Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 7734-7735 [2017-01227]

Download as PDF 7734 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 13 / Monday, January 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2016–9490; Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–26–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6– 80C2L1F turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the affected engines which is the result of a revised operating profile. This proposed AD would require replacement of the highpressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life limit. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 9, 2017. 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. SUMMARY: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9490; 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: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email: herman.mak@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– 2016–9490; Directorate Identifier 2016– NE–26–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 The United States Air Force revised its operating profile for its GE CF6– 80C2L1F engines. As a result of this change in operating profile, GE reduced its life limit for the HPT spacer/impeller from 20,000 to 18,000 cycles. Therefore, we are proposing to require removal of this affected HPT spacer/impeller at the new, lower life limit. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the HPT spacer/impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. 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 replacement of the HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life limit. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Replacement of HPT spacer/impeller at reduced life. 0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:58 Jan 19, 2017 Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators $19,320 (pro-rated cost of part) ..... $19,320 $0 Labor cost Jkt 241001 ‘‘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. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM 23JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 13 / Monday, January 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules 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] (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. After the effective date of this AD, replace the HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, before it exceeds 18,000 flight cycles since new. (g) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, onto any engine, or return to service any engine with an HPT spacer/ impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, installed, if the HPT spacer/impeller exceeds 18,000 flight cycles since new. (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 For more information about this AD, contact Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238– 7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email: herman.mak@faa.gov. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2017. Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–01227 Filed 1–19–17; 8:45 am] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2016–9490; Directorate Identifier 2016– NE–26–AD. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by March 9, 2017. 14 CFR Part 71 (b) Affected ADs None. Proposed Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Hailey, ID [Docket No. FAA–2016–9355; Airspace Docket No. 16–ANM–8] mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6–80C2L1F turbofan engines with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine/Turboprop Engine— Turbine Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the affected engines, which is the result of a revised operating profile. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT spacer/impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:58 Jan 19, 2017 Jkt 241001 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, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Friedman Memorial Airport, Hailey, ID, to support the implementation of new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 9, 2017. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 7735 Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1– 800–647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA– 2016–9355; Airspace Docket No. 16– ANM–8, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call 202–741– 6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/code_of_federalregulations/ibr_locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. ADDRESSES: Tom Clark, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203–4511. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM 23JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 13 (Monday, January 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7734-7735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01227]



[[Page 7734]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9490; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-26-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2L1F turbofan engines. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the 
affected engines which is the result of a revised operating profile. 
This proposed AD would require replacement of the high-pressure turbine 
(HPT) spacer/impeller, part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower 
life limit. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 9, 2017.

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.

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-2016-
9490; 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: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7147; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: herman.mak@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-2016-9490; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-26-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

    The United States Air Force revised its operating profile for its 
GE CF6-80C2L1F engines. As a result of this change in operating 
profile, GE reduced its life limit for the HPT spacer/impeller from 
20,000 to 18,000 cycles. Therefore, we are proposing to require removal 
of this affected HPT spacer/impeller at the new, lower life limit. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the HPT spacer/
impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, damage to the 
engine, and damage to the airplane.

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 replacement of the HPT spacer/
impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, at a newer, lower life limit.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 0 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                     Labor cost            Parts cost           product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of HPT spacer/impeller  0 work-hours x $85    $19,320 (pro-rated           $19,320               $0
 at reduced life.                    per hour = $0.        cost of part).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 7735]]

    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):

General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-9490; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-NE-26-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 9, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2L1F 
turbofan engines with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) spacer/impeller, 
part number (P/N) 1539M12P02, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine/
Turboprop Engine--Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a reduction in the life limit of the 
affected engines, which is the result of a revised operating 
profile. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 
spacer/impeller, uncontained release of the HPT spacer/impeller, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    After the effective date of this AD, replace the HPT spacer/
impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, before it exceeds 18,000 flight cycles 
since new.

(g) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT 
spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, onto any engine, or return to 
service any engine with an HPT spacer/impeller, P/N 1539M12P02, 
installed, if the HPT spacer/impeller exceeds 18,000 flight cycles 
since new.

(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

    For more information about this AD, contact Herman Mak, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7147; fax: 781-238-7199; email: herman.mak@faa.gov.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2017.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01227 Filed 1-19-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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