Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 13703-13706 [2018-06390]

Download as PDF amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules After review and deliberation, the Board unanimously recommended revising the basis for assessment under the program from value to volume as described herein. To calculate the percentage of producer revenue represented by the assessment rate, the proposed assessment rates are divided by the average producer price. The proposed assessment rates are $3.55 per ton ($0.001775 per pound) for Segregation 1 peanuts and $1.25 per ton ($0.000625 per pound) for Segregation 2 and 3 peanuts. According to NASS, the average producer price ranged from $0.193 per pound in 2015 to $0.189 per pound in 2016.17 Thus, the proposed assessment rates as a percentage of producer price could range from 0.92 to 0.94 percent for Segregation 1 peanuts and from 0.32 to 0.33 percent for Segregation 2 and 3 peanuts. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the information collection and recordkeeping requirements that are imposed by the program have been approved previously under OMB control number 0581–0093. This proposed rule would not result in a change to the information collection and recordkeeping requirements previously approved and would impose no additional reporting and recordkeeping burden on peanut producers or first handlers. As with all Federal promotion programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. Finally, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this proposed rule. AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. In regard to outreach efforts, Board members have been conducting outreach to educate industry members about the need for changing the basis of assessment since January 2016. The issue has been discussed at Board meetings over the past few years. The Board has also conducted outreach to the major peanut associations and has received positive feedback. All of the Board’s meetings are open to the public 17 USDA, Crop Values Summary 2016, February 2017, p. 27; https://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/ nass/CropValuSu//2010s/2017/CropValuSu-02-242017_revision.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:11 Mar 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 and interested persons are invited to participate and express their views. AMS has performed this initial RFA regarding the impact of this proposed action on small entities and invites comments concerning potential effects of this action. USDA has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with and would effectuate the purposes of the 1996 Act. A 30-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this proposal. Thirty days is deemed appropriate because this action would need to be completed by the spring of 2018 so that USDA would have sufficient time to code the assessment rates into its computer system to administer its loan program. (USDA collects the assessments for peanuts placed under loan by producers and remits the assessments to the Board.) All written comments received in response to this proposed rule will be considered prior to finalizing this action. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1216 Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer information, Marketing agreements, Peanut promotion, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 1216 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 1216—PEANUT PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1216 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411–7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401. ■ 2. Revise § 1216.11 to read as follows: § 1216.11 Fiscal year. Fiscal year means the 12-month period beginning with November 1 of any year and ending with October 31 of the following year, or such other period as determined by the Board and approved by the Secretary. ■ 3. In § 1261.51, revise paragraphs (c) and (d), remove paragraph (e), and redesignate paragraphs (f) through (j) as paragraphs (e) through (i) to read as follows: § 1216.51 Assessments. * * * * * (c) Such assessments shall be levied on all farmers stock peanuts sold at a rate of $3.55 per ton for Segregation 1 peanuts and $1.25 per ton for Segregation 2 peanuts and 3 peanuts, as those terms are defined in § 996.13(b)– (d) of this title. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13703 (d) For peanuts placed under a marketing assistance loan with the Department’s Commodity Credit Corporation, the Commodity Credit Corporation, or any entity determined by the Commodity Credit Corporation shall deduct and remit to the Board, from the proceeds of the loan paid to the producer, the assessment per ton as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, no more than 60 days after the last day of the month in which the peanuts were placed under a marketing assistance loan. * * * * * Dated: March 23, 2018. Bruce Summers, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2018–06283 Filed 3–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0792; Product Identifier 2017–NE–28–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening of comment period. AGENCY: We are revising an earlier proposal for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6–80A, CF6–80A1, CF6–80A2, CF6–80A3, CF6–80C2A1, CF6–80C2A2, CF6–80C2A3, CF6– 80C2A5, CF6–80C2A5F, CF6–80C2A8, CF6–80C2B1, CF6–80C2B1F, CF6– 80C2B2, CF6–80C2B2F, CF6–80C2B4, CF6–80C2B4F, CF6–80C2B5F, CF6– 80C2B6, CF6–80C2B6F, CF6– 80C2B6FA, CF6–80C2B7F, CF6– 80C2D1F, CF6–80C2L1F, and CF6– 80C2K1F turbofan engines. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by removing certain engine models and adding a new part number (P/N) to the applicability and by revising the references to the service information. We are proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes. DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1 13704 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules Register on September 7, 2017 (82 FR 42261) is reopened. We must receive comments on this SNPRM by May 14, 2018. 