Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines, 24856-24858 [2015-09930]
Download as PDF
24856
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 84 / Friday, May 1, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(4) After the effective date of this AD, you
are allowed to install on an airplane an
aileron assembly, having a P/N
557.05.12.015, 557.05.12.016, 557.05.12.017,
or 557.05.12.018, provided that an aileron
trim tab assembly, P/N 527.15.12.037 or
527.15.12.038 is not installed on the airplane.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–
4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2015–0060, dated
April 10, 2015, for related information. You
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–1177.
For service information related to this AD,
contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD, Customer
Support Manager, CH–6371 STANS,
Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 33 33; fax:
+41 (0)41 619 73 11; email: SupportPC12@
pilatus-aircraft.com; Internet: https://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may review
this referenced service information at the
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
23, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–10073 Filed 4–30–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:34 Apr 30, 2015
Jkt 235001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
0277; 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: 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:
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0277; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–05–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM
International S.A. 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
CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56–
7B series turbofan engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of uncommanded in-flight shutdowns
(IFSDs) on CFM CFM56–7B engines
following rupture of the 73-tooth
gearshaft located in the engine accessory
gearbox (AGB). This proposed AD
would require magnetic chip detector
(MCD) inspection of the affected
gearshafts until removal. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
certain engine AGB gearshafts, which
could lead to failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and
damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 30, 2015.
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 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: aviation.fleetsupport@
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.
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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–
2015–0277; Directorate Identifier 2015–
NE–05–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 have received reports of
uncommanded IFSDs on CFM CFM56–
7B engines following rupture of the 73tooth gearshaft located in the engine
AGB. CFM has identified an affected
population of 73-tooth gearshafts that
show premature wear on the teeth due
to inadequate shot peening. In the
process of its investigation, CFM
identified an additional population of
41-tooth gearshafts that is subject to the
same premature wear. The affected
population of 73-tooth and 41-tooth
gearshafts exhibit a surface finish that
leads to loss in oil film effectiveness,
causing micro-pitting which eventually
E:\FR\FM\01MYP1.SGM
01MYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 84 / Friday, May 1, 2015 / Proposed Rules
leads to material separating from the
gearshaft and its eventual failure.
The proposed AD requires enhanced
MCD inspection until removal of the
gearshaft. This enhanced inspection
requires that any material, including
fuzz, be sent to the particles lab for
analysis to determine the source of the
material. We are allowing affected
engines to continue to operate for 75
flight hours (FHs) after the MCD
inspection to provide sufficient time to
determine the source of the material and
to remove the affected gearshaft if the
particles lab analysis finds that the
source of the material is from an
affected 73-tooth or 41-tooth gearshaft.
The enhanced MCD inspection and
particles lab analysis is repeated every
500 FHs after the initial MCD inspection
until the affected gearshaft is removed
from service. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of
certain engine AGB gearshafts, which
could lead to failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and
damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed CFM Service Bulletin
(SBs) CFM56–7B S/B 72–0964, Revision
1, dated December 15, 2014, and
CFM56–7B S/B 72–0965, dated
December 16, 2014. The SBs describe
procedures for removal of affected 73tooth and 41-tooth gearshafts. This
service information is reasonably
available; see ADDRESSES for ways to
access this service information.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require an
MCD inspection within 250 FHs since
last inspection or within 25 FHs after
the effective date of this AD, whichever
comes later. The proposed AD would
also require that the MCD inspection be
repeated every 500 FHs after the initial
MCD inspection until removal of the
affected gearshaft. The proposed AD
would also require as terminating action
that the affected gearshafts be removed.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
This proposed AD would require an
MCD inspection 250 FHs since last
inspection or within 25 FHs after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
comes later. CFM SB CFM56–7B S/B
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:34 Apr 30, 2015
Jkt 235001
72–0964, Revision 1, dated December
15, 2014, recommends performing a
MCD inspection 250 FHs since last
inspection or as soon as possible if the
inspection was done more than 250 FHs
ago.
In this proposed AD, we are not
requiring that operators send the
particles to CFM for analysis. We are,
however, requiring that operators
determine if the particles are 73-tooth
gearshaft or 41-tooth gearshaft material.
CFM56–7B S/B 72–0964 recommends
that if any magnetic particles, including
fuzz are seen, operators send the
inspection results and lab analysis to
CFM for disposition.
Costs of Compliance
24857
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska 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.
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 67 engines installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it would take about 1 hour
per engine to do the inspection and 8
hours per engine to replace each
affected gearshaft. We estimate thirty-six
73-tooth gearshafts and forty 41-tooth
gearshafts will need replacement at a
cost of $12,480 and $7,680 per part,
respectively. The average labor rate is
$85 per hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $813,855.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
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):
■
CFM International S.A.: Docket No. FAA–
2015–0277; Directorate Identifier 2015–
NE–05–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 30,
2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Regulatory Findings
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International S.A.
(CFM) CFM56–7B engines with accessory
gearboxes (AGBs), with 73-tooth gearshafts or
41-tooth gearshafts, identified in Appendix A
and Appendix B of CFM Service Bulletin
(SB) CFM56–7B S/B 72–0964, Revision 1,
dated December 15, 2014.
