Rule2023-27092
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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
December 11, 2023
Effective
January 16, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP- 1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2 (LEAP-1B) 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) and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool were manufactured from material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion. This AD requires replacing certain HPT stage 1 disks and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool. 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 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 85836-85838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27092]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1216; Project Identifier AD-2023-00502-E;
Amendment 39-22614; AD 2023-23-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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) Model LEAP-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25,
LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-
1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2 (LEAP-1B) 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) and
a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool were manufactured from
material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron
inclusion. This AD requires replacing certain HPT stage 1 disks and a
certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 16,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1216; 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#2d4c5b444c59444243034b414848595e585d5d425f596d4a48034e4240"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7617001f17021f191858101a131302050306061904023611135815191b">[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> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1216.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(781) 238-7743; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b765e535f5215775a565542527b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82cfe7eae6ebaccee3efecfbebc2e4e3e3ace5edf4">[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 CFM International, S.A.
(CFM) Model LEAP-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28,
LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and
LEAP-1B28BBJ2 engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
July 24, 2023 (88 FR 47404). The NPRM was prompted by a manufacturer
investigation that detected iron inclusion in three non-LEAP-1B HPT
rotor disks. Further investigation determined that the iron inclusion
is attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process. The
manufacturer also determined that certain LEAP-1B HPT stage 1 disks and
a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool 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 and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of certain HPT
stage 1 disks and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool and also
prohibit installation of an HPT stage 1 disk 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
The FAA received comments from five commenters. Commenters included
CFM International, United Air Lines (United), The Boeing Company
(Boeing), Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and Lynx
Air (Lynx). United, Boeing, and ALPA supported the NPRM without change.
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM from CFM and
Lynx and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Update Service Information
CFM advised that updated service information for replacement of the
HPT Stage 1 disks and high-pressure compressor (HPC) Stage 6-10 spool
has been published. This updated service information provides certain
corrections, identifies Required by Compliance annotations, and updated
cost information to adequately address this unsafe condition. CFM
recommends the latest revision to be utilized in this final rule.
The FAA agrees with CFM's recommendation to utilize the updated
[[Page 85837]]
service information and has updated this final rule to reflect the
service information that is to be incorporated by reference in this
final rule.
Request To Issue Separate AD Actions
Lynx stated that the reference of HPC Stage 6-10 spool should be
removed from the manufacturer service information; and additional
removal instruction should be provided to address the unsafe condition
as it pertains to this affected part. Lynx pointed out that issuing a
single AD addressing HPC Stage 6-10 spools and HPT Stage 1 disks, could
cause a certain level of uncertainty when maintaining maintenance
records and incorporating these applicable engines into the operator's
maintenance programs. Lynx suggested separate ADs should be issued to
minimize the risk of confusion as it pertains to ensuring this unsafe
condition has been addressed on these engines.
The FAA disagrees with the request to require the manufacturer to
revise their service information and issue separate ADs for each
affected part. Since the applicability, unsafe condition, required
action, and corrective action, are consistent among the affected parts
and the FAA has determined that the content of the service bulletin
addresses the unsafe condition, there is no need for separate service
bulletins or separate ADs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 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 any 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 Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-
D, Issue 002, dated September 5, 2023. This service information
identifies the part numbers and serial numbers of HPT stage 1 disks and
a compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool with potentially reduced material
properties and specifies procedures for replacement of these parts.
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 section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 39 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. These 39 engines require replacement of the
HPT stage 1 disk. The FAA estimates that there are no engines installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry that require replacement of the
compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool.
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.......... 8 work-hours x $85 $215,635 (pro-rated). $216,315 $8,436,285
per hour = $680.
Replace compressor rotor stages 6- 8 work-hours x $85 $37,660 (pro-rated).. 38,340 0
10 spool. 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:
2023-23-12 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22614; Docket No.
FAA-2023-1216; Project Identifier AD-2023-00502-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 16, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-
1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-1B28B1, LEAP-
1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, and LEAP-1B28BBJ2
engines.
[[Page 85838]]
(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 high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1
disks (HPT stage 1 disks) and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10
spool were manufactured from material suspected to have reduced
material properties due to iron inclusion. The FAA is issuing this
AD to prevent fracture and subsequent uncontained failure of certain
HPT stage 1 disks and a certain compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool.
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 having a part
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Compliance,
paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through 2, of CFM Service Bulletin (SB)
LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated September 5, 2023
(CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D, Issue 2): At the next piece-
part exposure of the HPT stage 1 disk, or before exceeding the
applicable cycles since new (CSN) threshold identified in
Compliance, paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through 2, of CFM SB LEAP-1B-
72-00-0392-01A-930A-D, Issue 2, 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 from service and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(2) For engines with an installed compressor rotor stages 6-10
spool having a P/N and S/N identified in Compliance, paragraph 3.E.,
Table 3, of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D, Issue 2: At the
next piece-part exposure of the compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool,
or before exceeding the applicable CSN threshold identified in
Compliance, paragraph 3.E., Table 3, of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-
01A-930A-D, Issue 2, 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 compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool 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 or compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool that
does not have a P/N and S/N identified in Compliance, paragraph
3.E., Tables 1 through 3 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D,
Issue 2.
(i) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT stage
1 disk or compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool that has a P/N and S/N
identified in Compliance, paragraph 3.E., Tables 1 through 3 of CFM
SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D, Issue 2 on any engine.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed prior to
the effective date of this AD by following the Accomplishment
Instructions specified in CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-01A-930A-D,
Issue 001, dated March 7, 2023.
(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)(1) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d4c4348204c49204c40424e4d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc3c8a0ccc9a0ccc0c2cecdebececa3eae2fb">[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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7743; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f499919c909dda9895999a8d9db4929595da939b82">[email protected]</a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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) CFM International, S.A. Service Bulletin LEAP-1B-72-00-0392-
01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated September 5, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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#dcbdaab5bda8b5b3b2f2bab0b9b9a8afa9acacb3aea89cbbb9f2bfb3b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0c1d6c9c1d4c9cfce8ec6ccc5c5d4d3d5d0d0cfd2d4e0c7c58ec3cfcd">[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 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#8ee8fca0e7e0fdfeebedfae7e1e0cee0effcefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e382c7037302d2e3b3d2a3731301e303f2c3f70393128">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-27092 Filed 12-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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