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this SNPRM, 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 service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2017– 0792; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647– 5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Ave., 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– 2017–0792; Product Identifier 2017– VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:11 Mar 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 NE–28–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this SNPRM 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 SNPRM. Discussion We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to GE turbofan engines, models CF6–80A, CF6–80A1, CF6–80A2, CF6– 80A3, CF6–80C2A1, CF6–80C2A2, CF6– 80C2A3, CF6–80C2A5, CF6–80C2A5F, CF6–80C2A8, CF6–80C2B1, CF6– 80C2B1F, CF6–80C2B1F1, CF6– 80C2B1F2, CF6–80C2B2, CF6–80C2B2F, CF6–80C2B3F, CF6–80C2B4, CF6– 80C2B4F, CF6–80C2B5F, CF6–80C2B6, CF6–80C2B6F, CF6–80C2B6FA, CF6– 80C2B7F, CF6–80C2B8F, CF6– 80C2D1F, CF6–80C2L1F, and CF6– 80C2K1F with high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks with part numbers and serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 1 and 2 of Appendix A in GE Service Bulletin (SB) CF6–80C2 S/B 72–1562, Revision 01, dated July 28, 2017. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2017 (82 FR 42261). The NPRM was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk that resulted in a fire. The NPRM proposed to require ultrasonic inspection (UI) of HPT stage 1 and 2 disks. Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued Since we issued the NPRM, we determined the need to remove certain engine models and to add a new part number to the applicability of this AD. We determined the need to revise references to the service information in this AD because, since the publication of the NPRM, GE published the list of affected HPT S/Ns in two separate SBs applicable to the CF6–80A and CF6– 80C2 engines. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Change Definition MTU Maintenance Hannover, Lufthansa Technik AG, and GE PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requested modification of the definition of ‘‘piece part exposure.’’ They reasoned a modification of the definition would prevent unintended inspections on disks. We agree. Modification of the definition of ‘‘piece part exposure’’ will clarify the intent of when the inspections are to be accomplished. We changed the Definition paragraph in this AD to clarify that ‘‘piece-part exposure’’ involves separation of the HPT disk from its mating rotor parts. Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition The Boeing Company (Boeing) and GE requested we add wording identifying the HPT stage 1 or HPT stage 2 disk, as appropriate, with the associated CF6– 80A and CF6–80C2 engine models in the unsafe condition paragraph of this AD. These commenters requested the change to provide clarification and avoid confusion. We agree. We changed the Unsafe Condition paragraph in this AD as requested by the commenters. Request To Remove Engines Models From Applicability Boeing and GE requested we modify the applicability of this AD by removing certain GE engine models. GE commented that the affected HPT disks are not certified for use in the GE CF6– 80C2B8F engine model and, therefore, this model should be removed from the AD. Boeing commented that GE CF6– 80C2B3F, CF6–80C2L1F and CF6– 80C2K1F engine models are not part of the Boeing 767/747 type certificate data sheet (TCDS) and, therefore, these models should be removed from the AD. In addition, we learned from discussions with GE that GE CF6– 80C2B1F1 and CF6–80C2B1F2 engine models have never been produced and therefore should be removed from this AD. We partially agree. We disagree with removing GE CF6–80C2L1F and CF6– 80C2K1F engine models from applicability. These models are present on the engine TCDS. Further, the applicable HPT disks are eligible for installation on GE engine models CF6– 80C2L1F and CF6–80C2K1F and these engine models may be exposed to the applicable HPT disks during an engine overhaul. We agree with removing the GE CF6– 80C2B1F1, CF6–80C2B1F2, CF6– 80C2B3F, and CF6–80C2B8F engine models from the applicability section of this AD because these engine models were never produced or the applicable HPT disks in this AD are not eligible for installation in these engine models. We E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1 13705 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules removed the GE CF6–80C2B1F1, CF6– 80C2B1F2, CF6–80C2B3F, and CF6– 80C2B8F engine models from this AD. are issuing this SNPRM to allow the public the opportunity to comment on this change. Revision to Part Numbers in Applicability GE further commented that it had added HPT Stage 1 disk P/N 2047M32G06 to the Effectivity paragraph of the GE SB CF6–80C2 S/B 72–1562. This is a field rework part number that is created from P/N 1531M84G08 and the serial number is not changed by the re-work procedure. GE noted that operators could have reworked one or more of affected HPT disks, P/N 1531M84G08, into HPT disks, P/N 2047M32G06. Therefore, GE added this P/N to the SB. We considered this comment and determined the need to add P/N 2047M32G06 to the applicability of this AD. We are issuing this SNPRM to allow the public the opportunity to comment on this change. Request To Change Costs of Compliance Request To Change Service Information Boeing, Delta Air Lines, and GE requested inclusion of GE SB CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017, in the applicability section of this AD. We agree. Since the publication of the NPRM, GE has published the list of affected HPT S/Ns in two SBs applicable to the CF6–80A and CF6– 80C2 engine models. We are issuing this SNPRM to allow the public the opportunity to comment on this change. Request To Change Service Information Delta Air Lines and GE requested an update to the latest revision of GE CF6– 80C2 SB 72–1562. We agree. We revised the reference to GE CF6–80C2 SB 72–1562 to include Revision 3, dated January 10, 2018. We FedEx Express requested revising the Costs of Compliance paragraph to provide a better estimate of costs associated with the HPT stage 1 and 2 disk inspections as well as to account for repetitive inspections. FedEx Express commented that the ‘‘Estimated Costs’’ table in the NPRM indicates 10 work-hours to perform the UI of each HPT disk. FedEx Express commented that this calculation does not appear to consider an engine with both a Stage 1 and a Stage 2 HPT Disk affected by GE SB 72–1562. FedEx Express indicated that it has learned from GE that 10 work-hours is the expected inspection time per disk (either Stage 1 or Stage 2), not per engine. Therefore, an inspection of engines with two affected disks would require 20 work-hours per shop visit. Further, this cost estimate only takes into account the initial inspection and does not reflect that the proposed action is to be performed at every ‘‘piece-part exposure.’’ We disagree. Our estimate in the NPRM was based on an estimated population of 640 installed disks. Therefore, our labor estimate of 10 hours per disk and our total cost estimate remain accurate. We only account for initial inspections in our cost estimates. Repetitive inspection costs are not included. We, however, did change the Cost of Compliance section of this AD to provide better clarification. Support for the NPRM The National Transportation Safety Board and Air Line Pilots Association supported the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed GE CF6–80C2 SB 72– 1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018. The SB describes procedures for UI of HPT stage 1 and 2 disks. We also reviewed GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017. The SB describes procedures for UI of HPT stage 2 disks. This SB 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. 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. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM. Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM This SNPRM would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 640 HPT disks on engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost UI of HPT disk ................................................ 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ........... amozie on DSK30RV082PROD 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: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:11 Mar 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 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. This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost per product Parts cost $0 $850 Cost on U.S. operators $544,000 Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division. E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1 13706 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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, 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. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2017–0792; Product Identifier 2017–NE– 28–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by May 14, 2018. amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6–80A, CF6–80A1, CF6– 80A2, CF6–80A3, CF6–80C2A1, CF6– 80C2A2, CF6–80C2A3, CF6–80C2A5, CF6– 80C2A5F, CF6–80C2A8, CF6–80C2B1, CF6– 80C2B1F, CF6–80C2B2, CF6–80C2B2F, CF6– 80C2B4, CF6–80C2B4F, CF6–80C2B5F, CF6– 80C2B6, CF6–80C2B6F, CF6–80C2B6FA, CF6–80C2B7F, CF6–80C2D1F, CF6– 80C2L1F, and CF6–80C2K1F turbofan 18:11 Mar 29, 2018 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine/Turboprop Engine— Turbine Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT Stage 1 disk (CF6–80C2) and the HPT Stage 2 disk (CF6–80C2 and CF6–80A). The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an uncontained HPT disk release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Jkt 244001 (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– 238–7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email: herman.mak@faa.gov. (2) For 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 23, 2018. Robert J. Ganley, Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–06390 Filed 3–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (g) Required Actions After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic inspection (UI) for cracks in stage 1 and stage 2 HPT disks on the CF6– 80C2 engine model and in stage 2 HPT disks on the CF6–80A engine model at each piecepart level exposure in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), in GE CF6–80C2 SB 72–1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018, or the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2) in GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017, as applicable to the engine model. The reporting requirements specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6–80C2 SB 72–1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018, are not required by this AD. (i) Definition ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 (d) Subject (h) Non-Required Actions ■ § 39.13 engines with high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Table 1 and 2 of Appendix A in GE CF6–80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018; and Table 1 of Appendix A in GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017. For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘piece-part exposure’’ of the stage 1 or stage 2 HPT disk is separation of that HPT disk from its mating rotor parts within the HPT rotor module (thermal shield and HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disk respectively). (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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 certification office send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. (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. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0682; Product Identifier 2017–SW–028–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R66 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the tail rotor drive shaft yoke assembly and inspecting for sealant. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of tail rotor driveshaft failures. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 29, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building DATES: E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13703-13706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06390]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0792; Product Identifier 2017-NE-28-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening 
of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposal for certain General 
Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-
80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, 
CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-
80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-
80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F turbofan engines. 
This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by 
removing certain engine models and adding a new part number (P/N) to 
the applicability and by revising the references to the service 
information. We are proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to 
address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions 
would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, we are 
reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment 
on these changes.

DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal

[[Page 13704]]

Register on September 7, 2017 (82 FR 42261) is reopened.
    We must receive comments on this SNPRM by May 14, 2018.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact General 
Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 
45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email: [email protected]. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2017-
0792; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Ave., Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-
7147; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

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-2017-0792; 
Product Identifier 2017-NE-28-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this SNPRM 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 SNPRM.

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to GE turbofan engines, models CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, 
CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, 
CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B1F1, CF6-80C2B1F2, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B3F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, 
CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2B8F, CF6-
80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F with high-pressure turbine (HPT) 
disks with part numbers and serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 1 and 
2 of Appendix A in GE Service Bulletin (SB) CF6-80C2 S/B 72-1562, 
Revision 01, dated July 28, 2017. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on September 7, 2017 (82 FR 42261). The NPRM was prompted by 
an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk that resulted in a fire. 
The NPRM proposed to require ultrasonic inspection (UI) of HPT stage 1 
and 2 disks.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, we determined the need to remove certain 
engine models and to add a new part number to the applicability of this 
AD. We determined the need to revise references to the service 
information in this AD because, since the publication of the NPRM, GE 
published the list of affected HPT S/Ns in two separate SBs applicable 
to the CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 engines.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Change Definition

    MTU Maintenance Hannover, Lufthansa Technik AG, and GE requested 
modification of the definition of ``piece part exposure.'' They 
reasoned a modification of the definition would prevent unintended 
inspections on disks.
    We agree. Modification of the definition of ``piece part exposure'' 
will clarify the intent of when the inspections are to be accomplished. 
We changed the Definition paragraph in this AD to clarify that ``piece-
part exposure'' involves separation of the HPT disk from its mating 
rotor parts.

Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition

    The Boeing Company (Boeing) and GE requested we add wording 
identifying the HPT stage 1 or HPT stage 2 disk, as appropriate, with 
the associated CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 engine models in the unsafe 
condition paragraph of this AD. These commenters requested the change 
to provide clarification and avoid confusion.
    We agree. We changed the Unsafe Condition paragraph in this AD as 
requested by the commenters.

Request To Remove Engines Models From Applicability

    Boeing and GE requested we modify the applicability of this AD by 
removing certain GE engine models. GE commented that the affected HPT 
disks are not certified for use in the GE CF6-80C2B8F engine model and, 
therefore, this model should be removed from the AD. Boeing commented 
that GE CF6-80C2B3F, CF6-80C2L1F and CF6-80C2K1F engine models are not 
part of the Boeing 767/747 type certificate data sheet (TCDS) and, 
therefore, these models should be removed from the AD.
    In addition, we learned from discussions with GE that GE CF6-
80C2B1F1 and CF6-80C2B1F2 engine models have never been produced and 
therefore should be removed from this AD.
    We partially agree. We disagree with removing GE CF6-80C2L1F and 
CF6-80C2K1F engine models from applicability. These models are present 
on the engine TCDS. Further, the applicable HPT disks are eligible for 
installation on GE engine models CF6-80C2L1F and CF6-80C2K1F and these 
engine models may be exposed to the applicable HPT disks during an 
engine overhaul.
    We agree with removing the GE CF6-80C2B1F1, CF6-80C2B1F2, CF6-
80C2B3F, and CF6-80C2B8F engine models from the applicability section 
of this AD because these engine models were never produced or the 
applicable HPT disks in this AD are not eligible for installation in 
these engine models. We

[[Page 13705]]

removed the GE CF6-80C2B1F1, CF6-80C2B1F2, CF6-80C2B3F, and CF6-80C2B8F 
engine models from this AD.