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
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
uncommanded in-flight shutdowns on CFM
CFM56–7B engines following rupture of the
73-tooth gearshaft located in the engine AGB.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
certain AGB gearshafts, which could lead to
failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust
control, and damage to the airplane.
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01MYP1
24858
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 84 / Friday, May 1, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) Initial Magnetic Chip Detector (MCD)
Inspection and Analysis. (i) For affected 73tooth gearshafts, perform an MCD inspection
within 250 flight hours (FHs) since last
inspection, within 25 FHs from the effective
date of this AD, or when the gearshaft
accumulates 3,000 FHs since new, whichever
comes later.
(ii) For affected 41-tooth gearshafts,
perform an MCD inspection within 250 FHs
since last inspection, within 25 FHs from the
effective date of this AD, or when the
gearshaft accumulates 6,000 FHs since new,
whichever comes later.
(iii) If any magnetic particles, including
fuzz, are seen, determine with particles lab
analysis if the particles are 73-tooth or 41tooth gearshaft material.
(iv) If the particles are 73-tooth or 41-tooth
gearshaft material, remove the affected
gearshaft(s) within 75 FHs since the MCD
inspection.
(2) Repetitive MCD Inspection and
Analysis. (i) For affected 73-tooth gearshafts,
perform an MCD inspection and particles lab
analysis within every 500 FHs since the last
MCD inspection until affected gearshaft is
removed.
(ii) For affected 41-tooth gearshafts,
perform an MCD inspection and particles lab
analysis within every 500 FHs since the last
MCD inspection until affected gearshaft is
removed.
(iii) If any magnetic particles, including
fuzz, are seen, determine with particles lab
analysis if the particles are 73-tooth or 41tooth gearshaft material.
(iv) If the particles are 73-tooth or 41-tooth
gearshaft material, remove the affected
gearshaft(s) within 75 FHs since the MCD
inspection.
(2) CFM SBs CFM56–7B S/B 72–0964,
Revision 1, dated December 15, 2014, and
CFM56–7B S/B 72–0965, dated December 16,
2014, can be obtained from GE using the
contact information in paragraph (i)(3) of this
proposed 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: aviation.fleetsupport@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.
(f) Mandatory Terminating Action
(1) Remove the affected 73-tooth gearshaft
prior to the gearshaft accumulating 6,000 FHs
since new or within 50 FHs after the effective
date of this AD, whichever comes later.
(2) Remove the affected 41-tooth gearshaft
prior to the gearshaft accumulating 9,000 FHs
since new or within 50 FHs after the effective
date of this AD, whichever comes later.
SUMMARY:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(g) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not
install an affected gearshaft into an AGB.
(h) 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. You may email your
request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:34 Apr 30, 2015
Jkt 235001
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
April 17, 2015.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–09930 Filed 4–30–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2014–1069; Airspace
Docket No. 14–ANM–11]
Proposed Amendment of Class D and
Class E Airspace, Revocation of Class
E Airspace; Salem, OR
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
modify Class D airspace, Class E surface
area airspace, Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface,
and remove Class E surface area
airspace designated as an extension at
McNary Field, Salem, OR. After a
biennial review, the FAA found it
necessary to amend the airspace area for
the safety and management of
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations
for Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures (SIAPs) at the airport.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before June 15, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal 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; telephone (202)
366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2014–1069; Airspace
Docket No. 14–ANM–11, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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.
FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. The Order is also
available for inspection at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the
availability of this proposed
incorporation by reference material at
NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to
https://www.archives.gov/federal_
register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15. For further information,
you can contact the Airspace Policy and
Regulations Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: 202–267–8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Haga, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Western Service Center, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057;
telephone (425) 203–4563.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
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–2014–1069/Airspace
Docket No. 14–ANM–11.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
E:\FR\FM\01MYP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 84 (Friday, May 1, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24856-24858]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09930]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-0277; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-05-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. 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 CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-7B series turbofan engines.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight
shutdowns (IFSDs) on CFM CFM56-7B engines following rupture of the 73-
tooth gearshaft located in the engine accessory gearbox (AGB). This
proposed AD would require magnetic chip detector (MCD) inspection of
the affected gearshafts until removal. We are proposing this AD to
prevent failure of certain engine AGB gearshafts, which could lead to
failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to
the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 30, 2015.
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 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: aviation.fleetsupport@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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0277; 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: 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:
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-2015-0277;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-05-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 have received reports of uncommanded IFSDs on CFM CFM56-7B
engines following rupture of the 73-tooth gearshaft located in the
engine AGB. CFM has identified an affected population of 73-tooth
gearshafts that show premature wear on the teeth due to inadequate shot
peening. In the process of its investigation, CFM identified an
additional population of 41-tooth gearshafts that is subject to the
same premature wear. The affected population of 73-tooth and 41-tooth
gearshafts exhibit a surface finish that leads to loss in oil film
effectiveness, causing micro-pitting which eventually
[[Page 24857]]
leads to material separating from the gearshaft and its eventual
failure.
