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
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