Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 18082-18084 [2017-07677]
Download as PDF
18082
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 72 / Monday, April 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(3) For service information identified in
this 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March
31, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–07076 Filed 4–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9167; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NE–20–AD; Amendment 39–
18855; AD 2017–08–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
General Electric Company (GE) GE90
turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by a report of an engine and
airplane fire. This AD requires replacing
affected fuel/oil lube/servo coolers
(‘‘main fuel oil heat exchangers’’) with
a part eligible for installation. We are
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 22,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 22, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
General Electric Company, GE-Aviation,
Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may
view this referenced service information
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Apr 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
at the FAA, You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, 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–2016–
9167.
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–
9167; 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: John
Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7756; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: john.frost@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 certain GE GE90 turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 7, 2016
(81 FR 88145) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of an
engine and airplane fire. The NPRM
proposed to require replacing affected
fuel/oil lube/servo coolers (‘‘main fuel
oil heat exchangers’’) with a part eligible
for installation. We are issuing this AD
to prevent failure of a main fuel oil heat
exchanger, which could result in an
engine fire.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request To Revise Applicability
Reference
All Nippon Airways, MTU
Maintenance Hannover GmbH (MTU),
and Air New Zealand commented that
this AD should list all vendor part
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
numbers referenced in GE Service
Bulletin (SB) GE90–100 S/B 79–0034,
Revision 03, dated August 5, 2016. This
would ensure that the applicability of
the AD is not misinterpreted.
We agree. We changed this AD by
adding a reference in the Applicability
paragraph to the respective vendor
number after the part number.
Request To Clarify Tracking of
Accomplishment of AD
MTU commented that clarification of
the accomplishment of this AD is
needed because GE SB GE90–100 S/B
79–0034, Revision 03, dated August 5,
2016, requires marking repaired parts
with the suffix ‘‘A’’ at the end of the
serial number but the proposed AD does
not. MTU indicated that ‘‘GE fleet
highlites’’ note that the suffix is not part
of the actual serial number and must not
appear on EASA or FAA documents.
We disagree. Although we are not
requiring that parts be marked with the
suffix ‘‘A’’ to reflect compliance with
this AD, these parts are typically
marked after repair per the requirements
of GE SB GE90–100 S/B 79–0034.
Operators are free, however, to devise
an alternate tracking system, i.e. through
part markings and/or records, to show
that the part has been repaired and is
eligible for installation. We did not
change this AD.
Request To Reference Latest Service
Bulletin
MTU requested that we change the
reference to GE SB GE90–100 S/B 79–
0034, Revision 03, dated August 5,
2016, to the ‘‘latest version’’ of this SB.
We disagree. We cannot require
compliance to a document that does not
exist. We note that operators may
submit a request for an alternate method
of compliance if this SB is revised after
the publication of this AD. We did not
change this AD.
Request To Revise References to Main
Heat Exchanger
GE requested that references in the
AD to the ‘‘main heat exchanger’’ be
changed to the ‘‘main fuel oil heat
exchanger’’ and/or the ‘‘MFOHE.’’ GE
indicated that ‘‘main fuel oil heat
exchanger’’ is the term that it uses in
communications with its operators.
We agree. We changed references in
this AD from ‘‘main heat exchanger’’ to
‘‘main fuel oil heat exchanger.’’
Request To Revise Description of
Incident and Unsafe Condition
Statement
GE requested that we revise the
discussion in the NPRM of the cause of
the incident and the unsafe condition
E:\FR\FM\17APR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 72 / Monday, April 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
statement. GE indicated that this AD
should say: ‘‘The incident investigation
determined the cause to be the
separation of a tube internal to the main
fuel oil heat exchanger, which resulted
in leakage of fuel into the oil system,
causing fuel to flood the oil sump that
overwhelmed the scavenge and venting
system. This condition (engine with
main fuel oil heat exchanger that has
not been repaired), if not corrected,
could result in failure of a main fuel oil
heat exchanger, which could result in
an engine fire.’’
We disagree. The description of the
incident in the NPRM is not repeated in
this final rule AD. The description of
the unsafe condition in this AD is
accurate. These changes, therefore, are
unnecessary. We did not change this
AD.
Support for the NPRM
Federal Express and the Air Line
Pilots Association expressed support for
the NPRM as written. The Boeing
Company and United Airlines indicated
that they have no objections to the
content of this NPRM.
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
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed GE SB GE90–100 S/B
79–0034, Revision 03, dated August 5,
2016, and GE SB GE90 S/B 79–0058,
Revision 02, dated August 5, 2016.
These service bulletins describe
procedures to repair and replace a main
fuel oil heat exchanger. These
documents are distinct since they apply
to different engine models. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 185
engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Replace main fuel oil heat exchanger ............
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 .............
$7,000
$7,425
$1,373,625
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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.
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15:52 Apr 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2017–08–06 General Electric Company:
Amendment 39–18855; Docket No.
