Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines, 9591-9594 [2015-03582]

Download as PDF 9591 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 36 Tuesday, February 24, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 431 [Docket Number EERE–2008–BT–STD– 0015] RIN 1904–AB86 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Publication of determination. AGENCY: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) make a determination on the impact, if any, on the lessening of competition likely to result from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed rule for energy conservation standards and that DOE publish the determination in the Federal Register. DOE published its final rule for energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers on June 3, 2014, and is today publishing DOJ’s determination on such proposed rule. DATES: February 24, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–1692. Email: walk-in_coolers_and_walk-in_freezers@ EE.Doe.Gov. Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email: Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Feb 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 On June 3, 2014, DOE published a final rule for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers in which DOE amended the energy conservation standards for certain walkin cooler and walk-in freezer components. Those standards were determined by DOE to be technologically feasible and economically justified and would result in the significant conservation of energy. The Energy Conservation and Policy Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C.6291, et seq; ‘‘EPCA’’), Public Law 94–163, requires that the Attorney General make a determination and analysis of the impact, if any, of any lessening of competition likely to result from a proposed standard, within 60 days of publication. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(ii)) EPCA also requires that DOE publish the determination and analysis in the Federal Register. Id. DOE received the determination in response to the September 11, 2013 NOPR from the Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice on November 13, 2013. Accordingly, DOE is publishing that determination in today’s notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Issued in Washington, DC, on February 12, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division WILLIAM J. BAER Assistant Attorney General Main Justice Building 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530–0001 (202) 514–2401 I (202) 616–2645 (Fax) November 12, 2013 Eric J. Fygi Deputy General Counsel Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20585 Re: Walk In Coolers & Freezers Energy Conservation Standards Dear Deputy General Counsel Fygi: I am responding to your September 10, 2013 letter seeking the views of the Attorney General about the potential impact on competition of proposed energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and refrigerators. Your request was submitted under Section 325(o)(2)(B)(i)(V) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (ECPA), 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(V), which requires the Attorney General to make a determination of the impact of any lessening of competition that is likely to result from the imposition of proposed energy conservation PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 standards. The Attorney General’s responsibility for responding to requests from other departments about the effect of a program on competition has been delegated to the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division in 28 CFR § 0.40(g). In conducting its analysis the Antitrust Division examines whether a proposed standard may lessen competition, for example, by substantially limiting consumer choice, by placing certain manufacturers at an unjustified competitive disadvantage, or by inducing avoidable inefficiencies in production or distribution of particular products. A lessening of competition could result in higher prices to manufacturers and consumers, and perhaps thwart the intent of the revised standards by inducing substitution to less efficient products. We have reviewed the proposed standards contained in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (78 FR 55781, September 11, 2013) (NOPR). We have also reviewed supplementary information submitted to the Attorney General by the Department of Energy, including a transcript of the public meeting held on the proposed standards on October 9, 2013. Based on this review, our conclusion is that the proposed energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers are unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on competition. Sincerely, William J. Baer Enclosure [FR Doc. 2015–03557 Filed 2–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0521; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–11–AD; Amendment 39– 18104; AD 2015–04–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56–7B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a dual engine thrust instability event that resulted in the overspeed and in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of one engine. This AD requires modification of the engine by removing SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1 9592 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 36 / Tuesday, February 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed in the electronic engine controls (EECs) on CFM56–7B engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877– 432–3272; fax: 877–432–3329; 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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0521. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0521; 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: Kyle Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7183; fax: 781–238– 7199; email: kyle.gustafson@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all CFM CFM56–7B series turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2014 (79 FR 59467). The NPRM was prompted by reports of dual-engine thrust instability events on CFM56–7B turbofan engines that resulted in VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Feb 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 overspeed and IFSD of one engine. These resulted from water-borne contamination of the fuel being supplied to the engine which had an adverse effect on the response of the fuel metering valve (FMV) in the hydromechanical unit (HMU). CFM has modified its FADEC software to compensate for compromised fuel within the HMU and improved the response of the FMV, thereby mitigating these thrust instability events. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the engine by removing FADEC software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed in the EECs on CFM56–7B engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. required. AD 2012–05–02 requires inspection and modification to the Boeing 737NG thrust reversers, and also requires, in paragraph (h)(2), installation of software standard 7.B.R3 on affected engines. Since AD 2012–05–02 was issued, new versions of software have been released, requiring alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) to allow installation of versions later than software standard 7.B.R3. The requested change to AD 2012–05–02 would bring AD 2012–05–02 and this AD into agreement on the required airplane configuration. We disagree. The current version of the software standard, 7.B.W, also addresses the thrust reverser unsafe condition and is approved as an AMOC for AD 2012–05–02. We did not change this AD. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014) and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Change Description of the Unsafe Condition Request To Change Emphasis From Software Removal to Software Installation Delta Air Lines (DAL) and American Air Lines (AAL) requested that we change wording in the AD to emphasize installation of an eligible software standard rather than removal of the ineligible software standard. They suggested that we add this sentence to compliance paragraph (e): ‘‘Within 6 months of the effective date of this AD, modify the engine by installing FADEC software version 7.B.W, released by CFM Service Bulletins 73–0203 and 73– 0204, or later approved software versions.’’ DAL and AAL state that the Boeing 737NG Aircraft Maintenance Manual does not contain a removal step but rather guides how to overwrite previous software with eligible software. We disagree. The purpose of this AD is to require removal of software standard 7.B.V4, or earlier, to correct the unsafe condition. Overwriting a previously installed software standard with a software standard eligible for installation is an acceptable method for removing an affected software standard. We did not change this AD. Request To Require Use of Software EEC Software Standard 7.B.W or Later DAL and AAL requested that we revise paragraph (h)(2) of FAA AD 2012–05–02 (77 FR 20511, April 5, 2012) (‘‘AD 2012–05–02’’) to state that EEC software standard 7.B.W or later is PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Boeing Company (Boeing) and CFM requested that we change the wording of the unsafe condition to ‘‘We are proposing this AD to mitigate characteristics of a thrust instability event; without mitigation, thrust instability events could potentially lead to engine overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.’’ The commenters state that the EEC cannot prevent the occurrence of the events, but it can effectively mitigate the characteristics of the events. We disagree. While the work to prevent the root cause of fuel contamination continues, the purpose of the FADEC software and this AD is to prevent the events described in the unsafe condition. We did not change this AD. Request To Change Wording in the Description Paragraph CFM and Boeing requested that we change the wording of two sentences in the Description paragraph to ‘‘These resulted from water-borne contamination of the fuel being supplied to the engine which had an adverse effect on the response of the FMV in the HMU. CFM has modified its FADEC software to compensate for compromised fuel within the HMU and improve the response of the fuel control valve, thereby mitigating these thrust instability events.’’ We agree. We changed the wording of the two sentences in the Description paragraph to be more correct and accurate. E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 36 / Tuesday, February 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Request To Clarify a Sentence in the Relevant Service Information Paragraph Boeing requested, for clarity, that in the Relevant Service Information paragraph of the preamble we add the words ‘‘post 7.B.V4’’ to describe the FADEC software. Boeing requested that the changed sentence read: ‘‘The SBs describe the procedures for the introduction of new FADEC software, post 7.B.V4, for the EECs.’’ We disagree. The information in this AD provides the necessary information for compliance. No additional clarification is required. Furthermore, the Relevant Service Information paragraph, which appeared in the preamble of the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014), does not appear in this AD. We did not change this AD. Request That We Correct Our References to the FADEC Software Standard CFM requested that we change all references to the software standard throughout this AD from ‘‘7BV4’’ to ‘‘7.B.V4’’ because that is the correct way to reference the software standard. We agree. We changed all references to the software standard throughout this AD to the correct nomenclature. Request To Add a Table Specifying the Software Versions To Remove Boeing requested that for clarity we include in this AD a table that would show the software versions, by part number, that should be removed as a result of this AD. We disagree. The information in this AD provides the necessary information for compliance. No additional clarification is required. We did not change this AD. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Additional Changes In our review of the NPRM, we found that we failed to include the prohibition against operating any aircraft configured with one engine with FADEC software version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed, and the other engine with an eligible FADEC software version installed. This prohibition is in SB CFM Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56–7B S/B 73– 0203, dated June 9, 2014 and CFM No. SB CFM56–7B S/B 73–0204, dated June 9, 2014. We added the prohibition to this AD. Agreement With the Proposed AD One anonymous commenter expressed agreement with this AD. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Feb 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014). We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD would affect about 2,921 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 hour per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Parts cost is zero. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $248,285. 9593 (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 (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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 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. ■ [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2015–04–02 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39–18104; Docket No. FAA–2014–0521; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–11–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective March 31, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56–7B series turbofan engines. Regulatory Findings (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a dual engine thrust instability event that resulted in the overspeed and in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of one engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. 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, (e) Compliance (1) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the engine by removing full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed in the electronic engine control (EEC). (3) Do not return to service any aircraft configured with one engine with FADEC software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed, and the other engine with an eligible FADEC software version, installed. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1 9594 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 36 / Tuesday, February 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kyle Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7183; fax: 781–238–7199; email: kyle.gustafson@faa.gov. (2) CFM Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56– 7B S/B 73–0203, dated June 9, 2014, and CFM No. SB CFM56–7B S/B 73–0204, dated June 9, 2014, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from CFM using the contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877–432–3272; fax: 877–432–3329; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. (4) 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. (h) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 10, 2015. Ann C. Mollica, Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–03582 Filed 2–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–0365; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–049–AD; Amendment 39–18106; AD 2015–04–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with certain static inverters (inverters) installed. This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and installing a SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Feb 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 placard in full view of the pilot to limit flight to visual flight rules (VFR) only and prohibit night operations. This AD is prompted by failures of certain inverters, most of which resulted in smoke in the cockpit. The actions specified by this AD are intended to restrict flight to VFR only and prohibit night operations to allow safe operation in the event of failure of an affected inverter. This failure would increase pilot workload during instrument flight rules (IFR) and could result in loss of certain pilot information displays and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD becomes effective March 11, 2015. We must receive comments on this AD by April 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address 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 Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280–3391; fax (817) 280–6466; or at https:// www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ife Ogunleye, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 76137; telephone (817) 222–5927; email 7-AVS-ASW-170@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion We are adopting a new AD for Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with an inverter part number (P/N) 412–375– 079–101 or P/N 412–375–079–103 with a serial number 29145 or larger. This AD limits operations to VFR and prohibits night operations by adding a restriction to the RFM and installing a placard in full view of the pilots. This AD is prompted by at least 30 failures of certain inverters; most have resulted in smoke in the cockpit. The root cause of the failures is still under investigation by Bell and Avionics Instruments LLC, the manufacturer of the inverters. The consequence of one failed inverter has the potential of allowing smoke in the cockpit, making it difficult to find a safe landing site at night or in instrument meteorological conditions. If both inverters fail, the pilot will lose primary flight and navigation displays, alternating current powered engine and transmission indicators, and autopilot. The RFM emergency procedure for dual inverter failure is to land as soon as practicable or fly VFR. The RFM emergency procedure for smoke in the cabin is to land as soon as possible. Until a new design is available, restricting flight operations to VFR and daytime increases the likelihood of a prompt safe landing. E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9591-9594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03582]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0521; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-11-AD; 
Amendment 39-18104; AD 2015-04-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM 
International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-7B series turbofan engines. This AD was 
prompted by a dual engine thrust instability event that resulted in the 
overspeed and in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of one engine. This AD requires 
modification of the engine by removing

