Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2B Series Turbofan Engines, 62215-62217 [E6-17742]
Download as PDF
62215
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 205
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
9 CFR Part 3
[Docket No. APHIS–2006–0044]
Animal Welfare; Elephants
Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of petition and request
for comments; extension of comment
period.
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS1
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are extending the
comment period for our notice of
petition and request for comments
concerning the handling, care,
treatment, and transport of elephants
covered by the Animal Welfare Act.
This action will allow interested
persons additional time to prepare and
submit comments.
DATES: We will consider all comments
that we receive on or before December
11, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by either of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov, select
‘‘Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service’’ from the agency drop-down
menu, then click ‘‘Submit.’’ In the
Docket ID column, select APHIS–2006–
0044 to submit or view public
comments and to view supporting and
related materials available
electronically. Information on using
Regulations.gov, including instructions
for accessing documents, submitting
comments, and viewing the docket after
the close of the comment period, is
available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’
link.
• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:
Please send four copies of your
comment (an original and three copies)
to Docket No. APHIS–2006–0044,
Regulatory Analysis and Development,
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700
River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD
20737–1238. Please state that your
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:24 Oct 23, 2006
Jkt 211001
comment refers to Docket No. APHIS–
2006–0044.
Reading Room: You may read any
comments that we receive on Docket
No. APHIS–2006–0044 in our reading
room. The reading room is located in
room 1141 of the USDA South Building,
14th Street and Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading
room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except
holidays. To be sure someone is there to
help you, please call (202) 690–2817
before coming.
Other Information: Additional
information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at
https://www.aphis.usda.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Animal Care, APHIS, 4700 River Road,
Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737–1234;
(301) 734–7833.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August
9, 2006, we published in the Federal
Register (71 FR 45438–45439, Docket
No. APHIS–2006–0044) a notice of
petition and request for comments. That
document notified the public that the
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service had received a petition from In
Defense of Animals requesting that we
issue an interpretive rule or policy to
clarify the space and living conditions
required for captive elephants, and that
we enforce the Animal Welfare Act and
its implementing regulations by
requiring that exhibitors fully comply
with the regulations. We solicited
comments from the public regarding the
petition, and whether we should
continue to regulate the handling, care,
treatment, and transport of elephants
covered by the Animal Welfare Act
under the general standards in the
regulations or promulgate specific
standards for elephants. We also
requested comments regarding what
should be included in such standards.
Comments on the notice were
required to be received on or before
October 10, 2006. On September 15,
2006, we published in the Federal
Register (71 FR 54438, Docket No.
APHIS–2006–0044) a document
extending the comment period for an
additional 30 days. Comments on the
notice of petition were required to be
received on or before November 9, 2006.
We are extending the comment period
on Docket No. APHIS–2006–0044 for an
additional 30 days. This action will
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
allow interested persons additional time
to prepare and submit comments.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR 2.22,
2.80, and 371.7.
Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of
October 2006.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. E6–17775 Filed 10–23–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25738; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NE–27–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company (GE) CF6–80C2B
Series Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for GE
CF6–80C2B series turbofan engines with
electronic control units (ECUs),
installed on Boeing 747 and 767
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require installing software version
8.2.Q1 to the engine ECU, which
increases the margin to engine flameout.
This proposed AD results from reports
of engine flameout events during flight,
including reports of events where all
engines simultaneously experienced a
flameout or other adverse operation. We
are proposing this AD to provide
increased margin to flameout and to
minimize the potential of an all-engine
flameout event, due to ice accretion and
shedding during flight.
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by December 26,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
24OCP1
62216
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 24, 2006 / Proposed Rules
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS1
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from
General Electric Company via Lockheed
Martin Technology Services, 10525
Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio
45215, telephone (513) 672–8400, fax
(513) 672–8422.
You may examine the comments on
this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Golinski, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone: (781) 238–7135, fax: (781)
238–7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2006–25738; Directorate Identifier
2006–NE–27–AD’’ in the subject line of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of the DOT
Web site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78) or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:24 Oct 23, 2006
Jkt 211001
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the proposal, any comments
received and, any final disposition in
person at the DOT Docket Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is located on the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif
Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the
Docket Management Facility receives
them.