FAA–2016–9167; Directorate Identifier
2016–NE–20–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 22, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric
Company (GE) GE90–76B, GE90–85B, GE90–
90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–
115B turbofan engines with a fuel/oil lube/
servo cooler (‘‘main fuel oil heat exchanger’’),
part number (P/N) 1838M88P11 (VIN
UA541461–12) or 1838M88P13 (VIN
UA541461–14), with a serial number (S/N)
listed in paragraph 1.A of GE Service Bulletin
(SB) GE90–100 S/B 79–0034, Revision 03,
dated August 05, 2016; or GE SB GE90 S/B
79–0058, Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7921, Engine Oil Cooler.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an engine and
airplane fire. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of a main fuel oil heat
exchanger, which could result in an engine
fire.
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17APR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 72 / Monday, April 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 12 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the main fuel oil heat
exchanger with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, a part eligible
for installation is a main fuel oil heat
exchanger:
(1) That has been repaired in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3.C.(2) through 3.C.(7), of GE SB
GE90–100 S/B 79–0034, Revision 03, dated
August 5, 2016; or GE SB GE90 S/B 79–0058,
Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016; or
(2) with an S/N not listed in paragraph 1.A.
of GE SB GE90–100 S/B 79–0034, Revision
03, dated August 05, 2016; or SB GE90 S/B
79–0058, Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the replacement
that is required by paragraph (g) of this AD
if you performed the replacement before the
effective date of this AD using a main fuel
oil heat exchanger repaired in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3.C.(2) through 3.C.(7), of GE SB
GE90–100 S/B 79–0034, Revision 02, dated
November 6, 2015, or earlier versions; or GE
SB GE90 S/B 79–0058, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015, or earlier versions.
(j) 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.
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(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact John Frost, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7756; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: john.frost@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) General Electric Company (GE) SB
GE90–100 S/B 79–0034, Revision 03, dated
August 5, 2016.
(ii) GE SB GE90 S/B 79–0058, Revision 02,
dated August 05, 2016.
(3) For GE service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272;
email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Apr 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(5) You may view this service information
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
April 5, 2017.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–07677 Filed 4–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9505; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–155–AD; Amendment
39–18856; AD 2017–08–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc.,
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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–
9505; 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
Docket 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: Paul
Chapman, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE–118W, FAA,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport, Wichita,
KS 67209; phone: 316–946–4152; fax:
316–946–4107; email: Wichita-COS@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Learjet, Inc., Model 60 airplanes. This
AD was prompted by an evaluation by
the design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the upper fuselage skin
under the aft oxygen line fairing is
subject to multi-site damage (MSD).
This AD requires a one-time inspection
of the fuselage skin for corrosion, and
related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 22,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of May 22, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita,
KS 67209–2942; telephone: 316–946–
2000; fax: 316–946–2220; email: ac.ict@
aero.bombardier.com; Internet: https://
www.bombardier.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. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
SUMMARY:
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9505.
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Learjet, Inc., Model 60
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 20, 2016
(81 FR 92745) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The
NPRM was prompted by an evaluation
by the DAH indicating that the upper
fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line
fairing is subject to MSD. The NPRM
proposed to require a one-time
inspection of the fuselage skin for
corrosion, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
corrosion of the fuselage skin, which
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comment
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to that comment.
Request To Require Repetitive
Inspections
An anonymous commenter stated that
given the cause is unknown, a one-time
inspection is insufficient to protect
against corrosion. The commenter stated
E:\FR\FM\17APR1.SGM
17APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 72 (Monday, April 17, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18082-18084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07677]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9167; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-20-AD;
Amendment 39-18855; AD 2017-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
General Electric Company (GE) GE90 turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by a report of an engine and airplane fire. This AD requires
replacing affected fuel/oil lube/servo coolers (``main fuel oil heat
exchangers'') with a part eligible for installation. We are issuing
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 22, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 22, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513-552-3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, You may view this service information at the
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, 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-2016-
9167.
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-
9167; 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: John Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7756; fax: 781-238-7199; email: john.frost@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 certain GE GE90 turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2016
(81 FR 88145) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an
engine and airplane fire. The NPRM proposed to require replacing
affected fuel/oil lube/servo coolers (``main fuel oil heat
exchangers'') with a part eligible for installation. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of a main fuel oil heat exchanger, which
could result in an engine fire.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Revise Applicability Reference
All Nippon Airways, MTU Maintenance Hannover GmbH (MTU), and Air
New Zealand commented that this AD should list all vendor part numbers
referenced in GE Service Bulletin (SB) GE90-100 S/B 79-0034, Revision
03, dated August 5, 2016. This would ensure that the applicability of
the AD is not misinterpreted.
We agree. We changed this AD by adding a reference in the
Applicability paragraph to the respective vendor number after the part
number.
