Proposed Rule2024-04870
Airworthiness Directives; CFE 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
March 8, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFE Company (CFE) Model CFE738-1-1B engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This proposed AD would require replacement of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 47 (Friday, March 8, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 47 (Friday, March 8, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16710-16712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-04870]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0461; Project Identifier AD-2023-00994-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFE Company Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain CFE Company (CFE) Model CFE738-1-1B engines. This proposed
AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks were manufactured
from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This
proposed AD would require replacement of affected HPT stage 1 and stage
2 disks with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 22,
2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0461; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
CFE Company, 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-2802; phone:
(800) 601-3099; website: <a href="https://www.myaerospace.com">https://www.myaerospace.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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(781) 238-7178; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#76171a130e131f5802581b170407031313183610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ed8c8188958884c399c3808c9f9c98888883ad8b8c8cc38a829b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
[[Page 16711]]
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0461; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00994-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA was notified by the manufacturer that certain HPT stage 1
and HPT stage 2 disks. installed on certain CFE738-1-1B model engines
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 and may cause reduced material properties and a lower fatigue
life capability, which may result in structural failure. The
manufacturer also informed the FAA that additional risk assessments
determined that there were no failed events associated with the
discovery of this iron inclusion material, however concluded that
replacement of the affected HPT stage 1 and HPT stage 2 disks is
necessary.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained
debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed CFE Service Bulletin (SB) CFE738-72-A8082, dated
July 4, 2023 (CFE738-72-A8082), which specifies the affected part and
serial numbers of the HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks and specifies
replacement instructions for these affected 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require replacement of certain HPT stage 1
and HPT stage 2 disks with parts eligible for installation.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 29 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
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 per $78,797 $79,477 $1,986,925
hour = $680.
Replace HPT stage 2 disk.............. 8 work-hours x $85 per 56,268 56,948 227,792
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator,
[[Page 16712]]
the FAA proposes to amend 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:
CFE Company: Docket No. FAA-2024-0461; Project Identifier AD-2023-
00994-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 22, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFE Company (CFE) Model CFE738-1-1B engines
with an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk or HPT
stage 2 disk with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N)
identified in Section 1. Planning Information, paragraph E.
Compliance, Tables 2 and 3, of CFE Service Bulletin (SB) CFE738-72-
A8082, dated July 4, 2023 (CFE SB CFE738-72-A8082).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed certain HPT stage 1 disks and HPT stage 2 disks were
manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron
inclusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent premature fracture
and consequent uncontained failure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, 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
At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2)
of this AD, remove each affected HPT stage 1 disk and HPT stage 2
disk from service and replace with a part eligible for installation,
in accordance with steps (1) through (9) in paragraph B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of CFE SB CFE738-72-A8082.
(1) For affected HPT stage 1 disks, at the next piece part
exposure or before exceeding 2,450 cycles since new (CSN), whichever
occurs first.
(2) For affected HPT stage 2 disks, at the next piece part
exposure or before exceeding 2,930 CSN, whichever occurs first.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD:
(1) A ``part eligible for installation'' is any HPT stage 1 disk
or HPT stage 2 disk with a P/N and S/N that is not identified in
Section 1. Planning Information, paragraph E. Compliance, Tables 2
and 3, of CFE SB CFE738-72-A8082.
(2) ``Piece-part exposure'' is when the affected part is removed
from the engine.
(i) 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 (j) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#befff0fb93fffa93fff3f1fdfed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c3d3239513d38513d31333f3c1a1d1d521b130a">[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 Alexei Marqueen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Steet, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7178; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e1f121b061b17500a50131f0c0f0b1b1b103e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8cede0e9f4e9e5a2f8a2e1edfefdf9e9e9e2cceaededa2ebe3fa">[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) CFE Service Bulletin (SB) CFE738-72-A8082, dated July 4,
2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFE
Company, 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-2802; phone:
(800) 601-3099; website: <a href="https://www.myaerospace.com">https://www.myaerospace.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#c2a4b0ecabacb1b2a7a1b6abadac82aca3b0a3eca5adb4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ee8fca0e7e0fdfeebedfae7e1e0cee0effcefa0e9e1f8">[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 March 1, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-04870 Filed 3-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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