Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines, 35747-35749 [2013-14040]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 115 / Friday, June 14, 2013 / Rules and Regulations of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994. Tribal participation is voluntary. Tribes may express interest in participating in the advance notifications and may discontinue their participation at any time. Currently, 27 Tribes have expressed interest in receiving the advance notifications. Tribes meeting the criteria may receive advance notifications after certifying that the Safeguards Information associated with the shipments of these materials will be adequately protected by complying with the requirements in 10 CFR 73.21 and 73.22. After the NRC receives this certification and the contact information for the Tribal official or Tribal official’s designee, the NRC will add the Tribe to the list of advance notification contacts and the Tribal reservation information to the interactive map of Tribal boundaries at https://www.nrc.gov/ about-nrc/state-tribal/tribal-advancenotification.html. Current contact information can also be accessed throughout the year at https://nrcstp.ornl.gov/special/designee.pdf. The list is published annually in the Federal Register on or about June 30 to reflect any changes in information. Licensees should check these sites to determine whether they need to provide advance notification when they have any shipments meeting the criteria in 10 CFR 71.97 or 73.37 that will pass within or across a participating Tribe’s reservation. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 10th day of June 2013. For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Melanie A. Galloway, Acting Director, Division of Intergovernmental Liaison and Rulemaking, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs. [FR Doc. 2013–14159 Filed 6–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P Final special conditions; withdrawal. ACTION: SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a previously published notice granting special conditions for the Cirrus Design Corporation model SF50 airplane. We are withdrawing Special Condition No. 23–245–SC through mutual agreement with Cirrus Design Corporation. DATES: This special condition published on April 20, 2010 at 75 FR 20518 is withdrawn, effective June 14, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie B. Taylor, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329– 4134; facsimile (816) 329–4090, email leslie.b.taylor@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On April 20, 2010, the FAA published Special Condition No. 23–245–SC for the Cirrus Design Corporation new model SF50. The model SF50 is a 7-seat (5 adults and 2 children), pressurized, retractable gear, carbon composite, airplane with one turbofan engine mounted partially in the upper aft fuselage. The single turbofan engine is mounted on the upper aft fuselage, not in the pilot’s line of site. Upper aft fuselage mounted engine installations, along with the need to protect such installed engines from fires, were not envisioned in the development of the part 23 normal category regulations. The model SF50 certification project was granted an extension on September 19, 2011. Amendment 23–62 (76 FR 75736), published December 2, 2011, incorporated Special Condition No. 23– 245–SC. On December 11, 2012, Cirrus Design Corporation elected to adjust the model SF50 certification basis to 14 CFR part 23, Amendment 62. Reason for Withdrawal DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 23 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES [Docket No. CE305; Special Conditions No. 23–245–SC] Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation, Model SF50; Fire Extinguishing for Upper Aft Fuselage Mounted Engine; Withdrawal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 The FAA is withdrawing Special Condition No. 23–245–SC because Cirrus elected to revise the model SF50 certification basis to Amendment 23–62. The authority citation for this Special Condition withdrawal is 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.17; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19. Conclusion Withdrawal of this special condition does not preclude the FAA from issuing another notice on the subject matter in the future or committing the agency to any future course of action. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 35747 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on June 5, 2013. Earl Lawrence, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–14151 Filed 6–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1329; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–46–AD; Amendment 39–17479; AD 2013–12–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by damage to the highpressure compressor (HPC) stage 7–9 spool caused by failure of the baffle plate feature on affected HPC stage 6 disks. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the baffle plate feature and removal from service of the HPC stage 6 disk if the plate is missing material. This AD also requires mandatory removal from service of these HPC stage 6 disks at the next HPC module exposure. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 7–9 spool, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2013. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer, E:\FR\FM\14JNR1.SGM 14JNR1 35748 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 115 / Friday, June 14, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– 238–7157; fax: 781–238–7199; email: martin.adler@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2013 (78 FR 9003). That NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the HPC stage 6 disk baffle plate feature and removal from service of any HPC stage 6 disk, part number (P/N) 382–100–505–0, before further flight if the feature is missing any material. That NPRM also proposed to require mandatory removal from service of these HPC stage 6 disks at the next HPC module exposure, but no later than accumulating 6,800 cycles-sincenew on the disk. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Allow Continue-In-Service Limits for the Baffle Plate Feature Engine Alliance and Korean Airlines requested that we allow continue-inservice limits for the baffle plate feature. Engine Alliance stated that they have performed extensive analysis showing that the risk in doing so, is minimal. Both commenters point out the potential inconveniences to the flying public, and the potential economical and logistical impacts on air carriers. We agree. We changed paragraph (f)(4) of the AD to state to remove the HPC stage 6 disk within 50 additional cycles-in-service, if the baffle plate feature is found cracked or missing material. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Request To Remove References to Damage Causing Cracks to the HPC 7–9 Spool Engine Alliance requested that we remove the reference to damage causing cracks to the HPC 7–9 spool, in the Discussion paragraph of the NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013). Engine Alliance stated that there has been no cracking of the spools related to the baffle plate feature problem, to-date, but there is potential for cracking, and they suggested that we state there is potential for cracking. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 We partially agree. We agree that there has been no cracking yet. We do not agree with stating there is potential for cracking, because we wouldn’t be issuing an AD if cracking couldn’t happen. We did not change the AD. Request To Include Engine Alliance Service Bulletins (SBs) Engine Alliance and Korean Airlines requested that we include Engine Alliance SBs No.s EAGP7–72–237 and EAGP7–72–240 as terminating action for this AD. The SBs introduce the new design of the HPC stage 6 disk either by repair or a new part, which eliminates the unsafe condition. We partially agree. We agree that a repaired HPC stage 6 disk should be allowed to be installed as a terminating action for the AD, as well as installing the new P/N HPC stage 6 disk. We changed paragraph (g) in the AD from ‘‘At next HPC module exposure, but not to exceed 6,800 CSN on the HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 disk, P/N 382–100–505–0, from service’’ to allow use of the repaired part. Paragraph (g) of this AD now reads: ‘‘At next HPC module exposure, but not to exceed 6,800 CSN on the HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 disk, P/N 382– 100–505–0, from the engine.’’ We do not agree with stipulating the SBs as terminating actions because we do not want to prevent future configurations from being terminating action. However, we listed those SBs under Related Information in the AD. Request To Define When Undamaged Part Replacement Is Required Engine Alliance requested that we define when undamaged part replacement is required, from module level to rotor assembly exposure. They stated that disk removal involves a full teardown of the compressor module, which can only be performed at specialized repair facilities. There is maintenance that can be performed at other facilities not qualified for a full teardown, which could involve removal and installation of a complete compressor module. We agree. We changed paragraph (i) in the AD from: ‘‘For the purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as separation of the flanges between the compressor case and the combustion diffuser case’’ to: ‘‘For the purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as disassembly of the compressor to where the HPC rotor assembly is removed and accessible.’’ Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013). We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect no engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry, and the cost to U.S. operators to be $0. 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and E:\FR\FM\14JNR1.SGM 14JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 115 / Friday, June 14, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 35749 (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. (4) Remove the HPC stage 6 disk within 50 additional CIS, if the baffle plate feature is found cracked or missing material. (g) Mandatory Removal From Service of Affected HPC Stage 6 Disks 14 CFR Part 39 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. At next HPC module exposure, but not to exceed 6,800 CSN on the HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 disk, P/N 382–100– 505–0, from the engine. [Docket No. FAA–2012–1221; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–151–AD; Amendment 39–17474; AD 2013–11–14] (h) Installation Prohibition RIN 2120–AA64 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: After the effective date of this AD, do not install any HPC stage 6 disk, P/N 382–100– 505–0, into any HPC module. Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes (i) Definition For the purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as disassembly of the compressor to where the HPC rotor assembly is removed and accessible. 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): ■ 2013–12–02 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39–17479; Docket No. FAA–2012–1329; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–46–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective July 19, 2013. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines with a high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 6 disk, part number (P/N) 382–100–505–0, installed. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by damage to the HPC stage 7–9 spool caused by failure of the baffle plate feature on affected HPC stage 6 disks. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 7–9 spool, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (f) Borescope Inspections (1) For HPC stage 6 disks with fewer than 1,000 cycles- since- new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, initially borescope inspect the baffle plate feature on the disk (360 degrees) before accumulating 1,500 CSN. (2) For HPC stage 6 disks with 1,000 CSN or more on the effective date of this AD, initially borescope inspect the baffle plate feature on the disk (360 degrees) within the next 500 cycles-in-service (CIS). (3) Thereafter, repetitively borescope inspect the baffle plate feature on the disk (360 degrees) within every 500 CIS. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7157; fax: 781–238– 7199; email: martin.adler@faa.gov. (2) Engine Alliance Service Bulletin Nos. EAGP7–72–236, EAGP7–72–237, and EAGP7–72–240, pertain to the subject of this AD. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118, phone: 800– 565–0140; Web site: https://www.engineallianceportal.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 7, 2013. Robert J. Ganley, Acting Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–14040 Filed 6–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic fluid contamination (including contamination caused by hydraulic fluid in its liquid, vapor, and/or solid (coked) form) found in the strut forward dry bay. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections of the strut forward dry bay for the presence of hydraulic fluid, and related investigative and corrective actions (including checking drain lines for blockage due to hydraulic fluid coking, and cleaning or replacing drain lines to allow drainage) if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct hydraulic fluid contamination of the strut forward dry bay, which could result in hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium forward engine mount bulkhead fittings, and consequent inability of the fittings to carry engine loads, resulting in engine separation. Hydraulic embrittlement also could cause a through-crack formation across the fittings through which an engine fire could breach into the strut, resulting in an uncontained strut fire. DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 19, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. E:\FR\FM\14JNR1.SGM 14JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 115 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35747-35749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14040]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1329; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-46-AD; 
Amendment 39-17479; AD 2013-12-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines. This AD was 
prompted by damage to the high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 7-9 
spool caused by failure of the baffle plate feature on affected HPC 
stage 6 disks. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope 
inspections of the baffle plate feature and removal from service of the 
HPC stage 6 disk if the plate is missing material. This AD also 
requires mandatory removal from service of these HPC stage 6 disks at 
the next HPC module exposure. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the HPC stage 7-9 spool, uncontained engine failure, and damage to 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2013.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 35748]]

Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7157; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
martin.adler@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2013 (78 FR 
9003). That NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive borescope 
inspections of the HPC stage 6 disk baffle plate feature and removal 
from service of any HPC stage 6 disk, part number (P/N) 382-100-505-0, 
before further flight if the feature is missing any material. That NPRM 
also proposed to require mandatory removal from service of these HPC 
stage 6 disks at the next HPC module exposure, but no later than 
accumulating 6,800 cycles-since-new on the disk.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Allow Continue-In-Service Limits for the Baffle Plate 
Feature

    Engine Alliance and Korean Airlines requested that we allow 
continue-in-service limits for the baffle plate feature. Engine 
Alliance stated that they have performed extensive analysis showing 
that the risk in doing so, is minimal. Both commenters point out the 
potential inconveniences to the flying public, and the potential 
economical and logistical impacts on air carriers.
    We agree. We changed paragraph (f)(4) of the AD to state to remove 
the HPC stage 6 disk within 50 additional cycles-in-service, if the 
baffle plate feature is found cracked or missing material.

Request To Remove References to Damage Causing Cracks to the HPC 7-9 
Spool

    Engine Alliance requested that we remove the reference to damage 
causing cracks to the HPC 7-9 spool, in the Discussion paragraph of the 
NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013). Engine Alliance stated that there 
has been no cracking of the spools related to the baffle plate feature 
problem, to-date, but there is potential for cracking, and they 
suggested that we state there is potential for cracking.
    We partially agree. We agree that there has been no cracking yet. 
We do not agree with stating there is potential for cracking, because 
we wouldn't be issuing an AD if cracking couldn't happen. We did not 
change the AD.

