Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 Series and CF6-50 Series Turbofan Engines, 64681-64683 [2010-26312]

Download as PDF 64681 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 202 Wednesday, October 20, 2010 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 Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 983 [Doc. No. AMS–FV–10–0077; FV10–983–3 CR] Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Continuance Referendum Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Referendum order. AGENCY: This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible California, Arizona, and New Mexico pistachio producers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. DATES: The referendum will be conducted from November 1 through November 20, 2010. To vote in this referendum, producers must have produced pistachios in California, Arizona, or New Mexico during the period September 1, 2009, through August 31, 2010. ADDRESSES: Copies of the marketing order may be obtained from the California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102B, Fresno, California, 93721–3129, or the Office of the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Ricci, Marketing Specialist, or Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487– 5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906, or E-mail: emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:52 Oct 19, 2010 Jkt 223001 Andrea.Ricci@ams.usda.gov or Kurt.Kimmel@ams.usda.gov, respectively. Pursuant to Marketing Order No. 983 (7 CFR part 983), hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘order,’’ and the applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601– 674), hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act,’’ it is hereby directed that a referendum be conducted to ascertain whether continuance of the order is favored by producers. The referendum shall be conducted from November 1 through November 20, 2010, among eligible California, Arizona, and New Mexico pistachio producers. Only producers that were engaged in the production of pistachios in California, Arizona, or New Mexico during the period of September 1, 2009, through August 31, 2010, may participate in the continuance referendum. USDA has determined that continuance referenda are an effective means for determining whether producers favor the continuation of marketing order programs. USDA would consider termination of the order if less than two-thirds of the producers voting in the referendum or producers of less than two-thirds of the volume of California, Arizona, and New Mexico pistachios represented in the referendum favor continuance of their program. In evaluating the merits of continuance versus termination, USDA will consider the results of the continuance referendum and other relevant information regarding operation of the order. USDA will evaluate the order’s relative benefits and disadvantages to producers, handlers, and consumers to determine whether continuing the order would tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the ballot materials used in the referendum herein ordered have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), under OMB No. 0581–0215, Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona and New Mexico. It has been estimated that it will take an average of 20 minutes for each of the approximately 840 producers of California, Arizona, and New Mexico pistachios to cast a ballot. Participation is voluntary. Ballots postmarked after SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 November 20, 2010, will not be included in the vote tabulation. Andrea Ricci and Kurt J. Kimmel of the California Marketing Field Office, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, are hereby designated as the referendum agents of the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct this referendum. The procedure applicable to the referendum shall be the ‘‘Procedure for the Conduct of Referenda in Connection With Marketing Orders for Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as Amended’’ (7 CFR 900.400– 900.407). Ballots will be mailed to all producers of record and may also be obtained from the referendum agents or from their appointees. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 983 Marketing agreements and orders, Pistachios, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. Dated: October 14, 2010. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2010–26333 Filed 10–19–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0998; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–29–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6–45 Series and CF6–50 Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6–45 and CF6–50 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the stage 3 low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor at every shop visit at which the LPT module is separated from the engine. This proposed AD results from seven SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1 64682 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 / Proposed Rules emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS reports of uncontained failures of LPT stage 3 disks and eight reports of cracked LPT stage 3 disks found during shop visit inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent LPT rotor separation, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 20, 2010. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher J. Richards, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: christopher.j.richards@faa.gov; phone: (781) 238–7133; 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– 2010–0998; Directorate Identifier 2010– NE–29–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.). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:52 Oct 19, 2010 Jkt 223001 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 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 Since July 2008, we have received seven reports of uncontained failures of LPT stage 3 rotor disks and eight reports of cracked LPT rotor stage 3 disks found during shop visit inspections. Our investigation revealed that certain part number LPT stage 3 rotor disks might fail due to circumferential cracking of the forward cone body (forward spacer arm) of the LPT stage 3 disk when exposed to core engine (N2) vibrations. On June 4, 2010, we issued AD 2010– 12–10 that requires a separate set of corrective actions. Those actions, along with this proposed AD, reduce the likelihood of further uncontained engine failures. This condition, if not corrected, could result in critical lifelimited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. 