Rule2025-03459
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Engines
Primary source
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Published
March 4, 2025
Effective
April 8, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and LEAP- 1C engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed a quality escape for low-pressure turbine (LPT) disks made from forgings with nonconforming grain size. This AD requires removal and replacement of the LPT stage 4 and stage 5 disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11116-11118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03459]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2424; Project Identifier AD-2024-00416-E;
Amendment 39-22970; AD 2025-04-12]
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
certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and LEAP-
1C engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed a quality escape for low-pressure turbine (LPT) disks made
from forgings with nonconforming grain size. This AD requires removal
and replacement of the LPT stage 4 and stage 5 disks. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 8, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 8,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2424; 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 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#b2d3c4dbd3c6dbdddc9cd4ded7d7c6c1c7c2c2ddc0c6f2d5d79cd1dddf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2445524d45504d4b4a0a4248414150575154544b56506443410a474b49">[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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2424.
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#86ebe3eee2efa8eae7ebe8ffefc6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f29f979a969bdc9e939f9c8b9bb2949393dc959d84">[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 certain CFM Model LEAP-
1A, LEAP-1B, and LEAP-1C engines. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 8, 2024 (89 FR 88681). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of a quality escape on LPT disks made from forgings with
nonconforming material grain size on certain CFM Model LEAP-1A and
LEAP-1B engines. The supplier assessed the duplex micro-structure using
an arithmetic average grain size instead of considering the coarsest
grain size. After a re-check of all forgings, the supplier has
identified a number of parts with a coarse grain size that is below the
drawing requirement. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removal
and replacement of the LPT stage 4 and stage 5 disks at the next piece-
part exposure or before exceeding between 2,400 and 19,000 cycles since
new, depending on the applicable threshold identified in CFM Service
Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated
September 18, 2024 (CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D) or CFM SB
LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-930A-D Issue 001-00, dated September 18, 2024
(CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-930A-D). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included
Air Line Pilots Association, International and The Boeing Company. All
commenters supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D; CFM SB LEAP-
1B-72-00-0419-01A-930A-D; and CFM SB LEAP-1C-72-00-0100-01A-930A-D,
Issue 001-00, dated September 18, 2024. This material specifies the
part numbers and serial numbers of affected LPT disks, and the cycles
since new thresholds for the replacement of affected LPT disks. These
documents are distinct because they apply to different engine models.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 13 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 2 engines will need
removal and replacement of the LEAP-1A LPT stage 5 disk; 8 engines will
need removal and replacement of the LEAP-1B LPT stage 5 disk; and 3
engines will need removal and replacement of the LEAP-1B LPT stage 4
disk.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 11117]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Remove and replace LEAP-1A LPT stage 5 150 work-hours x $85 per $225,500 $238,250 $476,500
disk. hour = $12,750.
Remove and replace LEAP-1B LPT stage 5 150 work-hours x $85 per 205,100 217,850 1,742,800
disk. hour = $12,750.
Remove and replace LEAP-1B LPT stage 4 150 work-hours x $85 per 442,800 455,550 1,366,650
disk. hour = $12,750.
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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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-04-12 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22970; Docket No.
FAA-2024-2424; Project Identifier AD-2024-00416-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 8, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following CFM International, S.A. (CFM)
Model engines:
(1) 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;
(2) LEAP-1B21, LEAP-1B23, LEAP-1B25, LEAP-1B27, LEAP-1B28, LEAP-
1B28B1, LEAP-1B28B2, LEAP-1B28B2C, LEAP-1B28B3, LEAP-1B28BBJ1, LEAP-
1B28BBJ2; and
(3) LEAP-1C28, LEAP-1C30, and LEAP-1C30B1.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that
revealed a quality escape for certain low-pressure turbine (LPT)
disks made from forgings with nonconforming grain size. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent the fracture and uncontained failure of
certain LPT stage 4 and stage 5 disks. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in uncontained part 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 LEAP-1A engines with an installed LPT stage 5 disk
having a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in Table
1, Table 2, or Table 3 of CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-
0519-01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated September 18, 2024 (CFM SB
LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D): At the next piece-part exposure of
the LPT stage 5 disk, or before exceeding the applicable cycles
since new (CSN) threshold identified in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3
of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, remove the LPT stage 5 disk
from service and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(2) For LEAP-1B engines with an installed LPT stage 4 disk
having a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-
01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated September 18, 2024 (CFM SB LEAP-1B-
72-00-0419-01A-930A-D): At the next piece-part exposure of the LPT
stage 4 disk, or before exceeding the applicable CSN threshold
identified in Table 1 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-930A-D,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove
the LPT stage 4 disk from service and replace with a part eligible
for installation.
(3) For LEAP-1B engines with an installed LPT stage 5 disk
having a P/N and S/N listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-
72-00-0419-01A-930A-D: At the next piece-part exposure of the LPT
stage 5 disk, or before exceeding the applicable CSN threshold
identified in Table 2 or Table 3 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-
930A-D, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD,
remove the LPT stage 5 disk 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 LPT
stage 5 disk that has a P/N and S/N identified in Table 1, Table 2,
or Table 3, of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D, in any LEAP-1A
engine.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an LPT
stage 4 disk or LPT stage 5 disk that has a P/N and S/N identified
in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3, of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-
930A-D in any LEAP-1B engine.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an LPT
stage 5 disk that has a P/N and S/N identified in Table 1 of CFM SB
LEAP-1C-72-00-0100-01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated September 18,
2024, in any LEAP-1C engine.
[[Page 11118]]
(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, and LEAP-1A35A
engines.
(2) ``LEAP-1B engines'' are 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.
(3) ``LEAP-1C engines'' are CFM Model LEAP-1C28, LEAP-1C30, and
LEAP-1C30B1 engines.
(4) A ``part eligible for installation'' on a LEAP-1A engine is
an LPT stage 5 disk that does not have a P/N and S/N identified in
Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 of CFM SB LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-
D.
(5) A ``part eligible for installation'' on a LEAP-1B engine is
an LPT stage 4 disk or LPT stage 5 disk that does not have a P/N and
S/N identified in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-
00-0419-01A-930A-D.
(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 the 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#7d3c30323e3d1b1c1c531a120b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2939f9d9192b4b3b3fcb5bda4">[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#f69b939e929fd89a979b988f9fb6909797d8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aac7cfc2cec384c6cbc7c4d3c3eacccbcb84cdc5dc">[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 Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1A-72-00-0519-01A-930A-D,
Issue 001-00, dated September 18, 2024.
(ii) CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0419-01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated
September 18, 2024.
(iii) CFM SB LEAP-1C-72-00-0100-01A-930A-D, Issue 001-00, dated
September 18, 2024.
(3) 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#e9889f80889d808687c78f858c8c9d9a9c9999869b9da98e8cc78a8684"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bedfc8d7dfcad7d1d090d8d2dbdbcacdcbceced1cccafed9db90ddd1d3">[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#563024783f3825263335223f3938163837243778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="385e4a1651564b485d5b4c5157567856594a59165f574e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 21, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03459 Filed 3-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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