Proposed Rule2025-02016
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines
Primary source
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Published
January 31, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) Model GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B64/ P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2, GEnx-1B70, GEnx-1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-1B70/P2, GEnx- 1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/75/P2, GEnx-1B76/ P2, GEnx-1B76A/P2, and GEnx-2B67/P engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and HPT 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 HPT 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 90 Issue 20 (Friday, January 31, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 20 (Friday, January 31, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8687-8690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02016]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0015; Project Identifier AD-2024-00615-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric 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 General Electric Company (GE) Model GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B64/
P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2, GEnx-1B70,
GEnx-1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-1B70/P2, GEnx-
1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/75/P2, GEnx-1B76/
P2, GEnx-1B76A/P2, and GEnx-2B67/P engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain high-
pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and HPT 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 HPT
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 March 17,
2025.
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-2025-0015; 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
[[Page 8688]]
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For GE material identified in this proposed AD, contact
GE, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552-3272; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2c3d4cbc3d6cbcdcc8cc4cec7c7d6d1d7d2d2cdd0d6e29ec382cad0c7c49f" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@<a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</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: 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#93f2fff6ebf6fabde7bdfef2e1e2e6f6f6fdd3f5f2f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f49598918c919dda80da999586858191919ab4929595da939b82">[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-2025-0015;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00615-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
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 of the detection of iron
inclusion in a turbine disk manufactured from the same powder metal
material used to manufacture certain HPT stage 1 and HPT stage 2 disks
for GE Model GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B64/P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-
1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2, GEnx-1B70, GEnx-1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2,
GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-1B70/P2, GEnx-1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/
P1, GEnx-1B74/75/P2, GEnx-1B76/P2, GEnx-1B76A/P2, and GEnx-2B67/P
engines. 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 premature fracture and uncontained
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 on these engines, but
concluded that replacement of the affected HPT stage 1 and HPT stage 2
disks is necessary to prevent any future failed events. The exposure of
HPT stage 1 and HPT stage 2 disks to iron inclusion, 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 GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0542 R00, dated
April 15, 2024 (GE GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00). The FAA also reviewed GE
GEnx-2B Service Bulletin 72-0471 R00, dated April 15, 2024. This
material specifies the affected part numbers, serial numbers, and
cyclic removal thresholds for the HPT stage 1 and HPT stage 2 disks.
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 replacement of certain HPT stage 1
disks and HPT stage 2 disks. Depending on the part numbers and serial
numbers of the affected HPT stage 1 disks and HPT stage 2 disks, this
NPRM proposes to require these actions to be accomplished at the next
piece-part exposure after the effective date of this proposed AD or
before the affected HPT stage 1 disks and HPT stage 2 disks reach the
cyclic removal threshold of up to 10,100 cycles since new.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Referenced Material
GE GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00 uses the terms ``HPT rotor stage 1 disk''
and ``HPT rotor stage 2 disk,'' while this proposed AD uses the terms
``HPT stage 1 disk'' and ``HPT stage 2 disk.''
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect one engine installed on an airplane of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates that no engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would
require replacement of the HPT stage 2 disk.
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 $757,416 (prorated)............ $758,096 $758,096
per hour = $680.
Replace HPT stage 2 disk........ 8 work-hours x $85 278,101 (prorated)............. 278,781 0
per hour = $680.
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[[Page 8689]]
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:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2025-0015; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00615-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 17, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company Model GEnx-1B64,
GEnx-1B64/P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2,
GEnx-1B70, GEnx-1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-
1B70/P2, GEnx-1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/
75/P2, GEnx-1B76/P2, GEnx-1B76A/P2, and GEnx-2B67/P engines with at
least one of the following installed:
(1) High Pressure Turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk having part number
(P/N) 2383M83G03 and a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of GE
GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0542 R00, dated April 15, 2024 (GE GEnx-
1B SB 72-0542 R00);
(2) HPT stage 2 disk having P/N 2300M84P02 and a S/N listed in
Table 2 of GE GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00;
(3) HPT stage 1 disk having P/N 2383M83G03 and a S/N listed in
Table 1 of GE GEnx-2B Service Bulletin 72-0471 R00, dated April 15,
2024 (GE GEnx-2B SB 72-0471 R00); or
(4) HPT stage 2 disk having P/N 2300M84P02 and a S/N listed in
Table 2 of GE GEnx-2B SB 72-0471 R00.
(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 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 time specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through
(4) 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.
(1) For engines identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, at
the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of this AD or
before the affected HPT stage 1 disk exceeds the cyclic removal
threshold listed in Table 1 of GE GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00, whichever
occurs first.
(2) For engines identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, at
the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of this AD or
before the affected HPT stage 2 disk exceeds the cyclic removal
threshold listed in Table 2 of GE GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00, whichever
occurs first.
(3) For engines identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, at
the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of this AD or
before the affected HPT stage 1 disk exceeds the cyclic removal
threshold listed in Table 1 of GE GEnx-2B SB 72-0471 R00, whichever
occurs first.
(4) For engines identified in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD, at
the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of this AD or
before the affected HPT stage 2 disk exceeds the cyclic removal
threshold listed in Table 2 of GE GEnx-2B SB 72-0471 R00, whichever
occurs first.
(h) Definitions
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 listed in Table 1
or Table 2 of either GEnx-1B SB 72-0542 R00 or GEnx-2B SB 72-0471
R00.
(2) A ``piece-part exposure'' is when the affected HPT stage 1
disk or HPT stage 2 disk 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 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#9edfd3d1dddef8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1455595b57547275753a737b62">[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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, 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#2f4e434a574a46015b01424e5d5e5a4a4a416f494e4e01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="53323f362b363a7d277d3e3221222636363d133532327d343c25">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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) GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0542 R00, dated April
15, 2024.
(ii) GE GEnx-2B SB 72-0471 R00, dated April 15, 2024.
[[Page 8690]]
(3) For GE material 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#96f7e0fff7e2fff9f8b8f0faf3f3e2e5e3e6e6f9e4e2d6aaf7b6fee4f3f0ab" http: ge.com">ge.com</a>">aviation.fleetsupport@<a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://ge.com">ge.com</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#9ef8ecb0f7f0edeefbfdeaf7f1f0def0ffecffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="274155094e4954574244534e4849674946554609404851">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 27, 2025.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02016 Filed 1-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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