Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company GE90-76B; GE90-77B; GE90-85B; GE90-90B; and GE90-94B Turbofan Engines, 80370-80372 [2010-32156]
Download as PDF
80370
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules
well-being within the meaning of
section 654 of the Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 1999,
Public Law 105–277, 112 Stat. 2681
(1998).
Agency Regulatory Goal
NCUA’s goal is to promulgate clear
and understandable regulations that
impose minimal regulatory burden. We
request your comments on whether the
proposed amendments are
understandable and minimally intrusive
if implemented as proposed.
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 745
Credit unions, Share insurance.
By the National Credit Union
Administration Board on December 16, 2010.
Mary F. Rupp,
Secretary of the Board.
For the reasons discussed above,
NCUA proposes to amend 12 CFR Part
745 as follows:
PART 745—SHARE INSURANCE AND
APPENDIX
1. The authority citation for Part 745
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1757, 1765,
1766, 1781, 1782, 1787, 1789.
2. Amend § 745.1 by adding a new
paragraph (f) to read as follows:
§ 745.1
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) The term noninterest-bearing
transaction account means an account
or deposit maintained at an insured
credit union—
(1) With respect to which either
interest or dividends are neither accrued
nor paid;
(2) On which the account holder or
depositor is permitted to make
withdrawals by negotiable or
transferable instrument, payment orders
of withdrawal, telephone or other
electronic media transfers, or other
similar items for the purpose of making
payments or transfers to third parties or
others; and
(3) On which the insured credit union
does not reserve the right to require
advance notice of an intended
withdrawal.
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS
3. Add § 745.14 to read as follows:
§ 745.14 Noninterest-bearing transaction
accounts.
(a) Separate insurance coverage.
Through December 31, 2012, a
member’s funds in a ‘‘noninterestbearing transaction account’’ (as defined
in § 745.1(f) of this part) are fully
insured, irrespective of the SMSIA.
Such insurance coverage shall be
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:40 Dec 21, 2010
Jkt 223001
separate from the coverage provided for
other accounts maintained at the same
insured credit union.
(b) Certain swept funds. NCUA will
treat funds swept from a noninterestbearing transaction account to a
noninterest-bearing savings deposit
account as being in a noninterestbearing transaction account.
(c) Disclosure and notice
requirements. (1) Each insured credit
union that offers noninterest-bearing
transaction accounts must post
prominently the following notice in the
lobby of its main office, in each branch
and, if it offers Internet deposit services,
on its Web site:
Notice of Changes in Temporary NCUA
Insurance Coverage for Transaction
Accounts
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act, through December 31,
2012, all funds in ‘‘noninterest-bearing
transaction accounts’’ are insured in full
by the National Credit Union
Administration. This unlimited
coverage is in addition to, and separate
from, the coverage of at least $250,000
available to members under the NCUA’s
general share insurance rules.
The term ‘‘noninterest-bearing
transaction account’’ includes a
traditional share draft account (or
demand deposit account) on which the
insured credit union pays no interest or
dividend. It does not include any
transaction account that may earn
interest or dividends, such as a
negotiable order of withdrawal (‘‘NOW’’)
account, money-market account, or
Interest on Lawyers Trust Account
(‘‘IOLTA’’), even if share drafts may be
drawn on the account.
The temporary full insurance
coverage of ‘‘noninterest-bearing
transaction accounts’’ expires on
December 31, 2012. After December 31,
2012, funds in noninterest-bearing
transaction accounts will be insured
under the NCUA’s general share
insurance rules, subject to the Standard
Maximum Share Insurance Amount of
$250,000.
For more information about NCUA
insurance coverage of transaction
accounts, visit https://www.ncua.gov.
(2) If an insured credit union uses
sweep arrangements, modifies the terms
of an account, or takes other actions that
result in funds no longer being eligible
for full coverage under this section, the
insured credit union must notify
affected members and clearly advise
them, in writing, that such actions will
affect their share insurance coverage.
[FR Doc. 2010–32129 Filed 12–21–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–1024; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NE–34–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company GE90–76B; GE90–
77B; GE90–85B; GE90–90B; and
GE90–94B Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed
AD would require initial and repetitive
fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs)
and eddy current inspections (ECIs) of
the high-pressure compressor rotor
(HPCR) 8–10 stage spool, part numbers
(P/Ns) 1844M90G01 and 1844M90G02,
for cracks between the 9–10 stages, at
each piece-part exposure. This proposed
AD was prompted by cracks discovered
on one HPCR 8–10 spool between the
9–10 stages in the weld joint. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the HPCR 8–10 stage spool, uncontained
engine failure, and damage to the
airplane.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 7, 2011.
