Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 Turbofan Engines, 3425-3428 [E8-821]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 13 / Friday, January 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. Compliance (e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–857 Filed 1–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Service Information Reference (f) The term ‘‘Report MDC–92K9145,’’ as used in this AD, means the Boeing Twinjet Special Compliance Items Report, MDC– 92K9145, Revision G, dated June 7, 2007. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Revise the FAA-Approved Maintenance Program (g) For Model DC–9–11, DC–9–12, DC–9– 13, DC–9–14, DC–9–15, and DC–9–15F airplanes; Model DC–9–21 airplanes; Model DC–9–31, DC–9–32, DC–9–32 (VC–9C), DC– 9–32F, DC–9–33F, DC–9–34, DC–9–34F, and DC–9–32F (C–9A, C–9B) airplanes; Model DC–9–41 airplanes; Model DC–9–51 airplanes; and Model DC–9–81 (MD–81), DC– 9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83 (MD–83), and DC– 9–87 (MD–87) airplanes: Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the information specified in Appendixes B, C, and D of Report MDC–92K9145. Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of Report MDC–92K9145 is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. [Docket No. FAA–2007–27687; Directorate Identifier 2000–NE–42–AD] Revise the AWLs Section (h) For Model 717–200, Model MD–88, and Model MD–90–30 airplanes: Before December 16, 2008, revise the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the information specified in Appendixes B, C, and D of Report MDC–92K9145. Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of Report MDC–92K9145 is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS No Reporting Requirement (i) Although Report MDC–92K9145 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, ATTN: Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627– 5254; fax (562) 627–5210; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:11 Jan 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34–1A, –3A, –3A1, –3A2, –3B, and –3B1 Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34–1A, –3A, –3A1, –3A2, –3B, and –3B1 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires a onetime inspection of certain fan disks for electrical arc-out indications, replacing fan disks with electrical arc-out indications, and reducing the life limit of certain fan disks. This proposed AD would require the same reduced life limit of certain fan disks, on-wing inspection of certain fan disks installed on regional jets, and would add a requirement to perform an inspection on certain business jet applications that have already had a shop-level inspection. This proposed AD results from us determining that we inadvertently left out an inspection requirement. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 3425 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. Contact General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology Services, 10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone (513) 672–8400; fax (513) 672–8422; for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7773; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2007–27687; Directorate Identifier 2000–NE–42–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:// www.regulations.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 Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, 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). Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments E:\FR\FM\18JAP1.SGM 18JAP1 3426 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 13 / Friday, January 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Discussion The FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 2007–07– 07R1, Amendment 39–15179 (72 FR 49183, August 28, 2007). That AD requires a onetime inspection of certain fan disks for electrical arc-out indications, replacing fan disks with electrical arc-out indications, and reducing the life limit of certain fan disks. That AD was the result of GE revising their service information and a comment from an operator asking us to clarify Table C of this AD. That condition, if not corrected, could result in an uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage. Actions Since AD 2007–07–07R1 Was Issued Since we issued that AD, we determined that we inadvertently left out an inspection requirement in Table C of that AD to perform a shop inspection on disks that have greater than 6,000 flight hours and have already undergone a shop inspection. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE ASB No. CF34– BJ S/B 72–A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, and ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72– A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007. All three ASBs list the affected fan disks by serial number and part number. The first two ASBs describe procedures for performing fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), a Tactile and Enhanced Visual (TEV) inspection, and eddy current inspection (ECI) for cracks and electrical arc-out defects. The third ASB describes procedures for performing an on-wing TEV inspection of fan disks for electrical arc-out defects. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This AD The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other GE CF34–1A, –3A, –3A1, –3A2, –3B, and –3B1 turbofan engines of the same type design. For that reason, we are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage. This proposed AD would require: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:11 Jan 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 • Replacing certain fan disks installed on regional jets within 15 days after the effective date of this proposed AD, and • On-wing and shop-level inspections of fan disks for electrical arc-out defects on fan disks installed on regional jets. • Shop-level inspections of fan disks for electrical arc-out defects on fan disks installed on business jets. You must use the service information described previously to perform the actions required by this AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,727 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 6.0 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. There are no required parts. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $828,960. 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 products 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 AD: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39–15179 (72 FR 49183, August 28, 2007) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2007–27687; Directorate Identifier 2000– NE–42–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 18, 2008. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007–07–07R1, Amendment 39–15179. Applicability (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34–1A, –3A, –3A1, –3A2, –3B, and –3B1 turbofan engines, with fan disks part numbers (P/Ns) 5921T18G01, 5921T18G09, 5921T18G10, 5921T54G01, 5922T01G02, 5922T01G04, 5922T01G05, 6020T62G04, 6020T62G05, 6078T00G01, 6078T57G01, 6078T57G02, 6078T57G03, 6078T57G04, 6078T57G05, and 6078T57G06 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Canadair airplane models CL–600–2A12, –2B16, and –2B19. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from us determining that we inadvertently left out an inspection requirement. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage. 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. E:\FR\FM\18JAP1.SGM 18JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 13 / Friday, January 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules Removal of Certain Fan Disks From Service (f) For fan disks listed by P/N and serial number (SN) in the following Table A that have fewer than 8,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, replace fan disks before accumulating 8,000 CSN: TABLE A.—FAN DISKS THAT REQUIRE REMOVAL BASED ON BLENDED CALLOUTS Disk serial No. Disk part No. 6078T57G02 6078T00G01 6078T57G02 5922T01G04 6078T57G04 6078T57G04 .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... GAT6306N GAT3860G GAT1924L GAT9599G GEE05831 GEE06612 TABLE A.—FAN DISKS THAT REQUIRE REMOVAL BASED ON BLENDED CALLOUTS—Continued Disk serial No. Disk part No. 6078T57G04 6078T57G04 6078T57G04 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 6078T57G04 6078T57G04 6078T57G04 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 6078T57G05 .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... GEE06618 GEE06974 GEE06980 GEE143FY GEE1453G GEE14452 GEE145NA GEE08086 GEE09287 GEE09337 GEE12720 GEE14214 GEE142YT GEE146GT 3427 (g) For fan disks listed in Table A of this AD that have 8,000 CSN or more on the effective date of this AD, replace the disk within 15 days after the effective date of this AD. Inspections of Fan Disks Installed in Regional Jet Airplanes (h) For CF34–3A1 and CF34–3B1 turbofan engines installed on Bombardier Canadair CL600–2B19 Regional Jet airplanes: On-Wing Tactile and Enhanced Visual (TEV) Inspection (1) Perform an on-wing TEV inspection on the fan disks listed by P/N and SN in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007, using the compliance times specified in the following Table B: TABLE B.—REGIONAL JET ON-WING FAN DISK INSPECTION COMPLIANCE TIMES For fan disks: Inspect: (i) That have not had a shop-level inspection .......................................... (ii) That are marked with an asterisk in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34– AL S/B 72–A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007. Within 500 flight hours after September 12, 2007. Within 500 flight hours after September 12, 2007. (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(13) of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007, to do the inspection. ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, to do the inspections. Inspection of Fan Disks Installed in Business Jet Airplanes Shop-Level Inspection Exemption Shop-Level Inspection (3) Within 5,000 flight hours or by September 12, 2012, whichever occurs first, fluorescent-penetrant inspect (FPI), TEV inspect, and eddy current inspect (ECI) at shop-level for cracks and electrical arc-out defects on the fan disks listed by P/N and SN in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72– A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007. (4) Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE (5) Fan disks that meet the following criteria are exempt from the shop-level inspection: (i) Fan disks inspected before the effective date of this AD per GE Engine Manual No. SEI–756, Section 72–21–00 (FAN ROTOR ASSEMBLY INSPECTION); and (ii) That have accumulated no more than 100 cycles since that inspection; and (iii) That pass the on-wing TEV inspection in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. (i) For CF34–1A, –3A, –3A1, –3A2, and –3B turbofan engines installed on Bombardier Canadair Models CL–600–2A12 (CL–601), CL–600–2B16 (CL–601–3A), (CL– 601–3R), and (CL–604) Business Jet airplanes: (1) FPI, TEV inspect, and ECI for cracks and electrical arc-out defects at shop-level on the fan disks listed by P/N and SN in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34–BJ S/B 72–A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, using the compliance times specified in the following Table C: TABLE C.—BUSINESS JET SHOP-LEVEL FAN DISK INSPECTION COMPLIANCE TIMES For fan disks: Inspect: (i) That have not had a shop-level inspection and have more than 5,500 flight hours on September 12, 2007. (ii) That have not had a shop-level inspection and have 5,500 or fewer flight hours on the effective date of this AD. (iii) That have had a shop-level inspection .............................................. Within 500 flight hours after September 12, 2007. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(10) of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34–BJ S/B 72–A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, to do the inspections. Reporting Requirements (j) Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD, and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:11 Jan 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 Within accumulating a total of 6,000 fan disk operating hours-sincenew or by September 12, 2012, whichever occurs first. Within accumulating an additional 6,000 fan disk operating hours-sinceshop-level inspection, or by September 12, 2012, whichever occurs first. (1) Report the results of the on-wing inspections performed in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD by following the instructions in paragraph 3.A.