Proposed Rule2024-22600
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Engines
Primary source
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Published
October 2, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines. This proposed AD was prompted by an investigation of an in- flight shut down event that determined the aft arm of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor interstage seal had failed. This proposed AD would require removal from service and replacement of the HPT rotor interstage seal for LEAP-1A engines. Since the HPT rotor interstage seal part number is interchangeable between LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C, this proposed AD will also prohibit installation of these affected parts onto any LEAP-1A or LEAP-1C engine. 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 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 80155-80157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22600]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2325; Project Identifier AD-2024-00412-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. 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 CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by an investigation of an in-
flight shut down event that determined the aft arm of the high-pressure
turbine (HPT) rotor interstage seal had failed. This proposed AD would
require removal from service and replacement of the HPT rotor
interstage seal for LEAP-1A engines. Since the HPT rotor interstage
seal part number is interchangeable between LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C, this
proposed AD will also prohibit installation of these affected parts
onto any LEAP-1A or LEAP-1C engine. 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 November
18, 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-2024-2325; 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 CFM material identified in this proposed AD, contact
CFM, 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#83e2f5eae2f7eaecedade5efe6e6f7f0f6f3f3ecf1f7c3e4e6ade0ecee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5332253a32273a3c3d7d353f363627202623233c21271334367d303c3e">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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: 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#88e5ede0ece1a6e4e9e5e6f1e1c8eee9e9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e18c84898588cf8d808c8f9888a1878080cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2325;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00412-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 revise 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 Mehdi
Lamnyi, 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
On May 19, 2022, an Airbus Model A320neo airplane powered by CFM
Model LEAP-1A26 engines experienced an in-flight shutdown. Ground
inspection following the event found that several low-pressure turbine
blades had broken and metal had entered the exhaust. A manufacturer
investigation later determined that the aft arm of the HPT rotor
interstage seal had failed due to a non-conforming surface condition in
the fillet area coupled with higher-than-expected operating stress due
to friction. Three additional engines have been reported with shop
finds or failure of the aft arm of the HPT rotor interstage seal. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following CFM material:
<bullet> CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0525-01A-930A-D,
Issue 002-00, dated June 28, 2024, which provides the serial numbers
(S/Ns) of the affected HPT rotor interstage seals for LEAP-1A engines.
<bullet> CFM SB LEAP-1C-72-00-0124-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated
September 5, 2024, which provides the S/Ns of the affected HPT rotor
interstage seals that are excluded from installation onto LEAP-1C
engines.
This material also includes instructions for removal and
installation of the HPT rotor interstage seal. This material 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require removal from service and replacement
of the HPT rotor interstage seal.
[[Page 80156]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 56 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 rotor interstage seal... 12 work-hours x $85 per $195,000 $196,020 $10,977,120
hour = $1,020.
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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, 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:
CFM International, S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2024-2325; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00412-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 18, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following CFM International, S.A. (CFM)
engines:
(1) Model 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 engines.
(2) Model LEAP-1C28, LEAP-1C30, and LEAP-1C30B1 engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an investigation of an in-flight shut
down event that determined the aft arm of the high-pressure turbine
(HPT) rotor interstage seal had failed. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the HPT rotor interstage seal. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For LEAP-1A engines having an HPT rotor interstage seal
installed with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in
Table 1 of CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0525-01A-930A-D,
Issue 002-00, dated June 28, 2024 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0525-01A-
930A-D Issue 002-00), at the next engine shop visit or before
exceeding the applicable cyclic threshold in Table 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, whichever occurs first after the effective date
of this AD, remove the affected HPT rotor interstage seal from
service and replace with a part eligible for installation.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Removal Thresholds for Each Engine Model
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Engine model Removal cyclic threshold
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LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24, LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP- 11,100 cycles since new (CSN)
1A26, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP- accumulated on the affected
1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP- part.
1A33B2, and LEAP-1A35A.
LEAP-1A26CJ and LEAP-1A29CJ............. 9,700 CSN accumulated on the
affected part.
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(2) For LEAP-1A engines having an HPT rotor interstage seal
installed with a P/N and S/N listed in Table 2 of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-
00-0525-01A-930A-D Issue 002-00, at the next piece part exposure or
before exceeding the applicable cyclic threshold in Table 1 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD, remove the affected HPT rotor interstage
seal from service and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Installation Prohibition
(1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT
rotor interstage seal having a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 or
Table 2 of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0525-
[[Page 80157]]
01A-930A-D Issue 002-00, in any LEAP-1A engine.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT
rotor interstage seal having a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 of CFM
SB LEAP-1C-72-00-0124-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated September 5,
2024, in any LEAP-1C engine.
(i) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD:
(1) ``LEAP-1A engines'' are CFM Model LEAP-1A23, LEAP-1A24,
LEAP-1A24E1, LEAP-1A26, LEAP-1A26CJ, LEAP-1A26E1, LEAP-1A29, LEAP-
1A29CJ, LEAP-1A30, LEAP-1A32, LEAP-1A33, LEAP-1A33B2, LEAP-1A35A
engines.
(2) ``LEAP-1C engines'' are CFM Model LEAP-1C28, LEAP-1C30, and
LEAP-1C30B1 engines.
(3) A ``part eligible for installation'' is any HPT rotor
interstage seal having a P/N and S/N that is not listed in Table 1
or Table 2 of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0525-01A-930A-D Issue 002-00.
(4) An ``engine shop visit'' is the induction of an engine into
the shop for maintenance involving the separation of major mating
engine flanges, except for the separation of engine flanges solely
for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine
maintenance.
(5) A ``piece-part exposure'' is when the HPT rotor interstage
seal is separated from the HPT rotor assembly.
(j) 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 AIR-520 Continued Operational
Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fbbab6b4b8bb9d9a9ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="20616d6f63604641410e474f56">[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) Additional Information
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#771a121f131e591b161a190e1e3711161659101801"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cea3aba6aaa7e0a2afa3a0b7a78ea8afafe0a9a1b8">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-
00-0525-01A-930A-D, Issue 002-00, dated June 28, 2024.
(ii) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1C-72-00-0124-01A-930A-D, Issue
001, dated September 5, 2024.
(3) For CFM material identified in this AD, contact CFM, 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#08697e61697c616766266e646d6d7c7b7d7878677a7c486f6d266b6765"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83e2f5eae2f7eaecedade5efe6e6f7f0f6f3f3ecf1f7c3e4e6ade0ecee">[email protected]</span></a>.
(4) You may view this material 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.
(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#2b4d59054245585b4e485f4244456b454a594a054c445d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ff998dd196918c8f9a9c8b969091bf919e8d9ed1989089">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 27, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-22600 Filed 10-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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