Revision to Part Numbers in Applicability

    GE further commented that it had added HPT Stage 1 disk P/N 
2047M32G06 to the Effectivity paragraph of the GE SB CF6-80C2 S/B 72-
1562. This is a field rework part number that is created from P/N 
1531M84G08 and the serial number is not changed by the re-work 
procedure. GE noted that operators could have re-worked one or more of 
affected HPT disks, P/N 1531M84G08, into HPT disks, P/N 2047M32G06. 
Therefore, GE added this P/N to the SB.
    We considered this comment and determined the need to add P/N 
2047M32G06 to the applicability of this AD. We are issuing this SNPRM 
to allow the public the opportunity to comment on this change.

Request To Change Service Information

    Boeing, Delta Air Lines, and GE requested inclusion of GE SB CF6-
80A SB 72-0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017, in the applicability 
section of this AD.
    We agree. Since the publication of the NPRM, GE has published the 
list of affected HPT S/Ns in two SBs applicable to the CF6-80A and CF6-
80C2 engine models. We are issuing this SNPRM to allow the public the 
opportunity to comment on this change.

Request To Change Service Information

    Delta Air Lines and GE requested an update to the latest revision 
of GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562.
    We agree. We revised the reference to GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 to 
include Revision 3, dated January 10, 2018. We are issuing this SNPRM 
to allow the public the opportunity to comment on this change.

Request To Change Costs of Compliance

    FedEx Express requested revising the Costs of Compliance paragraph 
to provide a better estimate of costs associated with the HPT stage 1 
and 2 disk inspections as well as to account for repetitive 
inspections. FedEx Express commented that the ``Estimated Costs'' table 
in the NPRM indicates 10 work-hours to perform the UI of each HPT disk. 
FedEx Express commented that this calculation does not appear to 
consider an engine with both a Stage 1 and a Stage 2 HPT Disk affected 
by GE SB 72-1562. FedEx Express indicated that it has learned from GE 
that 10 work-hours is the expected inspection time per disk (either 
Stage 1 or Stage 2), not per engine. Therefore, an inspection of 
engines with two affected disks would require 20 work-hours per shop 
visit. Further, this cost estimate only takes into account the initial 
inspection and does not reflect that the proposed action is to be 
performed at every ``piece-part exposure.''
    We disagree. Our estimate in the NPRM was based on an estimated 
population of 640 installed disks. Therefore, our labor estimate of 10 
hours per disk and our total cost estimate remain accurate. We only 
account for initial inspections in our cost estimates. Repetitive 
inspection costs are not included. We, however, did change the Cost of 
Compliance section of this AD to provide better clarification.

Support for the NPRM

    The National Transportation Safety Board and Air Line Pilots 
Association supported the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018. The 
SB describes procedures for UI of HPT stage 1 and 2 disks. We also 
reviewed GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R01, dated October 19, 2017. The SB 
describes procedures for UI of HPT stage 2 disks. This SB 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.

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. 
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM

    This SNPRM would require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 640 HPT disks on 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UI of HPT disk........................  10 work-hours x $85 per               $0            $850        $544,000
                                         hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

[[Page 13706]]

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, 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-2017-0792; Product 
Identifier 2017-NE-28-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 14, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-
80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-
80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-
80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-
80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F turbofan engines with high-pressure turbine 
(HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Table 1 and 2 of Appendix 
A in GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R03, dated January 
10, 2018; and Table 1 of Appendix A in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R01, 
dated October 19, 2017.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 
disk. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT Stage 1 
disk (CF6-80C2) and the HPT Stage 2 disk (CF6-80C2 and CF6-80A). The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an uncontained 
HPT disk release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic 
inspection (UI) for cracks in stage 1 and stage 2 HPT disks on the 
CF6-80C2 engine model and in stage 2 HPT disks on the CF6-80A engine 
model at each piece-part level exposure in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), in GE CF6-80C2 SB 
72-1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018, or the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2) in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R01, dated 
October 19, 2017, as applicable to the engine model.

(h) Non-Required Actions

    The reporting requirements specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6-80C2 
SB 72-1562 R03, dated January 10, 2018, are not required by this AD.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' of the stage 
1 or stage 2 HPT disk is separation of that HPT disk from its mating 
rotor parts within the HPT rotor module (thermal shield and HPT 
stage 1 and stage 2 disk respectively).

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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 
certification office send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. You may email your request 
to: [email protected].
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Herman Mak, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7147; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) For 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: 
[email protected]. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 23, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06390 Filed 3-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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