(14) of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72– A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007. (2) Report the results of the shop-level inspections performed in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD by following the instructions in paragraph 3.A.(3)(b)11 of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (3) Report the results of the shop-level inspections performed in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD by following the instructions in paragraph 3.A.(3)(b)11 of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007. Previous Credit (k) We are allowing previous credit for: (1) Fan disks previously shop-level inspected before the effective date of this AD using GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0233, E:\FR\FM\18JAP1.SGM 18JAP1 3428 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 13 / Friday, January 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules dated March 7, 2007, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2007, or Revision 2, dated March 22, 2007; and GE ASB No. CF34–BJ S/B 72– A0212, dated March 7, 2007, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2007, or Revision 2, dated March 22, 2007. (2) Fan disks previously on-wing TEV inspected before the effective date of this AD using GE ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0231, dated March 7, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (l) 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. Related Information (m) Emergency AD 2007–04–51 and AD 2007–05–16 also pertain to the subject of this AD. (n) GE Alert Service Bulletins ASB No. CF34–BJ S/B 72–A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007; ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72– A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007; and ASB No. CF34–AL S/B 72–A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007; pertain to the subject of this AD. (o) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7773; fax (781) 238– 7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2008. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–821 Filed 1–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0035; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–103–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:11 Jan 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Two incidents have been reported where the normal hydraulic supplies were lost due to failure/loss of the steering jack gland housing. This has been attributed to preexisting thread damage on the steering jack gland housing. Three previous failures may also be due to this failure mechanism. Failure of the steering jack gland housing resulted in significant damage to the right hand undercarriage bay door, and could result in the nose landing gear jamming in a fully or partially retracted position. Landing in such a condition is considered as potentially unsafe due to the degraded control of the aircraft post touch down. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 19, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4138; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–0035; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–103–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No. 2006– 0128, dated May 18, 2006 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Two incidents have been reported where the normal hydraulic supplies were lost due to failure/loss of the steering jack gland housing. This has been attributed to preexisting thread damage on the steering jack gland housing. Three previous failures may also be due to this failure mechanism. Failure of the steering jack gland housing resulted in significant damage to the right hand undercarriage bay door, and could result in the nose landing gear jamming in a fully or partially retracted position. Landing in such a condition is considered as potentially unsafe due to the degraded control of the aircraft post touch down. Changes to the gland have been introduced in order to prevent further recurrence. This proposed AD would require you to install a serviceable steering jack. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32–JM5417, Original Issue: March 22, 2005. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the E:\FR\FM\18JAP1.SGM 18JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 13 (Friday, January 18, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3425-3428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-821]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-1A, -3A, 
-3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -
3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires a 
onetime inspection of certain fan disks for electrical arc-out 
indications, replacing fan disks with electrical arc-out indications, 
and reducing the life limit of certain fan disks. This proposed AD 
would require the same reduced life limit of certain fan disks, on-wing 
inspection of certain fan disks installed on regional jets, and would 
add a requirement to perform an inspection on certain business jet 
applications that have already had a shop-level inspection. This 
proposed AD results from us determining that we inadvertently left out 
an inspection requirement. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Contact General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology 
Services, 10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; 
telephone (513) 672-8400; fax (513) 672-8422; for the service 
information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; 
Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-42-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://
www.regulations.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 Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments

[[Page 3426]]

received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as the Mail 
address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

Discussion

    The FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 2007-07-
07R1, Amendment 39-15179 (72 FR 49183, August 28, 2007). That AD 
requires a onetime inspection of certain fan disks for electrical arc-
out indications, replacing fan disks with electrical arc-out 
indications, and reducing the life limit of certain fan disks. That AD 
was the result of GE revising their service information and a comment 
from an operator asking us to clarify Table C of this AD. That 
condition, if not corrected, could result in an uncontained fan disk 
failure and airplane damage.

Actions Since AD 2007-07-07R1 Was Issued

    Since we issued that AD, we determined that we inadvertently left 
out an inspection requirement in Table C of that AD to perform a shop 
inspection on disks that have greater than 6,000 flight hours and have 
already undergone a shop inspection.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE ASB No. 
CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, ASB No. CF34-AL 
S/B 72-A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007, and ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 
72-A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007. All three ASBs list the 
affected fan disks by serial number and part number. The first two ASBs 
describe procedures for performing fluorescent penetrant inspection 
(FPI), a Tactile and Enhanced Visual (TEV) inspection, and eddy current 
inspection (ECI) for cracks and electrical arc-out defects. The third 
ASB describes procedures for performing an on-wing TEV inspection of 
fan disks for electrical arc-out defects.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other GE CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan 
engines of the same type design. For that reason, we are proposing this 
AD to prevent an uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage. This 
proposed AD would require:
     Replacing certain fan disks installed on regional jets 
within 15 days after the effective date of this proposed AD, and
     On-wing and shop-level inspections of fan disks for 
electrical arc-out defects on fan disks installed on regional jets.
     Shop-level inspections of fan disks for electrical arc-out 
defects on fan disks installed on business jets.
    You must use the service information described previously to 
perform the actions required by this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,727 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 6.0 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. There are no 
required parts. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of 
the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $828,960.

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 products 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 AD:
    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 removing Amendment 39-15179 (72 FR 
49183, August 28, 2007) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; Directorate 
Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 18, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-07-07R1, Amendment 39-15179.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -
3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines, with fan disks part 
numbers (P/Ns) 5921T18G01, 5921T18G09, 5921T18G10, 5921T54G01, 
5922T01G02, 5922T01G04, 5922T01G05, 6020T62G04, 6020T62G05, 
6078T00G01, 6078T57G01, 6078T57G02, 6078T57G03, 6078T57G04, 
6078T57G05, and 6078T57G06 installed. These engines are installed 
on, but not limited to, Bombardier Canadair airplane models CL-600-
2A12, -2B16, and -2B19.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from us determining that we inadvertently 
left out an inspection requirement. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent uncontained fan disk failure and airplane damage.

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.

[[Page 3427]]

Removal of Certain Fan Disks From Service

    (f) For fan disks listed by P/N and serial number (SN) in the 
following Table A that have fewer than 8,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) 
on the effective date of this AD, replace fan disks before 
accumulating 8,000 CSN:

   Table A.--Fan Disks That Require Removal Based on Blended Callouts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Disk part No.                       Disk serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6078T57G02...............................  GAT6306N
6078T00G01...............................  GAT3860G
6078T57G02...............................  GAT1924L
5922T01G04...............................  GAT9599G
6078T57G04...............................  GEE05831
6078T57G04...............................  GEE06612
6078T57G04...............................  GEE06618
6078T57G04...............................  GEE06974
6078T57G04...............................  GEE06980
6078T57G05...............................  GEE143FY
6078T57G05...............................  GEE1453G
6078T57G05...............................  GEE14452
6078T57G05...............................  GEE145NA
6078T57G04...............................  GEE08086
6078T57G04...............................  GEE09287
6078T57G04...............................  GEE09337
6078T57G05...............................  GEE12720
6078T57G05...............................  GEE14214
6078T57G05...............................  GEE142YT
6078T57G05...............................  GEE146GT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) For fan disks listed in Table A of this AD that have 8,000 
CSN or more on the effective date of this AD, replace the disk 
within 15 days after the effective date of this AD.