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 performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection at every shop visit when the LPT module is separated from the engine. Interim Action These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 387 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 7 work-hours per engine to perform the PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. No parts would be required. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $230,265. 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. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES. 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 E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 / Proposed Rules § 39.13 Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: Affected ADs [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2010–0998; Directorate Identifier 2010– NE–29–AD. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 64683 Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 20, 2010. (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6–45A, CF6–45A2, CF6– 50A, CF6–50C, CF6–50CA, CF6–50C1, CF6– 50C2, CF6–50C2B, CF6–50C2D, CF6–50C2–F, CF6–50C2–R, CF6–50E, CF6–50E1, and CF6– 50E2 series turbofan engines, with a lowpressure turbine (LPT) rotor stage 3 disk that has a part number (P/N) listed in Table 1 of this AD installed: TABLE 1—LPT ROTOR STAGE 3 DISK P/NS 1473M90P01 1479M75P01 1479M75P05 1479M75P09 9061M23P06 9061M23P10 9061M23P16 1473M90P02 1479M75P02 1479M75P06 1479M75P11 9061M23P07 9061M23P12 9224M75P01 These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747–200B series, –200C series, and –200F series, 747–300 series airplanes; McDonnell Douglas DC–10–15, –30, and –30F, MD–10–30, KC–10A, and KDC–10 airplanes; and Airbus A300 series airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from seven reports of uncontained failures of LPT stage 3 disks and eight reports of cracked LPT stage 3 disks found during shop visit inspections. We are issuing this AD to prevent LPT rotor separation, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. 1473M90P03 1479M75P03 1479M75P07 1479M75P13 9061M23P08 9061M23P14 Related Information (j) Contact Christopher J. Richards, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: christopher.j.richards@faa.gov; phone: (781) 238–7133; fax: (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2010. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–26312 Filed 10–19–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed at each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, at which the LPT module is separated from the engine. Cleaning the LPT Stage 3 Disk (f) Clean the LPT stage 3 disk, using a wetabrasive blast to eliminate residual or background fluorescence. You can find guidance on cleaning the disk in the cleaning procedure of CF6–50 Engine Manual, GEK 50481 72–57–02. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Inspecting the LPT Stage 3 Disk (g) Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the inner diameter of the forward cone body (forward spacer arm) of the LPT stage 3 disk. You can find guidance on performing the FPI in the CF6–50 Engine Manual, GEK 50481 72–57–02. (h) If a crack or a band of fluorescence is present, remove the disk from service. Alternative Methods of Compliance (i) 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:52 Oct 19, 2010 Jkt 223001 PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION 29 CFR Parts 4062 and 4063 RIN 1212–AB20 Liability for Termination of SingleEmployer Plans; Treatment of Substantial Cessation of Operations Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. AGENCY: PBGC is extending to November 12, 2010, the comment period on its proposed rule to provide guidance on the applicability and enforcement of ERISA section 4062(e), which provides for reporting of and liability for certain substantial cessations of operations by employers that maintain single-employer plans. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 12, 2010. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1473M90P04 1479M75P04 1479M75P08 1479M75P14 9061M23P09 9061M23P15 Comments, identified by Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1212–AB20, may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the Web site instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: reg.comments@pbgc.gov. • Fax: 202–326–4224. • Mail or hand delivery: Legislative and Regulatory Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005– 4026. All submissions must include the Regulation Identifier Number for this rulemaking (RIN 1212–AB20). Comments received, including personal information provided, will be posted to https://www.pbgc.gov. Copies of comments may also be obtained by writing to Disclosure Division, Office of the General Counsel, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005–4026, or calling 202–326–4040 during normal business hours. (TTY and TDD users may call the Federal relay service tollfree at 1–800–877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4040.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion, Manager, or Deborah C. Murphy, Attorney, Regulatory and Policy Division, Legislative and Regulatory Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005–4026; 202– 326–4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1–800– 877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4024.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 10, 2010 (at 75 FR 48283), Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 202 (Wednesday, October 20, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64681-64683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26312]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0998; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-29-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 
Series and CF6-50 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for GE CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD 
would require performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 
the stage 3 low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor at every shop visit at 
which the LPT module is separated from the engine. This proposed AD 
results from seven