Discussion
GE CF6–80C2 and CF6–80E1 series
turbofan engines continue to experience
flameout events that are due to ice
accretion and shedding during flight.
Though the investigation is not yet
complete, exposure to ice crystals
during flight is believed to be associated
with these flameout events. We have
received reports of 32 airplane events,
including reports of multi-engine events
where all engines on the airplane
simultaneously experienced a flameout
or other adverse operation. Some of
these events had high pressure
compressor blade damage that may have
been caused by impact with shedding
ice. In all events, the engines restarted
and continued to operate normally for
the remainder of the flight.
We view an all-engine flameout event
as an unsafe condition particularly for
low-altitude events, or other factors that
might result in the inability to restart
the engines and regain control of the
airplane.
Since some aspects of this problem
are not completely understood, this
proposed AD is considered an interim
action due to GE’s on-going
investigation. Future AD action might
become necessary based on the results
of the investigation and field
experience.
This proposed AD addresses only the
CF6–80C2B series turbofan engines with
ECUs, installed on Boeing 747 and 767
airplanes. The remaining CF6–80C2 and
CF6–80E1 series engines are being
studied by GE, and we may have future
AD actions when studies are finished.
This condition of insufficient margin
to engine flameout due to ice accretion
and shedding during flight, if not
addressed, could result in an all-engine
flameout event during flight.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the
technical contents of GE Service
Bulletin (SB) No. CF6–80C2 S/B 73–
0339, dated November 17, 2005. That
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
SB describes procedures for installing
software version 8.2.Q1 to the ECU.
Software version 8.2.Q1 modifies the
variable bleed valve schedule, which
will provide an increased margin to
flameout. This increased margin is
expected to reduce the rate of flameout
occurrences due to ice accretion and
shedding during flight.
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and the Manufacturer’s Service
Information
Although GE SB No. CF6–80C2 S/B
73–0339, dated November 17, 2005,
recommends the incorporation of
software version 8.2.Q1 at the next shop
visit of the ECU, this proposed AD
would:
• Require a more aggressive
compliance schedule for incorporating
the software; and
• Add a compliance requirement for
affected engines installed on Boeing 767
airplanes, which the SB does not
require.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other products of this same
type design. We are proposing this AD,
which would require:
• For Boeing 767 airplanes, within 24
months after the effective date of this
AD, installing software version 8.2.Q1 to
the ECU on at least one of airplane’s
affected turbofan engines, and
• For all other affected turbofan
engines, installing software version
8.2.Q1 to the ECU at the next shop visit
of the ECU or engine, whichever occurs
first, not to exceed five years after the
effective date of this proposed AD.
This software change will provide
increased margin to flameout and
reduce the rate of flameout occurrences
due to ice accretion and shedding
during flight. The proposed AD would
require you to use the GE service
bulletin described previously to perform
these actions.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions due
to the on-going investigation. We may
take further rulemaking actions in the
future, based on the results of the
investigation and field experience.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 293 CF6–80C2B series
turbofan engines with ECUs installed on
Boeing 747 and 767 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate that 73 engines
would have the software installed at
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
24OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 24, 2006 / Proposed Rules
ECU overhaul, 147 engines would have
the software installed during ECU
repair, and 73 engines would have the
software installed, not due to ECU
overhaul or repair. It would take about
six work-hours per engine to perform
the proposed actions (ECU overhauls
not included) and the average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be
$283,740. GE may provide the software
at no cost to the operators, and
reimburse the six work-hours labor cost
until December 31, 2010.
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS1
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.
We are 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
engines identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:24 Oct 23, 2006
Jkt 211001
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me
by the Administrator, the Federal
Aviation Administration proposes to
amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA–
2006–25738; Directorate Identifier 2006–
NE–27–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by
December 26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric
Company (GE) CF6–80C2B1F, –80C2B2F,
–80C2B4F, –80C2B5F, –80C2B6F,
–80C2B6FA, –80C2B7F, and –80C2B8F
turbofan engines with electronic control
units (ECUs), installed on Boeing 747 and
767 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of engine
flameout events during flight, including
reports of events where all engines
simultaneously experienced a flameout or
other adverse operation. We are issuing this
AD to provide increased margin to flameout
and to minimize the potential of an allengine flameout event, due to ice accretion
and shedding during flight. Exposure to ice
crystals during flight is believed to be
associated with these flameout events.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Engine ECU Software Installation
(f) For Boeing 767 airplanes, within 24
months after the effective date of this AD,
install software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine
ECU on at least one of the airplane’s affected
turbofan engines.