Inspections of Fan Disks Installed in Regional Jet Airplanes

    (h) For CF34-3A1 and CF34-3B1 turbofan engines installed on 
Bombardier Canadair CL600-2B19 Regional Jet airplanes:

On-Wing Tactile and Enhanced Visual (TEV) Inspection

    (1) Perform an on-wing TEV inspection on the fan disks listed by 
P/N and SN in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0231, Revision 
1, dated June 27, 2007, using the compliance times specified in the 
following Table B:

   Table B.--Regional Jet On-Wing Fan Disk Inspection Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             For fan disks:                          Inspect:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) That have not had a shop-level       Within 500 flight hours after
 inspection.                              September 12, 2007.
(ii) That are marked with an asterisk    Within 500 flight hours after
 in Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B     September 12, 2007.
 72-A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27,
 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(13) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0231, Revision 1, dated 
June 27, 2007, to do the inspection.

Shop-Level Inspection

    (3) Within 5,000 flight hours or by September 12, 2012, 
whichever occurs first, fluorescent-penetrant inspect (FPI), TEV 
inspect, and eddy current inspect (ECI) at shop-level for cracks and 
electrical arc-out defects on the fan disks listed by P/N and SN in 
Table 1 of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 3, dated June 
27, 2007.
    (4) Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(6) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 3, dated 
June 27, 2007, to do the inspections.

Shop-Level Inspection Exemption

    (5) Fan disks that meet the following criteria are exempt from 
the shop-level inspection:
    (i) Fan disks inspected before the effective date of this AD per 
GE Engine Manual No. SEI-756, Section 72-21-00 (FAN ROTOR ASSEMBLY 
INSPECTION); and
    (ii) That have accumulated no more than 100 cycles since that 
inspection; and
    (iii) That pass the on-wing TEV inspection in paragraph (h)(2) 
of this AD.

Inspection of Fan Disks Installed in Business Jet Airplanes

    (i) For CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, and -3B turbofan engines 
installed on Bombardier Canadair Models CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), CL-
600-2B16 (CL-601-3A), (CL-601-3R), and (CL-604) Business Jet 
airplanes:
    (1) FPI, TEV inspect, and ECI for cracks and electrical arc-out 
defects at shop-level on the fan disks listed by P/N and SN in Table 
1 of GE ASB No. CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 
2007, using the compliance times specified in the following Table C:

 Table C.--Business Jet Shop-level Fan Disk Inspection Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             For fan disks:                          Inspect:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) That have not had a shop-level       Within 500 flight hours after
 inspection and have more than 5,500      September 12, 2007.
 flight hours on September 12, 2007.
(ii) That have not had a shop-level      Within accumulating a total of
 inspection and have 5,500 or fewer       6,000 fan disk operating hours-
 flight hours on the effective date of    since-new or by September 12,
 this AD.                                 2012, whichever occurs first.
(iii) That have had a shop-level         Within accumulating an
 inspection.                              additional 6,000 fan disk
                                          operating hours-since-shop-
                                          level inspection, or by
                                          September 12, 2012, whichever
                                          occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(10) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB No. CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 3, dated 
June 27, 2007, to do the inspections.

Reporting Requirements

    (j) Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
has approved the information collection requirements contained in 
this AD, and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) Report the results of the on-wing inspections performed in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD by following the instructions in 
paragraph 3.A.(14) of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB No. 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0231, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007.
    (2) Report the results of the shop-level inspections performed 
in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD by following the instructions in 
paragraph 3.A.(3)(b)11 of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB 
No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007.
    (3) Report the results of the shop-level inspections performed 
in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD by following the instructions in 
paragraph 3.A.(3)(b)11 of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB 
No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007.

Previous Credit

    (k) We are allowing previous credit for:
    (1) Fan disks previously shop-level inspected before the 
effective date of this AD using GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233,

[[Page 3428]]

dated March 7, 2007, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2007, or Revision 
2, dated March 22, 2007; and GE ASB No. CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, dated 
March 7, 2007, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2007, or Revision 2, 
dated March 22, 2007.
    (2) Fan disks previously on-wing TEV inspected before the 
effective date of this AD using GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0231, 
dated March 7, 2007.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (l) 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.

Related Information

    (m) Emergency AD 2007-04-51 and AD 2007-05-16 also pertain to 
the subject of this AD.
    (n) GE Alert Service Bulletins ASB No. CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, 
Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007; ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, 
Revision 3, dated June 27, 2007; and ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0231, 
Revision 1, dated June 27, 2007; pertain to the subject of this AD.
    (o) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199, 
for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2008.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-821 Filed 1-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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