Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines, 64373-64375 [2015-26755]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 205 / Friday, October 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
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.
(f) Compliance
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Within 12 months after the effective date
of this AD: Do the actions required by
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of UTC Aerospace Systems
Service Bulletin 300723–28–03 (V–1577),
Revision 01, dated July 20, 2015.
(1) Perform a one-time general visual
inspection for damage of the outer tank
sensor harness, and if any damage is found
on the expando sleeving, before further flight,
do a detailed inspection of the underlying
wires for exposed conductor wires. If any
exposed conductor wire is found, before
further flight, replace the outer wing harness
assembly.
(2) Install new brackets and re-route the
surge tank overflow sensor harness.
(3) Modify the harness protection.
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
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) One-Time Inspection and Repair
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
[Amended]
(a) Comments Due Date
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using UTC Aerospace
Systems Service Bulletin 300723–28–03 (V–
1577), dated October 10, 2014. This service
information is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.
We must receive comments by December 7,
2015.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(b) Affected ADs
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) ANE–150, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 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
paragraph (j)(1) 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.
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2015–4204;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–001–AD.
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3),
and (c)(4) of this AD; certificated in any
category; modified by Simmonds Precision
Products, Inc., supplemental type certificate
(STC) ST00092BO (https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/
0/D41C5AE8E46B4901862v574900069E004
?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00092bo).
(1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes.
(d) Subject
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
chafing found on the overflow sensor harness
of the surge tank, and subsequent contact
between the electrical wiring and fuel tank
structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent
chafing of the harness and subsequent
contact between the electrical wiring and fuel
tank structure, which could result in
electrical arcing and a fuel tank explosion.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Oct 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Marc Ronell, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO, FAA, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7776; fax: 781–238–7170;
email: marc.ronell@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Simmonds Precision
Products, Inc., A UTC Aerospace Company,
100 Panton Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491;
phone 802–877–2911; fax 802–877–4444;
Internet https://www.utcaerospace
systems.com. You may view this 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
64373
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
15, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–26691 Filed 10–22–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3713; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–23–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine
Alliance 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
Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan
engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of the installation
of non-conforming honeycomb seals in
the high-pressure compressor (HPC)
adjacent to the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5
spool and stage 7 to 9 spool. This
proposed AD would require removal
and replacement of the affected HPC
rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and
stage 7 to 9 spools, which could lead to
uncontained engine failure and damage
to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 22,
2015.
SUMMARY:
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 Engine
Alliance, 400 Main St., East Hartford,
CT 06108, M/S 169–10, phone: 800–
565–0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com;
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
64374
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 205 / Friday, October 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Web site:
www.engineallianceportal.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 781–238–7125.
rotating spools. This error could lead to
cracks on the spools prior to reaching
their full life. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of the
HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9
spools, which could lead to
uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
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–
3713; 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:
Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12
New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7157; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
martin.adler@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Relevant Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Engine Alliance has issued EA
Service Bulletin (SB) No. EAGP7–72–
327, dated July 21, 2015; and SB No.
EAGP7–72–328, dated July 21, 2015.
The SBs describe procedures for
removal and replacement of HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spools and HPC rotor stage
7 to 9 spools, respectively. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section of this
document.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2015–3713; Directorate Identifier 2015–
NE–23–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 learned from the manufacturer
that non-conforming honeycomb seals
were installed in the affected HPCs
adjacent to the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5
spools and stage 7 to 9 spools. The
honeycomb seals in the HPC were
machined to an incorrect radial height
which resulted in reduced clearances
between the honeycomb and the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Oct 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
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
removal and replacement of the affected
HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9
spools.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects zero engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The average
labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $0.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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
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):
■
Engine Alliance: Docket No. FAA–2015–
3713; Directorate Identifier 2015–NE–
23–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December
22, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA)
GP7270 turbofan engines with one or both of
the following installed:
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 205 / Friday, October 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(1) A high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor
stage 2 to 5 spool, part number (P/N) 382–
104–807–0, with a serial number (S/N) listed
in EA Service Bulletin (SB) No. EAGP7–72–
327, dated July 21, 2015; or
(2) an HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spool, P/N
2031M90G04, 2031M90G05, or 2031M90G07,
with an S/N listed in EA SB No. EAGP7–72–
328, dated July 21, 2015.
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the
installation of non-conforming honeycomb
seals in the HPC adjacent to the HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spool and stage 7 to 9 spool. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spools and stage 7 to
9 spools, which could lead to uncontained
engine failure and damage to the airplane.
[FR Doc. 2015–26755 Filed 10–22–15; 8:45 am]
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done. Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD or before accumulating 2,100
engine cycles since the last disassembly of
the compressor module of the engine,
whichever occurs later:
(1) For engines with an HPC rotor stage 2
to 5 spool, P/N 382–104–807–0, installed
with a S/N listed in EA SB No. EAGP7–72–
327, dated July 21, 2015, do the following:
(i) Remove the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spool
from service and replace with a part eligible
for installation.
(ii) Remove and replace the honeycomb
seals on the HPC stage 5 vanes.
(2) For engines with an HPC rotor stage 7
to 9 spool, P/N 2031M90G04, 2031M90G05,
or 2031M90G07 installed with an S/N listed
in EA SB No. EAGP7–72–328, dated July 21,
2015, do the following:
(i) Remove the HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spool
from service and replace with a part eligible
for installation.
