Therefore, the FAA issued the SNPRM with a revision to Figures
1 and 2 to include the correct engine models. The FAA also updated the
affected engine models listed in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of the
SNPRM to correspond with the corrected engine models referenced in
Figures 1 and 2.
In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to require initial and repetitive
visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft.
Depending on the results of these inspections, the SNPRM proposed to
require replacing the main propeller shaft. As an optional terminating
action to these inspections, the SNPRM proposed to 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from one commenter, GE Aerospace. The
following presents the comment received on the SNPRM and the FAA's
response to that comment.
Request To Remove Typographical Error From SNPRM
GE noted that there is a typological [typographical] error in the
``Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM'' paragraph of the SNPRM in
which the words ``at least'' are repeated in succession.
The FAA agrees, however, the ``Proposed AD Requirements in This
SNPRM'' paragraph is not included in this Final Rule. The FAA did not
change this AD as a result of this comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any 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 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 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 the ADDRESSES section.
[[Page 76118]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 176 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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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 perform the optional
terminating action or to do any necessary replacement that would be
required based on the results of the inspections. The agency has no way
of determining the number of operators that will perform the optional
terminating action or engines that might need this replacement:
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 has determined that 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:
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:
2023-21-07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22579; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1314; Project Identifier AD-2021-00811-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 11,
2023.
(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) Model CT7-5A2,
CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-
9C3 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 Model CT7-9B model 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
cause 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, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, and CT7-9B2
model 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] TR06NO23.056
(2) For affected CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 model
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.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06NO23.057
(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).
[[Page 76120]]
(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
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.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06NO23.058
(2) For affected CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3
model 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.
[[Page 76121]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06NO23.059
(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 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 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 there was no crack
or rejectable indication.
(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, AIR-520 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 AIR-520 Continued
Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email it to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#15545b503854513854585a56557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e7f707b137f7a137f73717d7e585f5f10595148">[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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: (781) 238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87d4f2e9e0eae8a9c3a9c4efe8c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aaf9dfc4cdc7c584ee84e9c2c5eacccbcb84cdc5dc">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 76122]]
(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) General Electric Company (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#6302150a02170a0c0d4d050f060617101613130c11172302064d5f02430b1106055e" 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef899dc186819c9f8a8c9b868081af818e9d8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="177165397e7964677274637e7879577976657639707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-24386 Filed 11-3-23; 8:45 am]
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