(g) For all other affected turbofan engines,
install software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine
ECU at the next shop visit of the ECU or
engine, whichever occurs first, not to exceed
five years after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B.(3)(f)4.
of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
62217
Service Bulletin No. CF6–80C2 S/B 73–0339,
dated November 17, 2005, to do the
installation.
Definitions
(i) For the purposes of this AD:
(1) Next shop visit of the engine ECU is
when the ECU is removed from the engine for
overhaul or for maintenance.
(2) Next shop visit of the engine is when
the engine is removed from the airplane for
maintenance in which a major engine flange
is disassembled after the effective date of this
AD. The following engine maintenance
actions, either separately or in combination
with each other, are not considered a next
engine shop visit:
(i) Removal of the upper high pressure
compressor (HPC) stator case solely for airfoil
maintenance.
(ii) Module-level inspection of the HPC
rotor 3–9 spool.
(iii) Replacement of stage 5 HPC variable
stator vane bushings or lever arms.
(iv) Removal of the accessory gearbox.
(v) Replacement of the inlet gearbox Teflon
seal.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) The Manager, Engine Certification
Office, has the authority to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this
AD if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
(k) Installation of later FAA-approved ECU
software versions that follow version 8.2.Q1,
are acceptable alternative methods of
compliance to this AD.
Special Flight Permits
(l) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, special flight
permits are prohibited.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
October 18, 2006.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–17742 Filed 10–23–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 93
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25709; Notice No.
06–13]
RIN 2120–AI70
Congestion Management Rule for
LaGuardia Airport
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM); extension of comment period.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action extends the
comment period for the NPRM
published August 29, 2006 (71 FR
51360). Under the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to establish an operational
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
24OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 24, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62215-62217]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-17742]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25738; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-27-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2B
Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for GE CF6-80C2B series turbofan engines with electronic control units
(ECUs), installed on Boeing 747 and 767 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine ECU,
which increases the margin to engine flameout. This proposed AD results
from reports of engine flameout events during flight, including reports
of events where all engines simultaneously experienced a flameout or
other adverse operation. We are proposing this AD to provide increased
margin to flameout and to minimize the potential of an all-engine
flameout event, due to ice accretion and shedding during flight.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 26,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
[[Page 62216]]
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology Services,
10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215, telephone (513)
672-8400, fax (513) 672-8422.
You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Golinski, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: (781) 238-
7135, fax: (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-25738;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-27-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the
DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments
received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives
them.
Discussion
GE CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines continue to
experience flameout events that are due to ice accretion and shedding
during flight. Though the investigation is not yet complete, exposure
to ice crystals during flight is believed to be associated with these
flameout events. We have received reports of 32 airplane events,
including reports of multi-engine events where all engines on the
airplane simultaneously experienced a flameout or other adverse
operation. Some of these events had high pressure compressor blade
damage that may have been caused by impact with shedding ice. In all
events, the engines restarted and continued to operate normally for the
remainder of the flight.
We view an all-engine flameout event as an unsafe condition
particularly for low-altitude events, or other factors that might
result in the inability to restart the engines and regain control of
the airplane.
Since some aspects of this problem are not completely understood,
this proposed AD is considered an interim action due to GE's on-going
investigation. Future AD action might become necessary based on the
results of the investigation and field experience.
This proposed AD addresses only the CF6-80C2B series turbofan
engines with ECUs, installed on Boeing 747 and 767 airplanes. The
remaining CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 series engines are being studied by GE,
and we may have future AD actions when studies are finished.