(ii) Remove and replace the honeycomb
seals on the HPC stage 6, stage 7, and stage
8 vanes.
[Docket No. FAA–2015–4202; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–016–AD]
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(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make
your request. You may email your request to:
ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(g) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781–238–7157; fax: 781–238–
7199; email: martin.adler@faa.gov.
(2) EA SBs No. EAGP7–72–327, dated July
21, 2015; and No. EAGP7–72–328, dated July
21, 2015 can be obtained from EA using the
contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this
proposed AD.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Engine Alliance, 400 Main
St., East Hartford, CT 06108, M/S 169–10,
phone: 800–565–0140; email: help24@
pw.utc.com; Web site:
www.engineallianceportal.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Oct 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
October 16, 2015.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–18–
12, for certain Airbus Model A318,
A319, and A320 series airplanes. AD
2012–18–12 currently requires
modifying the off-wing escape slide
(OWS) enclosures on the left-hand (LH)
side and right-hand (RH) side of the
fuselage. Since we issued AD 2012–18–
12, we have received reports that
additional OWS part numbers have been
affected. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2012–18–
12 and expand the applicability to all
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320
series airplanes. We are proposing this
AD to prevent off-wing exits on the LH
and RH sides of the fuselage from
becoming inoperative, which, during an
emergency, could impair the safe
evacuation of occupants, possibly
resulting in personal injuries.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 7, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
64375
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For Airbus service information
identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. For Air
Cruisers service information identified
in this proposed AD, contact Air
Cruisers Company, Cage Code 70167,
1747 State Route 34, Wall Township, NJ
07727–3935; telephone 732–681–3527;
fax 732–681–9163; Internet https://www.
zodiacaerospace.com/en/our-activities/
aerosafety/zodiac-evacuation-systems.
You may view this 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.
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–
4202; 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 Operations
office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2015–4202; Directorate Identifier
2014–NM–016–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 based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 205 (Friday, October 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64373-64375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26755]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-3713; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-23-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance 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 Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan engines. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of the installation of non-conforming honeycomb
seals in the high-pressure compressor (HPC) adjacent to the HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spool and stage 7 to 9 spool. This proposed AD would
require removal and replacement of the affected HPC rotor stage 2 to 5
and stage 7 to 9 spools. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools, which could lead to
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 22,
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 proposed AD, contact
Engine Alliance, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108, M/S 169-10,
phone: 800-565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com;
[[Page 64374]]
Web site: www.engineallianceportal.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
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-
3713; 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: Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7157; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
martin.adler@faa.gov.
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-2015-3713;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-23-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 learned from the manufacturer that non-conforming honeycomb
seals were installed in the affected HPCs adjacent to the HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spools and stage 7 to 9 spools. The honeycomb seals in the
HPC were machined to an incorrect radial height which resulted in
reduced clearances between the honeycomb and the rotating spools. This
error could lead to cracks on the spools prior to reaching their full
life. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the
HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools, which could lead to
uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Engine Alliance has issued EA Service Bulletin (SB) No. EAGP7-72-
327, dated July 21, 2015; and SB No. EAGP7-72-328, dated July 21, 2015.
The SBs describe procedures for removal and replacement of HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spools and HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spools, respectively.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this document.
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 removal and replacement of the
affected HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 and stage 7 to 9 spools.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects zero engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The average labor rate is $85 per hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $0.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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):
Engine Alliance: Docket No. FAA-2015-3713; Directorate Identifier
2015-NE-23-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 22, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan engines
with one or both of the following installed:
[[Page 64375]]
(1) A high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stage 2 to 5 spool,
part number (P/N) 382-104-807-0, with a serial number (S/N) listed
in EA Service Bulletin (SB) No. EAGP7-72-327, dated July 21, 2015;
or
(2) an HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spool, P/N 2031M90G04, 2031M90G05,
or 2031M90G07, with an S/N listed in EA SB No. EAGP7-72-328, dated
July 21, 2015.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the installation of non-
conforming honeycomb seals in the HPC adjacent to the HPC rotor
stage 2 to 5 spool and stage 7 to 9 spool. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spools and stage 7 to
9 spools, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage
to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done. Within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD or before accumulating 2,100 engine cycles since the last
disassembly of the compressor module of the engine, whichever occurs
later:
(1) For engines with an HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spool, P/N 382-
104-807-0, installed with a S/N listed in EA SB No. EAGP7-72-327,
dated July 21, 2015, do the following:
(i) Remove the HPC rotor stage 2 to 5 spool from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(ii) Remove and replace the honeycomb seals on the HPC stage 5
vanes.
(2) For engines with an HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spool, P/N
2031M90G04, 2031M90G05, or 2031M90G07 installed with an S/N listed
in EA SB No. EAGP7-72-328, dated July 21, 2015, do the following:
(i) Remove the HPC rotor stage 7 to 9 spool from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(ii) Remove and replace the honeycomb seals on the HPC stage 6,
stage 7, and stage 8 vanes.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(g) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Martin Adler,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7157;
fax: 781-238-7199; email: martin.adler@faa.gov.
(2) EA SBs No. EAGP7-72-327, dated July 21, 2015; and No. EAGP7-
72-328, dated July 21, 2015 can be obtained from EA using the
contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this proposed AD.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Engine Alliance, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108, M/S 169-10,
phone: 800-565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; Web site:
www.engineallianceportal.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 October 16, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26755 Filed 10-22-15; 8:45 am]
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