Proposed Rule2024-30539
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Engines
Primary source
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Published
December 23, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-09-06, which applies to all CFM International, S.A. Model (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) engines. AD 2023-09-06 requires replacement of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disks (HPT stage 1 disks), forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools. AD 2023-09-06 also prohibits 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. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-09-06, the manufacturer identified additional affected parts that were manufactured from material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion, which prompted this AD. This proposed AD would retain the requirements to replace certain HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools and expand the applicability to include additional affected parts manufactured from the same material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion. 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 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 104462-104465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30539]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2668; Project Identifier AD-2024-00561-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2023-09-06, which applies to all CFM International, S.A. Model (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) engines. AD 2023-09-06 requires replacement of
certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disks (HPT stage 1
disks), forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools.
AD 2023-09-06 also prohibits 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. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-09-06, the manufacturer
identified additional affected parts that were manufactured from
material suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron
inclusion, which prompted this AD. This proposed AD would retain the
requirements to replace certain HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals,
and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools and expand the applicability to
include additional affected parts manufactured from the same material
suspected to have reduced material properties due to iron inclusion.
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 February 6,
2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
[[Page 104463]]
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-2024-2668; 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#c8a9bea1a9bca1a7a6e6aea4adadbcbbbdb8b8a7babc88afade6aba7a5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0362756a62776a6c6d2d656f666677707673736c71774364662d606c6e">[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#dcb1b9b4b8b5f2b0bdb1b2a5b59cbabdbdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6dbd3ded2df98dad7dbd8cfdff6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[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-2024-2668;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00561-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
The FAA issued AD 2023-09-06, Amendment 39-22429 (88 FR 32092, May
19, 2023) (AD 2023-09-06), for all CFM Model LEAP-1A engines. AD 2023-
09-06 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. AD 2023-09-06
requires replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals,
and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools. The agency issued AD 2023-09-
06 to prevent fracture and consequent uncontained failure of certain
HPT stage 1 disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-
10 spools.
Actions Since AD 2023-09-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2023-09-06, further analysis by the
manufacturer identified additional affected parts that were
manufactured from material suspected to have reduced material
properties due to iron inclusion. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and
damage to 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 CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0507-01A-930A-
D, Issue 001, dated January 24, 2024, which identifies 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 specifies procedures for replacement of these parts.
This proposed AD would also require the following material, which
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of June 23, 2023 (88 FR 32092, May 19, 2023):
<bullet> CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D, Issue
003, dated March 3, 2023.
<bullet> CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D, Issue
002, dated November 17, 2022.
<bullet> CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D, Issue
001, dated March 7, 2023.
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 retain all of the requirements of AD 2023-
09-06. This proposed AD would require replacement of certain HPT stage
1 disks, forward outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools.
This proposed AD would also 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 material
incorporated by reference onto any engine.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 42 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 104464]]
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 (42 8 work-hours x $85 $215,635 (pro-rated). $216,315 $9,085,230
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
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 that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-09-06, Amendment 39-22429 (88
FR 32092, May 19, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
CFM International, S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2024-2668; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00561-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 6, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-09-06, Amendment 39-22429 (88 FR 32092,
May 19, 2023) (AD 2023-09-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. Model (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 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 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. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent fracture and consequent uncontained
failure of certain 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 airplane.
(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 June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD
2023-09-06); or if the applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as
of June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-06), within 50
flight cycles (FCs) from June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD
2023-09-06); 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 June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD
2023-09-06); or if the applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as
of June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-06), within 50
FCs from June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-06); 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
[[Page 104465]]
2, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D, whichever occurs first
after June 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-06); or if the
applicable CSN threshold has been exceeded as of June 23, 2023 (the
effective date of AD 2023-09-06), within 50 FCs from June 23, 2023
(the effective date of AD 2023-09-06), remove the HPT stage 1 disk
from service and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(4) 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-72-00-0507-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated January
24, 2024 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0507-01A-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-72-00-0507-01A-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 (4) 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 (4) of this AD on any engine.
(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) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b5a5654585b7d7a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89c8c4c6cac9efe8e8a7eee6ff">[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#09646c616d6027656864677060496f6868276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4b262e232f2265272a262532220b2d2a2a652c243d">[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.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS
AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0507-01A-930A-D, Issue
001, dated January 24, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on June 23, 2023
(88 FR 32092, May 19, 2023).
(i) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0470-01A-930A-D, Issue
003, dated March 3, 2023.
(ii) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0493-01A-930A-D, Issue
002, dated November 17, 2022.
(iii) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1A-72-00-0496-01A-930A-D, Issue
001, dated March 7, 2023.
(5) For CFM material 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#3f5e49565e4b5650511159535a5a4b4c4a4f4f504d4b7f585a115c5052"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1776617e76637e787939717b727263646267677865635770723974787a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(6) 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.
(7) 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#771105591e1904071214031e1819371916051659101801"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8beaaf6b1b6aba8bdbbacb1b7b698b6b9aab9f6bfb7ae">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 17, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-30539 Filed 12-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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