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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
DATES:
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
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–
238–7199; e-mail: jason.yang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2010–1024; Directorate Identifier 2010–
NE–34–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
General Electric Company (GE)
recently informed us of cracks
discovered during a shop visit of a
GE90–94B turbofan engine. The cracks
were in the HPCR 8–10 stage spool weld
joint between the 9–10 stages. These
cracks can lead to failure of the HPCR
8–10 stage spool. GE informed us that
the cracking is caused by defects during
part manufacture, in the inertia weld
process. This unsafe condition could
also occur on GE90–76B; GE90–77B;
GE90–85B; and GE90–90B turbofan
engines, as they use the same design
HPCR 8–10 stage spool. GE90 Engine
Manual Chapter 5 requires mandatory
inspections of the HPCR 8–10 stage
spool, specifically, inspection of the
weld joint between the 8–9 stages.
Because of the cracking between the 9–
10 stages in the weld joint, GE has
updated Chapter 5 to include inspection
of the weld joint between the 9–10
stages. They also changed the inertia
weld process during manufacture. These
cracks, if not corrected, could result in
failure of the HPCR 8–10 stage spool,
uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:40 Dec 21, 2010
Jkt 223001
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
initial and repetitive FPIs and ECIs of
the HPCR 8–10 stage spool, P/Ns
1844M90G01 and 1844M90G02 for
cracks, at each piece-part exposure.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 33 GE90–76B; GE90–77B;
GE90–85B; GE90–90B; and GE90–94B
engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 2 work-hours per engine to
perform one proposed inspection, and
that the average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the total cost of the proposed
AD to U.S. operators to be $5,610 for
one inspection cycle.
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 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 this 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),
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
80371
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA 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 (AD):
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA–
2010–1024; Directorate Identifier 2010–
NE–34–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February
7, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric
Company GE90–76B; GE90–77B; GE90–85B;
GE90–90B; and GE90–94B turbofan engines
with a high-pressure compressor rotor
(HPCR) 8–10 stage spool, part number (P/N)
1844M90G01 or 1844M90G02, installed.
These engines are installed on but not
limited to Boeing 777 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by cracks
discovered on one HPCR 8–10 spool between
the 9–10 stages in the weld joint. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
HPCR 8–10 stage spool, uncontained engine
failure, and damage to the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Inspections of the HPCR 8–10 Stage Spool
(f) At the next piece-part exposure after the
effective date of this AD of the HPCR 8–10
stage spool, perform a fluorescent penetrant
inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection
(ECI) of the weld joint between the 9–10
stages of the HPCR 8–10 stage spool for
cracks.
(g) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs and
ECIs of the weld joint between the 9–10
stages of the HPCR 8–10 stage spool for
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80372
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules
cracks at every piece-part exposure of the
HPCR 8–10 stage spool.
(h) Remove from service any HPCR 8–10
stage spool found cracked.
(i) Guidance on performing the FPI can be
found in GE90 (GEK100700) Engine Manual,
Chapter 72–31–08, Inspection 001.
(j) Guidance on performing the ECI can be
found in GE90 (GEK100700) Engine Manual,
Chapter 72–31–08, Special Procedures 001.
Definition
(k) For the purpose of this AD, piece-part
exposure is when the HPCR stage 8–10 spool
is completely disassembled using the
disassembly instructions in the GE90 Engine
Manual.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(l) The Manager, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(m) For more information about this AD,
contact Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–
7199; e-mail: jason.yang@faa.gov.
(n) For service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
GE—Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215, telephone 513–552–
3272; fax 513–552–3329; e-mail:
geae.aoc@ge.com. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
781–238–7125.
Issued in Burlington Massachusetts, on
December 10, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–32156 Filed 12–21–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2010–1146; Airspace
Docket No. 10–ASO–25]
Proposed Amendment of Restricted
Areas R–2907A and R–2907B, Lake
George, FL; and R–2910, Pinecastle,
FL
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
expand the lateral and vertical limits of
restricted areas R–2907A and R–2907B,
Lake George, FL; and restricted area R–
2910, Pinecastle, FL. The U.S. Navy
requested this action to provide the
SUMMARY:
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17:40 Dec 21, 2010
Jkt 223001
additional airspace needed to contain
laser operations and other hazardous
activities and to permit realistic training
in current tactics. This action would
enhance the margin of safety for air
traffic in the Lake George and
Pinecastle, FL, areas.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before February 7, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone:
(202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2010–1146 and
Airspace Docket No. 10–ASO–25, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Comments on environmental and land
use aspects should be directed to:
Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station
Jacksonville, FL, Environmental
Department, Attn: Mr. Bill Raspett, Bldg
1 Box 2, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212–
0020; telephone: (904) 542–4229.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace Regulations and ATC
Procedures Group, Office of Airspace
Services, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal. Comments are
also invited on the nonregulatory MOA
portion of this proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2010–1146 and Airspace Docket No. 10–
ASO–25) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management System (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Docket No. FAA–2010–1146 and
Airspace Docket No. 10–ASO–25.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified closing date for
comments will be considered before
taking action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
closing date for comments. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at https://
www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/
air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in
person at the Dockets Office (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number) between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. An informal docket
may also be examined during normal
business hours at the office of the
Operations Support Group, Eastern
Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave.,
College Park, GA 30337.
