Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 47235-47237 [2013-18794]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 150 / Monday, August 5, 2013 / Proposed Rules
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
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):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2013–0670; Directorate Identifier 2013–
NM–081–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September
19, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 737–600, –700, –800, –900, and
–900ER airplanes, certificated in any
category, with Live TV radomes having part
number (P/N) 5063–100–V3 or 5063–101–V2
and a serial number in the range of 001
through 497 inclusive, and modified by the
applicable supplemental type certificate
(STC) identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) ST00284BO, https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/
0/3ecc2e5e5f408bc1862579b30048ed60/
$FILE/ST00284BO.pdf.
(2) ST02887AT, https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/
0/9bf85b85ea3e295d8625735600721055/
$FILE/ST02887AT.pdf.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
found during inspections of the radome
assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracks in the in-flight
entertainment system radome assembly,
which could result in the radome (or pieces)
separating from the airplane and striking the
tail, and consequently reducing the
controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:53 Aug 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective
Actions
Within 1,250 flight hours after the effective
date of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection
for cracks of the radome assembly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Live TV Service Bulletin
B737–53–0011, dated March 29, 2013. Repeat
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 1,250 flight hours. If any crack is
found during any inspection required by this
paragraph, before further flight, replace the
radome in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV
Service Bulletin B737–53–0011, dated March
29, 2013.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If any crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, submit
a report of the findings to Live TV, 8900
Hangar Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827;
telephone 407–812–2600; fax 407–812–2526;
email JaneAnne.Webb@livetv.net; at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1)
or (h)(2) of this AD. The report must include
the information specified in the service
bulletin reporting form provided in Live TV
Service Bulletin B737–53–0011, dated March
29, 2013.
(1) If the inspection was accomplished on
or after the effective date of this AD: Submit
the report within 30 days after the
inspection.
(2) If the inspection was accomplished
before the effective date of this AD: Submit
the report within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to
this collection of information are mandatory.
Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the
burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20591, Attn: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, AES–200.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
47235
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) If the service information contains steps
that are labeled as RC (Required for
Compliance), those steps must be done to
comply with this AD; any steps that are not
labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps
that are not labeled as RC may be deviated
from, done as part of other actions, or done
using accepted methods different from those
identified in the specified service
information without obtaining approval of an
AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or
changes to steps labeled as RC require
approval of an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Barry Culler, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE–117A, FAA, Atlanta
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
phone: 404–474–5546; fax: 404–474–5605;
email: william.culler@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Live TV, 8900 Hangar
Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827; telephone
407–812–2600; fax 407–812–2526; Internet
https://www.livetv.net. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23,
2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–18800 Filed 8–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0475; Directorate
Identifier 13–NE–18–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM
05AUP1
47236
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 150 / Monday, August 5, 2013 / Proposed Rules
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
General Electric Company (GE) model
GEnx–2B67 and GEnx–2B67B turbofan
engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by the original equipment
manufacturer’s disclosure that certain
critical rotating life-limited parts (LLPs)
used in Boeing 747–8 flight tests had
consumed more cyclic life than they
would have in revenue flight cycles.
These parts were then installed into
engines and introduced into revenue
service without adjustment to remaining
cyclic life. This proposed AD would
require a one-time adjustment to the
cycle counts of those LLPs to account
for the additional low cycle fatigue
(LCF) life consumed during flight tests.
We are proposing this AD to prevent the
failure of critical rotating LLPs,
uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 4, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact General
Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room
285, One Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH; phone: 513–552–3272; email:
geae.aoc@ge.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.
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
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:53 Aug 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–
7199; email: Jason.Yang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Discussion
We propose to adopt a new AD for
certain GE model GEnx–2B67 and
GEnx–2B67B turbofan engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by GE’s
disclosure that certain critical rotating
LLPs used in Boeing 747–8 flight tests
had consumed more cyclic life than
they would have in revenue flight
cycles. This additional life usage was
due to multiple changes in the engine
rotor speed and thermal environment
that are not performed in a typical
revenue service flight. These parts were
then installed into engines and
introduced into revenue service without
adjustment to remaining cyclic life. This
proposed AD would require a one-time
adjustment to the cycle counts of those
LLPs to account for the additional LCF
life consumed. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in the failure of
critical rotating LLPs, uncontained
engine failure, and damage to the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed GE Service Bulletin (SB)
No. 72–0116, Revision 1, dated April 23,
2013. The SB lists each affected critical
rotating LLP by part number and serial
number and prescribes the exact
number of cycles to add to the cycle
count for each affected LLP as a onetime adjustment. The list is extensive.
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
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 these same
type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
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–
2013–0475; Directorate Identifier 13–
NE–18–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.
PO 00000
FAA’s Determination
Sfmt 4702
This proposed AD would require a
one-time adjustment to the cycle counts
of certain critical rotating LLPs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 4 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
would take about 1 hour per engine to
comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. The
prorated cost of required parts would be
about $50,000 per engine. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be
$200,340.
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
E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM
05AUP1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 150 / Monday, August 5, 2013 / Proposed Rules
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
(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.