Request To Include Engine Alliance Service Bulletins (SBs)

    Engine Alliance and Korean Airlines requested that we include 
Engine Alliance SBs No.s EAGP7-72-237 and EAGP7-72-240 as terminating 
action for this AD. The SBs introduce the new design of the HPC stage 6 
disk either by repair or a new part, which eliminates the unsafe 
condition.
    We partially agree. We agree that a repaired HPC stage 6 disk 
should be allowed to be installed as a terminating action for the AD, 
as well as installing the new P/N HPC stage 6 disk. We changed 
paragraph (g) in the AD from ``At next HPC module exposure, but not to 
exceed 6,800 CSN on the HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 disk, 
P/N 382-100-505-0, from service'' to allow use of the repaired part. 
Paragraph (g) of this AD now reads: ``At next HPC module exposure, but 
not to exceed 6,800 CSN on the HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 
disk, P/N 382-100-505-0, from the engine.'' We do not agree with 
stipulating the SBs as terminating actions because we do not want to 
prevent future configurations from being terminating action. However, 
we listed those SBs under Related Information in the AD.

Request To Define When Undamaged Part Replacement Is Required

    Engine Alliance requested that we define when undamaged part 
replacement is required, from module level to rotor assembly exposure. 
They stated that disk removal involves a full teardown of the 
compressor module, which can only be performed at specialized repair 
facilities. There is maintenance that can be performed at other 
facilities not qualified for a full teardown, which could involve 
removal and installation of a complete compressor module.
    We agree. We changed paragraph (i) in the AD from: ``For the 
purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as separation of the 
flanges between the compressor case and the combustion diffuser case'' 
to: ``For the purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as 
disassembly of the compressor to where the HPC rotor assembly is 
removed and accessible.''

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that 
these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 9003, February 7, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect no engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry, and the cost to U.S. operators to be $0.

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and

[[Page 35749]]

    (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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-12-02 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39-17479; Docket No. FAA-2012-
1329; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-46-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 19, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan 
engines with a high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 6 disk, part 
number (P/N) 382-100-505-0, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by damage to the HPC stage 7-9 spool caused 
by failure of the baffle plate feature on affected HPC stage 6 
disks. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 7-
9 spool, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Borescope Inspections

    (1) For HPC stage 6 disks with fewer than 1,000 cycles- since- 
new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, initially borescope 
inspect the baffle plate feature on the disk (360 degrees) before 
accumulating 1,500 CSN.
    (2) For HPC stage 6 disks with 1,000 CSN or more on the 
effective date of this AD, initially borescope inspect the baffle 
plate feature on the disk (360 degrees) within the next 500 cycles-
in-service (CIS).
    (3) Thereafter, repetitively borescope inspect the baffle plate 
feature on the disk (360 degrees) within every 500 CIS.
    (4) Remove the HPC stage 6 disk within 50 additional CIS, if the 
baffle plate feature is found cracked or missing material.

(g) Mandatory Removal From Service of Affected HPC Stage 6 Disks

    At next HPC module exposure, but not to exceed 6,800 CSN on the 
HPC stage 6 disk, remove the HPC stage 6 disk, P/N 382-100-505-0, 
from the engine.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any HPC 
stage 6 disk, P/N 382-100-505-0, into any HPC module.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, HPC module exposure is defined as 
disassembly of the compressor to where the HPC rotor assembly is 
removed and accessible.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Martin Adler, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7157; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: martin.adler@faa.gov.
    (2) Engine Alliance Service Bulletin Nos. EAGP7-72-236, EAGP7-
72-237, and EAGP7-72-240, pertain to the subject of this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118, phone: 
800-565-0140; Web site: https://www.engineallianceportal.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 7, 2013.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-14040 Filed 6-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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