Persons interested in being placed on
a mailing list for future NPRMs should
contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking,
(202) 267–9677, for a copy of Advisory
Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Distribution System, which
describes the application procedure.
Background
The Pinecastle, FL, and Lake George,
FL, restricted areas have, for many
years, satisfied military training
requirements. However, with the
introduction of higher-performance and
more versatile, multi-role fighter
aircraft, as well as advanced weapons
systems and employment tactics, the
available airspace at the Pinecastle and
Lake George complexes is inadequate to
satisfy training requirements. In order to
fully exploit the capabilities of today’s
fighter/attack aircraft and provide
essential training that replicates the
conditions units are encountering today
during wartime deployments, it is
necessary to expand the vertical and
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 80370-80372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32156]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1024; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company GE90-76B;
GE90-77B; GE90-85B; GE90-90B; and GE90-94B Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD would require initial and
repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) and eddy current
inspections (ECIs) of the high-pressure compressor rotor (HPCR) 8-10
stage spool, part numbers (P/Ns) 1844M90G01 and 1844M90G02, for cracks
between the 9-10 stages, at each piece-part exposure. This proposed AD
was prompted by cracks discovered on one HPCR 8-10 spool between the 9-
10 stages in the weld joint. We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool, uncontained engine failure, and
damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 7,
2011.
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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be
[[Page 80371]]
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; e-mail:
jason.yang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1024;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-34-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
General Electric Company (GE) recently informed us of cracks
discovered during a shop visit of a GE90-94B turbofan engine. The
cracks were in the HPCR 8-10 stage spool weld joint between the 9-10
stages. These cracks can lead to failure of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool.
GE informed us that the cracking is caused by defects during part
manufacture, in the inertia weld process. This unsafe condition could
also occur on GE90-76B; GE90-77B; GE90-85B; and GE90-90B turbofan
engines, as they use the same design HPCR 8-10 stage spool. GE90 Engine
Manual Chapter 5 requires mandatory inspections of the HPCR 8-10 stage
spool, specifically, inspection of the weld joint between the 8-9
stages. Because of the cracking between the 9-10 stages in the weld
joint, GE has updated Chapter 5 to include inspection of the weld joint
between the 9-10 stages. They also changed the inertia weld process
during manufacture. These cracks, if not corrected, could result in
failure of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool, uncontained engine failure, and
damage to the airplane.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive FPIs and ECIs
of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool, P/Ns 1844M90G01 and 1844M90G02 for
cracks, at each piece-part exposure.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 33 GE90-76B; GE90-
77B; GE90-85B; GE90-90B; and GE90-94B engines installed on airplanes of
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours
per engine to perform one proposed inspection, and that the average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $5,610 for
one inspection cycle.
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 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 this 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA 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 (AD):
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-1024; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NE-34-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February 7, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric Company GE90-76B; GE90-
77B; GE90-85B; GE90-90B; and GE90-94B turbofan engines with a high-
pressure compressor rotor (HPCR) 8-10 stage spool, part number (P/N)
1844M90G01 or 1844M90G02, installed. These engines are installed on
but not limited to Boeing 777 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by cracks discovered on one HPCR 8-10
spool between the 9-10 stages in the weld joint. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool, uncontained
engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Inspections of the HPCR 8-10 Stage Spool
(f) At the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of
this AD of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool, perform a fluorescent
penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the
weld joint between the 9-10 stages of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool for
cracks.
(g) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs and ECIs of the weld
joint between the 9-10 stages of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool for
[[Page 80372]]
cracks at every piece-part exposure of the HPCR 8-10 stage spool.
(h) Remove from service any HPCR 8-10 stage spool found cracked.
(i) Guidance on performing the FPI can be found in GE90
(GEK100700) Engine Manual, Chapter 72-31-08, Inspection 001.
(j) Guidance on performing the ECI can be found in GE90
(GEK100700) Engine Manual, Chapter 72-31-08, Special Procedures 001.
Definition
(k) For the purpose of this AD, piece-part exposure is when the
HPCR stage 8-10 spool is completely disassembled using the
disassembly instructions in the GE90 Engine Manual.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(m) For more information about this AD, contact Jason Yang,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-
238-7199; e-mail: jason.yang@faa.gov.
(n) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, GE--Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215, telephone 513-552-3272; fax 513-552-3329; e-
mail: geae.aoc@ge.com. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
Issued in Burlington Massachusetts, on December 10, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-32156 Filed 12-21-10; 8:45 am]
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