The proposed AD requires enhanced MCD inspection until removal of
the gearshaft. This enhanced inspection requires that any material,
including fuzz, be sent to the particles lab for analysis to determine
the source of the material. We are allowing affected engines to
continue to operate for 75 flight hours (FHs) after the MCD inspection
to provide sufficient time to determine the source of the material and
to remove the affected gearshaft if the particles lab analysis finds
that the source of the material is from an affected 73-tooth or 41-
tooth gearshaft. The enhanced MCD inspection and particles lab analysis
is repeated every 500 FHs after the initial MCD inspection until the
affected gearshaft is removed from service. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of certain engine AGB gearshafts,
which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust
control, and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed CFM Service Bulletin (SBs) CFM56-7B S/B 72-0964,
Revision 1, dated December 15, 2014, and CFM56-7B S/B 72-0965, dated
December 16, 2014. The SBs describe procedures for removal of affected
73-tooth and 41-tooth gearshafts. This service information is
reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service
information.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require an MCD inspection within 250 FHs
since last inspection or within 25 FHs after the effective date of this
AD, whichever comes later. The proposed AD would also require that the
MCD inspection be repeated every 500 FHs after the initial MCD
inspection until removal of the affected gearshaft. The proposed AD
would also require as terminating action that the affected gearshafts
be removed.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
This proposed AD would require an MCD inspection 250 FHs since last
inspection or within 25 FHs after the effective date of this AD,
whichever comes later. CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0964, Revision 1, dated
December 15, 2014, recommends performing a MCD inspection 250 FHs since
last inspection or as soon as possible if the inspection was done more
than 250 FHs ago.
In this proposed AD, we are not requiring that operators send the
particles to CFM for analysis. We are, however, requiring that
operators determine if the particles are 73-tooth gearshaft or 41-tooth
gearshaft material. CFM56-7B S/B 72-0964 recommends that if any
magnetic particles, including fuzz are seen, operators send the
inspection results and lab analysis to CFM for disposition.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 67 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 1 hour per engine to do the inspection and 8 hours per
engine to replace each affected gearshaft. We estimate thirty-six 73-
tooth gearshafts and forty 41-tooth gearshafts will need replacement at
a cost of $12,480 and $7,680 per part, respectively. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $813,855.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska 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):
CFM International S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2015-0277; Directorate
Identifier 2015-NE-05-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 30, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-7B engines
with accessory gearboxes (AGBs), with 73-tooth gearshafts or 41-
tooth gearshafts, identified in Appendix A and Appendix B of CFM
Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-7B S/B 72-0964, Revision 1, dated
December 15, 2014.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight
shutdowns on CFM CFM56-7B engines following rupture of the 73-tooth
gearshaft located in the engine AGB. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of certain AGB gearshafts, which could lead to
failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage
to the airplane.
[[Page 24858]]
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) Initial Magnetic Chip Detector (MCD) Inspection and
Analysis. (i) For affected 73-tooth gearshafts, perform an MCD
inspection within 250 flight hours (FHs) since last inspection,
within 25 FHs from the effective date of this AD, or when the
gearshaft accumulates 3,000 FHs since new, whichever comes later.
(ii) For affected 41-tooth gearshafts, perform an MCD inspection
within 250 FHs since last inspection, within 25 FHs from the
effective date of this AD, or when the gearshaft accumulates 6,000
FHs since new, whichever comes later.
(iii) If any magnetic particles, including fuzz, are seen,
determine with particles lab analysis if the particles are 73-tooth
or 41-tooth gearshaft material.
(iv) If the particles are 73-tooth or 41-tooth gearshaft
material, remove the affected gearshaft(s) within 75 FHs since the
MCD inspection.
(2) Repetitive MCD Inspection and Analysis. (i) For affected 73-
tooth gearshafts, perform an MCD inspection and particles lab
analysis within every 500 FHs since the last MCD inspection until
affected gearshaft is removed.
(ii) For affected 41-tooth gearshafts, perform an MCD inspection
and particles lab analysis within every 500 FHs since the last MCD
inspection until affected gearshaft is removed.
(iii) If any magnetic particles, including fuzz, are seen,
determine with particles lab analysis if the particles are 73-tooth
or 41-tooth gearshaft material.
(iv) If the particles are 73-tooth or 41-tooth gearshaft
material, remove the affected gearshaft(s) within 75 FHs since the
MCD inspection.
(f) Mandatory Terminating Action
(1) Remove the affected 73-tooth gearshaft prior to the
gearshaft accumulating 6,000 FHs since new or within 50 FHs after
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later.
(2) Remove the affected 41-tooth gearshaft prior to the
gearshaft accumulating 9,000 FHs since new or within 50 FHs after
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later.
(g) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected
gearshaft into an AGB.
(h) 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. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) 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 SBs CFM56-7B S/B 72-0964, Revision 1, dated December 15,
2014, and CFM56-7B S/B 72-0965, dated December 16, 2014, can be
obtained from GE using the contact information in paragraph (i)(3)
of this proposed 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: aviation.fleetsupport@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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 17, 2015.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09930 Filed 4-30-15; 8:45 am]
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