Request To Clarify Tracking of Accomplishment of AD
MTU commented that clarification of the accomplishment of this AD
is needed because GE SB GE90-100 S/B 79-0034, Revision 03, dated August
5, 2016, requires marking repaired parts with the suffix ``A'' at the
end of the serial number but the proposed AD does not. MTU indicated
that ``GE fleet highlites'' note that the suffix is not part of the
actual serial number and must not appear on EASA or FAA documents.
We disagree. Although we are not requiring that parts be marked
with the suffix ``A'' to reflect compliance with this AD, these parts
are typically marked after repair per the requirements of GE SB GE90-
100 S/B 79-0034. Operators are free, however, to devise an alternate
tracking system, i.e. through part markings and/or records, to show
that the part has been repaired and is eligible for installation. We
did not change this AD.
Request To Reference Latest Service Bulletin
MTU requested that we change the reference to GE SB GE90-100 S/B
79-0034, Revision 03, dated August 5, 2016, to the ``latest version''
of this SB.
We disagree. We cannot require compliance to a document that does
not exist. We note that operators may submit a request for an alternate
method of compliance if this SB is revised after the publication of
this AD. We did not change this AD.
Request To Revise References to Main Heat Exchanger
GE requested that references in the AD to the ``main heat
exchanger'' be changed to the ``main fuel oil heat exchanger'' and/or
the ``MFOHE.'' GE indicated that ``main fuel oil heat exchanger'' is
the term that it uses in communications with its operators.
We agree. We changed references in this AD from ``main heat
exchanger'' to ``main fuel oil heat exchanger.''
Request To Revise Description of Incident and Unsafe Condition
Statement
GE requested that we revise the discussion in the NPRM of the cause
of the incident and the unsafe condition
[[Page 18083]]
statement. GE indicated that this AD should say: ``The incident
investigation determined the cause to be the separation of a tube
internal to the main fuel oil heat exchanger, which resulted in leakage
of fuel into the oil system, causing fuel to flood the oil sump that
overwhelmed the scavenge and venting system. This condition (engine
with main fuel oil heat exchanger that has not been repaired), if not
corrected, could result in failure of a main fuel oil heat exchanger,
which could result in an engine fire.''
We disagree. The description of the incident in the NPRM is not
repeated in this final rule AD. The description of the unsafe condition
in this AD is accurate. These changes, therefore, are unnecessary. We
did not change this AD.
Support for the NPRM
Federal Express and the Air Line Pilots Association expressed
support for the NPRM as written. The Boeing Company and United Airlines
indicated that they have no objections to the content of this NPRM.
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 and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed GE SB GE90-100 S/B 79-0034, Revision 03, dated August
5, 2016, and GE SB GE90 S/B 79-0058, Revision 02, dated August 5, 2016.
These service bulletins describe procedures to repair and replace a
main fuel oil heat exchanger. These documents are distinct since they
apply to different engine models. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 185 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace main fuel oil heat exchanger 5 work-hours x $85 per $7,000 $7,425 $1,373,625
hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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):
2017-08-06 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-18855; Docket No.
FAA-2016-9167; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-20-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 22, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-
85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B turbofan engines
with a fuel/oil lube/servo cooler (``main fuel oil heat
exchanger''), part number (P/N) 1838M88P11 (VIN UA541461-12) or
1838M88P13 (VIN UA541461-14), with a serial number (S/N) listed in
paragraph 1.A of GE Service Bulletin (SB) GE90-100 S/B 79-0034,
Revision 03, dated August 05, 2016; or GE SB GE90 S/B 79-0058,
Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7921, Engine Oil
Cooler.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an engine and airplane fire. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of a main fuel oil heat
exchanger, which could result in an engine fire.
[[Page 18084]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the main fuel oil heat exchanger with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, a part eligible for installation is
a main fuel oil heat exchanger:
(1) That has been repaired in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.C.(2) through 3.C.(7), of GE SB GE90-100
S/B 79-0034, Revision 03, dated August 5, 2016; or GE SB GE90 S/B
79-0058, Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016; or
(2) with an S/N not listed in paragraph 1.A. of GE SB GE90-100
S/B 79-0034, Revision 03, dated August 05, 2016; or SB GE90 S/B 79-
0058, Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the replacement that is required by
paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed the replacement before the
effective date of this AD using a main fuel oil heat exchanger
repaired in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3.C.(2) through 3.C.(7), of GE SB GE90-100 S/B 79-0034,
Revision 02, dated November 6, 2015, or earlier versions; or GE SB
GE90 S/B 79-0058, Revision 01, dated December 10, 2015, or earlier
versions.
(j) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact John Frost,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7756; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: john.frost@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) General Electric Company (GE) SB GE90-100 S/B 79-0034,
Revision 03, dated August 5, 2016.
(ii) GE SB GE90 S/B 79-0058, Revision 02, dated August 05, 2016.
(3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513-552-3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
(5) You may view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 5, 2017.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07677 Filed 4-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P