[[Page 9592]]

full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, version 7.B.V4 
or earlier, installed in the electronic engine controls (EECs) on 
CFM56-7B engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust 
instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or 
more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage 
to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM 
International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 
285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-432-3329; 
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. It is also available on the Internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0521.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0521; 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: Kyle Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7183; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: kyle.gustafson@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all CFM CFM56-7B series 
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 
2, 2014 (79 FR 59467). The NPRM was prompted by reports of dual-engine 
thrust instability events on CFM56-7B turbofan engines that resulted in 
overspeed and IFSD of one engine. These resulted from water-borne 
contamination of the fuel being supplied to the engine which had an 
adverse effect on the response of the fuel metering valve (FMV) in the 
hydro-mechanical unit (HMU). CFM has modified its FADEC software to 
compensate for compromised fuel within the HMU and improved the 
response of the FMV, thereby mitigating these thrust instability 
events. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the engine by 
removing FADEC software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed in the 
EECs on CFM56-7B engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust 
instability event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or 
more engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage 
to the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 59467, October 2, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change Emphasis From Software Removal to Software 
Installation

    Delta Air Lines (DAL) and American Air Lines (AAL) requested that 
we change wording in the AD to emphasize installation of an eligible 
software standard rather than removal of the ineligible software 
standard. They suggested that we add this sentence to compliance 
paragraph (e): ``Within 6 months of the effective date of this AD, 
modify the engine by installing FADEC software version 7.B.W, released 
by CFM Service Bulletins 73-0203 and 73-0204, or later approved 
software versions.'' DAL and AAL state that the Boeing 737NG Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual does not contain a removal step but rather guides 
how to overwrite previous software with eligible software.
    We disagree. The purpose of this AD is to require removal of 
software standard 7.B.V4, or earlier, to correct the unsafe condition. 
Overwriting a previously installed software standard with a software 
standard eligible for installation is an acceptable method for removing 
an affected software standard. We did not change this AD.