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–
2013–0475; Directorate Identifier 2013–
NE–18–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 4,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by GE’s report that
certain critical rotating life-limited parts
(LLPs) used in Boeing 747–8 flight tests had
consumed more cyclic life than they would
have in revenue service flights. These parts
were then installed into engines and
introduced into revenue service without
adjustment to remaining cyclic life. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the failure of
critical rotating LLPs, uncontained engine
failure, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
16:53 Aug 02, 2013
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
make your request.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: Jason.Yang@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to GE SB No. 72–0116, Revision
1, dated April 23, 2013 for related
information.
(3) For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact General Electric
Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, One
Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 513–
552–3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
July 25, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–18794 Filed 8–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain serial number
General Electric Company (GE) model GEnx–
2B67 and GEnx–2B67B turbofan engines. The
affected GEnx–2B serial numbers are: 959–
102 through 959–104; 959–107; 959–110
through 959–111; 959–113 through 959–118;
959–121; 959–124 through 959–133; 959–159
through 959–161; 959–164; 959–176; and
959–191.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
(f) Adjust the Cycle Counts of Certain
Critical Rotating LLPs
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, perform a one-time adjustment to
the cycle count of each part identified in
paragraph 4, Appendix A, of GE Service
Bulletin (SB) No. 72–0116, Revision 1, dated
April 23, 2013.
Jkt 229001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0255; Airspace
Docket No. 13–ACE–4]
Proposed Amendment of Class E
Airspace; Chariton, IA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Class E airspace at Chariton, IA.
Decommissioning of the Chariton nondirectional beacon (NDB) at Chariton
Municipal Airport has made
reconfiguration necessary for standard
instrument approach procedures and for
the safety and management of
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations
at the airport.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
47237
0901 UTC. Comments must be
received on or before September 19,
2013.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must
identify the docket number FAA–2013–
0255/Airspace Docket No. 13–ACE–4, at
the beginning of your comments. You
may also submit comments through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–
647–5527), is on the ground floor of the
building at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Scott Enander, Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, TX 76137; telephone: (817) 321–
7716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
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.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers and be submitted in
triplicate to the address listed above.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this notice must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to
Docket No. FAA–2013–0255/Airspace
Docket No. 13–ACE–4.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
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/
E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM
05AUP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47235-47237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18794]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0475; Directorate Identifier 13-NE-18-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company 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
certain
[[Page 47236]]
General Electric Company (GE) model GEnx-2B67 and GEnx-2B67B turbofan
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the original equipment
manufacturer's disclosure that certain critical rotating life-limited
parts (LLPs) used in Boeing 747-8 flight tests had consumed more cyclic
life than they would have in revenue flight cycles. These parts were
then installed into engines and introduced into revenue service without
adjustment to remaining cyclic life. This proposed AD would require a
one-time adjustment to the cycle counts of those LLPs to account for
the additional low cycle fatigue (LCF) life consumed during flight
tests. We are proposing this AD to prevent the failure of critical
rotating LLPs, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 4, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, One Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.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.
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 available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax:
781-238-7199; email: 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-2013-0475;
Directorate Identifier 13-NE-18-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
We propose to adopt a new AD for certain GE model GEnx-2B67 and
GEnx-2B67B turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by GE's
disclosure that certain critical rotating LLPs used in Boeing 747-8
flight tests had consumed more cyclic life than they would have in
revenue flight cycles. This additional life usage was due to multiple
changes in the engine rotor speed and thermal environment that are not
performed in a typical revenue service flight. These parts were then
installed into engines and introduced into revenue service without
adjustment to remaining cyclic life. This proposed AD would require a
one-time adjustment to the cycle counts of those LLPs to account for
the additional LCF life consumed. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in the failure of critical rotating LLPs, uncontained
engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed GE Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-0116, Revision 1, dated
April 23, 2013. The SB lists each affected critical rotating LLP by
part number and serial number and prescribes the exact number of cycles
to add to the cycle count for each affected LLP as a one-time
adjustment. The list is extensive.
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 these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require a one-time adjustment to the cycle
counts of certain critical rotating LLPs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 4 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1
hour per engine to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per hour. The prorated cost of required parts would be about
$50,000 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $200,340.
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
[[Page 47237]]
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
(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.
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
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):
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0475; Directorate
Identifier 2013-NE-18-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 4, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain serial number General Electric
Company (GE) model GEnx-2B67 and GEnx-2B67B turbofan engines. The
affected GEnx-2B serial numbers are: 959-102 through 959-104; 959-
107; 959-110 through 959-111; 959-113 through 959-118; 959-121; 959-
124 through 959-133; 959-159 through 959-161; 959-164; 959-176; and
959-191.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by GE's report that certain critical
rotating life-limited parts (LLPs) used in Boeing 747-8 flight tests
had consumed more cyclic life than they would have in revenue
service flights. These parts were then installed into engines and
introduced into revenue service without adjustment to remaining
cyclic life. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of
critical rotating LLPs, uncontained engine failure, and damage to
the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(f) Adjust the Cycle Counts of Certain Critical Rotating LLPs
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a
one-time adjustment to the cycle count of each part identified in
paragraph 4, Appendix A, of GE Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-0116,
Revision 1, dated April 23, 2013.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jason Yang,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
Jason.Yang@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to GE SB No. 72-0116, Revision 1, dated April 23, 2013
for related information.
(3) For service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, One Neumann
Way, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 25, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18794 Filed 8-2-13; 8:45 am]
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