This condition of insufficient margin to engine flameout due to ice
accretion and shedding during flight, if not addressed, could result in
an all-engine flameout event during flight.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE Service
Bulletin (SB) No. CF6-80C2 S/B 73-0339, dated November 17, 2005. That
SB describes procedures for installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the
ECU. Software version 8.2.Q1 modifies the variable bleed valve
schedule, which will provide an increased margin to flameout. This
increased margin is expected to reduce the rate of flameout occurrences
due to ice accretion and shedding during flight.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Manufacturer's Service
Information
Although GE SB No. CF6-80C2 S/B 73-0339, dated November 17, 2005,
recommends the incorporation of software version 8.2.Q1 at the next
shop visit of the ECU, this proposed AD would:
Require a more aggressive compliance schedule for
incorporating the software; and
Add a compliance requirement for affected engines
installed on Boeing 767 airplanes, which the SB does not require.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would
require:
For Boeing 767 airplanes, within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD, installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the
ECU on at least one of airplane's affected turbofan engines, and
For all other affected turbofan engines, installing
software version 8.2.Q1 to the ECU at the next shop visit of the ECU or
engine, whichever occurs first, not to exceed five years after the
effective date of this proposed AD.
This software change will provide increased margin to flameout and
reduce the rate of flameout occurrences due to ice accretion and
shedding during flight. The proposed AD would require you to use the GE
service bulletin described previously to perform these actions.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions due to the on-going
investigation. We may take further rulemaking actions in the future,
based on the results of the investigation and field experience.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 293 CF6-80C2B series
turbofan engines with ECUs installed on Boeing 747 and 767 airplanes of
U.S. registry. We estimate that 73 engines would have the software
installed at
[[Page 62217]]
ECU overhaul, 147 engines would have the software installed during ECU
repair, and 73 engines would have the software installed, not due to
ECU overhaul or repair. It would take about six work-hours per engine
to perform the proposed actions (ECU overhauls not included) and the
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be
$283,740. GE may provide the software at no cost to the operators, and
reimburse the six work-hours labor cost until December 31, 2010.
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.
We are 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 engines identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2006-25738; Directorate
Identifier 2006-NE-27-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 26,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-
80C2B1F, -80C2B2F, -80C2B4F, -80C2B5F, -80C2B6F, -80C2B6FA, -
80C2B7F, and -80C2B8F turbofan engines with electronic control units
(ECUs), installed on Boeing 747 and 767 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of engine flameout events
during flight, including reports of events where all engines
simultaneously experienced a flameout or other adverse operation. We
are issuing this AD to provide increased margin to flameout and to
minimize the potential of an all-engine flameout event, due to ice
accretion and shedding during flight. Exposure to ice crystals
during flight is believed to be associated with these flameout
events.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Engine ECU Software Installation
(f) For Boeing 767 airplanes, within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD, install software version 8.2.Q1 to the
engine ECU on at least one of the airplane's affected turbofan
engines.
(g) For all other affected turbofan engines, install software
version 8.2.Q1 to the engine ECU at the next shop visit of the ECU
or engine, whichever occurs first, not to exceed five years after
the effective date of this AD.
(h) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B.(3)(f)4. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of GE Service Bulletin No. CF6-80C2 S/B
73-0339, dated November 17, 2005, to do the installation.
Definitions
(i) For the purposes of this AD:
(1) Next shop visit of the engine ECU is when the ECU is removed
from the engine for overhaul or for maintenance.
(2) Next shop visit of the engine is when the engine is removed
from the airplane for maintenance in which a major engine flange is
disassembled after the effective date of this AD. The following
engine maintenance actions, either separately or in combination with
each other, are not considered a next engine shop visit:
(i) Removal of the upper high pressure compressor (HPC) stator
case solely for airfoil maintenance.
(ii) Module-level inspection of the HPC rotor 3-9 spool.
(iii) Replacement of stage 5 HPC variable stator vane bushings
or lever arms.
(iv) Removal of the accessory gearbox.
(v) Replacement of the inlet gearbox Teflon seal.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(k) Installation of later FAA-approved ECU software versions
that follow version 8.2.Q1, are acceptable alternative methods of
compliance to this AD.
Special Flight Permits
(l) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, special flight permits are
prohibited.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2006.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17742 Filed 10-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P