Request To Require Use of Software EEC Software Standard 7.B.W or Later

    DAL and AAL requested that we revise paragraph (h)(2) of FAA AD 
2012-05-02 (77 FR 20511, April 5, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-02'') to state 
that EEC software standard 7.B.W or later is required. AD 2012-05-02 
requires inspection and modification to the Boeing 737NG thrust 
reversers, and also requires, in paragraph (h)(2), installation of 
software standard 7.B.R3 on affected engines. Since AD 2012-05-02 was 
issued, new versions of software have been released, requiring 
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) to allow installation of 
versions later than software standard 7.B.R3. The requested change to 
AD 2012-05-02 would bring AD 2012-05-02 and this AD into agreement on 
the required airplane configuration.
    We disagree. The current version of the software standard, 7.B.W, 
also addresses the thrust reverser unsafe condition and is approved as 
an AMOC for AD 2012-05-02. We did not change this AD.

Request To Change Description of the Unsafe Condition

    The Boeing Company (Boeing) and CFM requested that we change the 
wording of the unsafe condition to ``We are proposing this AD to 
mitigate characteristics of a thrust instability event; without 
mitigation, thrust instability events could potentially lead to engine 
overspeed and IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and 
damage to the airplane.'' The commenters state that the EEC cannot 
prevent the occurrence of the events, but it can effectively mitigate 
the characteristics of the events.
    We disagree. While the work to prevent the root cause of fuel 
contamination continues, the purpose of the FADEC software and this AD 
is to prevent the events described in the unsafe condition. We did not 
change this AD.

Request To Change Wording in the Description Paragraph

    CFM and Boeing requested that we change the wording of two 
sentences in the Description paragraph to ``These resulted from water-
borne contamination of the fuel being supplied to the engine which had 
an adverse effect on the response of the FMV in the HMU. CFM has 
modified its FADEC software to compensate for compromised fuel within 
the HMU and improve the response of the fuel control valve, thereby 
mitigating these thrust instability events.''
    We agree. We changed the wording of the two sentences in the 
Description paragraph to be more correct and accurate.

[[Page 9593]]

Request To Clarify a Sentence in the Relevant Service Information 
Paragraph

    Boeing requested, for clarity, that in the Relevant Service 
Information paragraph of the preamble we add the words ``post 7.B.V4'' 
to describe the FADEC software. Boeing requested that the changed 
sentence read: ``The SBs describe the procedures for the introduction 
of new FADEC software, post 7.B.V4, for the EECs.''
    We disagree. The information in this AD provides the necessary 
information for compliance. No additional clarification is required. 
Furthermore, the Relevant Service Information paragraph, which appeared 
in the preamble of the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014), does not 
appear in this AD. We did not change this AD.

Request That We Correct Our References to the FADEC Software Standard

    CFM requested that we change all references to the software 
standard throughout this AD from ``7BV4'' to ``7.B.V4'' because that is 
the correct way to reference the software standard.
    We agree. We changed all references to the software standard 
throughout this AD to the correct nomenclature.

Request To Add a Table Specifying the Software Versions To Remove

    Boeing requested that for clarity we include in this AD a table 
that would show the software versions, by part number, that should be 
removed as a result of this AD.
    We disagree. The information in this AD provides the necessary 
information for compliance. No additional clarification is required. We 
did not change this AD.

Additional Changes

    In our review of the NPRM, we found that we failed to include the 
prohibition against operating any aircraft configured with one engine 
with FADEC software version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed, and the other 
engine with an eligible FADEC software version installed. This 
prohibition is in SB CFM Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56-7B S/B 73-
0203, dated June 9, 2014 and CFM No. SB CFM56-7B S/B 73-0204, dated 
June 9, 2014. We added the prohibition to this AD.

Agreement With the Proposed AD

    One anonymous commenter expressed agreement with this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this 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 (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 59467, October 2, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD would affect about 2,921 engines installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take 
about 1 hour per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per hour. Parts cost is zero. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $248,285.

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
    (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):

2015-04-02 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-18104; Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0521; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-11-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 31, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-7B 
series turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a dual engine thrust instability event 
that resulted in the overspeed and in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of one 
engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent a thrust instability 
event, which could lead to overspeed and IFSD of one or more 
engines, loss of thrust control, damage to the engine, and damage to 
the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    (1) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the engine by removing full authority digital engine control (FADEC) 
software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed in the electronic 
engine control (EEC).
    (3) Do not return to service any aircraft configured with one 
engine with FADEC software, version 7.B.V4 or earlier, installed, 
and the other engine with an eligible FADEC software version, 
installed.

[[Page 9594]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(g) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kyle Gustafson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7183; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
kyle.gustafson@faa.gov.
    (2) CFM Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56-7B S/B 73-0203, dated 
June 9, 2014, and CFM No. SB CFM56-7B S/B 73-0204, dated June 9, 
2014, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be 
obtained from CFM using the contact information in paragraph (g)(3) 
of this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM 
International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D 
Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-432-
3329; email: geae.aoc@ge.com.
    (4) 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.

(h) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 10, 2015.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-03582 Filed 2-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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