[[Page 64682]]

reports of uncontained failures of LPT stage 3 disks and eight reports 
of cracked LPT stage 3 disks found during shop visit inspections. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent LPT rotor separation, which could 
result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 20, 
2010.

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher J. Richards, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-
mail: christopher.j.richards@faa.gov; phone: (781) 238-7133; 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-2010-0998; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NE-29-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 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

    Since July 2008, we have received seven reports of uncontained 
failures of LPT stage 3 rotor disks and eight reports of cracked LPT 
rotor stage 3 disks found during shop visit inspections. Our 
investigation revealed that certain part number LPT stage 3 rotor disks 
might fail due to circumferential cracking of the forward cone body 
(forward spacer arm) of the LPT stage 3 disk when exposed to core 
engine (N2) vibrations. On June 4, 2010, we issued AD 2010-12-10 that 
requires a separate set of corrective actions. Those actions, along 
with this proposed AD, reduce the likelihood of further uncontained 
engine failures. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
critical life-limited rotating engine part failure, which could result 
in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

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 
performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection at every shop visit when 
the LPT module is separated from the engine.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 387 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 7 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and 
that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. No parts would be 
required. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the 
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $230,265.

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. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

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

[[Page 64683]]

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-2010-0998; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NE-29-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 20, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45A, 
CF6-45A2, CF6-50A, CF6-50C, CF6-50CA, CF6-50C1, CF6-50C2, CF6-50C2B, 
CF6-50C2D, CF6-50C2-F, CF6-50C2-R, CF6-50E, CF6-50E1, and CF6-50E2 
series turbofan engines, with a low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor 
stage 3 disk that has a part number (P/N) listed in Table 1 of this 
AD installed:

                  Table 1--LPT Rotor Stage 3 Disk P/Ns
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1473M90P01         1473M90P02        1473M90P03        1473M90P04
     1479M75P01         1479M75P02        1479M75P03        1479M75P04
     1479M75P05         1479M75P06        1479M75P07        1479M75P08
     1479M75P09         1479M75P11        1479M75P13        1479M75P14
     9061M23P06         9061M23P07        9061M23P08        9061M23P09
     9061M23P10         9061M23P12        9061M23P14        9061M23P15
     9061M23P16         9224M75P01
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747-
200B series, -200C series, and -200F series, 747-300 series 
airplanes; McDonnell Douglas DC-10-15, -30, and -30F, MD-10-30, KC-
10A, and KDC-10 airplanes; and Airbus A300 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from seven reports of uncontained failures 
of LPT stage 3 disks and eight reports of cracked LPT stage 3 disks 
found during shop visit inspections. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent LPT rotor separation, which could result in an uncontained 
engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed at each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
at which the LPT module is separated from the engine.

Cleaning the LPT Stage 3 Disk

    (f) Clean the LPT stage 3 disk, using a wet-abrasive blast to 
eliminate residual or background fluorescence. You can find guidance 
on cleaning the disk in the cleaning procedure of CF6-50 Engine 
Manual, GEK 50481 72-57-02.

Inspecting the LPT Stage 3 Disk

    (g) Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the 
inner diameter of the forward cone body (forward spacer arm) of the 
LPT stage 3 disk. You can find guidance on performing the FPI in the 
CF6-50 Engine Manual, GEK 50481 72-57-02.
    (h) If a crack or a band of fluorescence is present, remove the 
disk from service.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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

    (j) Contact Christopher J. Richards, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
christopher.j.richards@faa.gov; phone: (781) 238-7133; fax: (781) 
238-7199, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26312 Filed 10-19-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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