Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 26891-26893 [2020-09437]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 88 / Wednesday, May 6, 2020 / Proposed Rules
within 72 months after the most recent
inspection was performed as specified in
AWL No. 28–AWL–24, whichever is later.
(7) For AWL No. 28–AWL–29, ‘‘Full
Cushion Clamps and Teflon Sleeving (If
Installed) Installed on Out-of-Tank Wire
Bundles Installed on Brackets that are
Mounted Directly on the Fuel Tanks:’’ For
airplanes having line numbers (L/N) 1
through 1754 inclusive, within 120 months
after accomplishment of the actions specified
in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–57A1279. For
airplanes having L/N 1755 and subsequent,
within 120 months after the date of issuance
of the original airworthiness certificate or the
original export certificate of airworthiness, or
within 48 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever is later.
(8) For AWL No. 28–AWL–35, ‘‘Fuel
Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)—Center
Fuel Tank In-Tank Component and Wire
Harness Protection Features—Separation
from Center Tank Internal Structure:’’ For
airplanes that have incorporated Boeing
Service Bulletin 737–28–1356, within 120
months after accomplishment of the actions
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–28–
1356, or within 120 months after the most
recent inspection was performed as specified
in AWL No. 28–AWL–35, whichever is later.
(9) For AWL No. 28–AWL–37, ‘‘Fuel
Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)—Built in
Test Equipment (BITE) Test:’’ For airplane L/
Ns 6987 and 7000 and subsequent, within
750 flight hours since the date the most
recent BITE test was accomplished as
specified in AWL No. 28–AWL–37, or within
750 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, whichever is later.
(10) For AWL No. 47–AWL–04, ‘‘Nitrogen
Generation System-Thermal Switch:’’ Within
22,500 flight hours after the date of issuance
of the original airworthiness certificate or the
original export certificate of airworthiness,
within 22,500 flight hours after
accomplishment of the actions specified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 737–47–1003, or
within 22,500 flight hours after the most
recent inspection was performed as specified
in AWL No. 47–AWL–04, whichever is latest.
(11) For AWL No. 47–AWL–06, ’’Nitrogen
Generation System (NGS)-Cross Vent Check
Valve:’’ Within 13,000 flight hours after the
date of issuance of the original airworthiness
certificate or the original export certificate of
airworthiness, within 13,000 flight hours
after accomplishment of the actions specified
in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–47–1003, or
within 13,000 flight hours after the most
recent inspection was performed as specified
in AWL No. 47–AWL–06, whichever is latest.
(12) For AWL No. 47–AWL–07, ‘‘Nitrogen
Generation System (NGS)-Nitrogen Enriched
Air (NEA) Distribution Ducting Integrity:’’
Within 6,500 flight hours after the date of
issuance of the original airworthiness
certificate or the original export certificate of
airworthiness, within 6,500 flight hours after
accomplishment of the actions specified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 737–47–1003, or
within 6,500 flight hours after the most
recent inspection was performed as specified
in AWL No. 47–AWL–07, whichever is latest.
(13) For AWL No. 47–AWL–09, ‘‘Nitrogen
Generation System—Oxygen Sensor:’’ Within
18,000 flight hours after the date of issuance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:25 May 05, 2020
Jkt 250001
of the original airworthiness certificate or the
original export certificate of airworthiness, or
within 18,000 flight hours after the most
recent replacement was performed as
specified in AWL No. 47–AWL–09, or within
12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is latest.
(14) For AWL No. 28–AWL–101, ‘‘Engine
Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test:’’ Within
7,500 flight hours or 36 months, whichever
occurs first, after the date of issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or the
original export certificate of airworthiness; or
within 7,500 flight hours or 36 months,
whichever occurs first, after the most recent
inspection was performed as specified in
AWL No. 28–AWL–101; whichever is later.
(h) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and
Sleeving
As an option, when accomplishing the
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
the changes specified in paragraphs (h)(1)
and (2) of this AD are acceptable.
(1) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–05 identifies
wire types BMS 13–48, BMS 13–58, and BMS
13–60, the following wire types are
acceptable: MIL–W–22759/16, SAE
AS22759/16 (M22759/16), MIL–W–22759/32,
SAE AS22759/32 (M22759/32), MIL–W–
22759/34, SAE AS22759/34 (M22759/34),
MIL–W–22759/41, SAE AS22759/41
(M22759/41), MIL–W–22759/86, SAE
AS22759/86 (M22759/86), MIL–W–22759/87,
SAE AS22759/87 (M22759/87), MIL–W–
22759/92, and SAE AS22759/92 (M22759/
92); and MIL–C–27500 and NEMA WC 27500
cables constructed from these military or
SAE specification wire types, as applicable.
(2) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–05 identifies
TFE–2X Standard wall for wire sleeving, the
following sleeving materials are acceptable:
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP,
or HM.
(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or
Critical Design Configuration Control
Limitations (CDCCLs)
Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this
AD, after the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the
actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved
as an alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
26891
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 (l)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Christopher Baker, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–
3556; email: Christopher.R.Baker@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on April 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–09395 Filed 5–5–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(j) Terminating Action for Certain AD
Requirements
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Accomplishment of the revision required
by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the
requirements specified in paragraphs (j)(1)
through (6) of this AD for that airplane.
(1) The revision required by paragraphs (h)
and (h)(1) of AD 2008–06–03.
(2) All requirements of AD 2008–10–10 R1.
(3) The revision required by paragraph (g)
of AD 2008–17–15.
(4) The revision required by paragraph (k)
of AD 2011–18–03.
(5) All requirements of AD 2013–15–17.
(6) All requirements of AD 2018–20–24.
Federal Aviation Administration
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0443; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00178–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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26892
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 88 / Wednesday, May 6, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx–
1B64, 1B64/P1, –1B64/P2, –1B67,
–1B67/P1, –1B67P2, –1B70, –1B70/75/
P1, –1B70/75/P2, –1B70/P1, –1B70/P2,
–1B70C/P1, –1B70C/P2, –1B74/75/P1,
–1B74/75/P2, –1B76/P2, and –1B76A/
P2 model turbofan engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of combustor case burn-through. This
proposed AD would require installation
of electronic engine control (EEC)
software, version B205 or later. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by June 22, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact General Electric
Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH, 45215, United States; phone: (513)
552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@
ae.ge.com; website: www.ge.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
SUMMARY:
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–2020–
0443; 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 NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:25 May 05, 2020
Jkt 250001
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238–7743; fax: (781) 238–7199;
email: Mehdi.Lamnyi@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2020–0443; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00178–E’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Mehdi Lamnyi,
PO 00000
Frm 00005
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Sfmt 4702
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA received two reports of
engine overheat messages on airplanes
operating GE GEnx–1B model turbofan
engines during revenue flights. One
message led to a commanded in-flight
shutdown and both flights diverted and
made safe landings. Investigation of
these incidents revealed combustor case
burn-through as the result of damage to
the fuel nozzle caused by high
amplitude load on the combustor
components during fuel mixing. The
breach in the fuel nozzle produced
sideways jets and fanned spray directed
towards the combustor case which led
to burn-through of the cases. The
software upgrade required by this AD
would introduce changes to the fuel
scheduling to reduce the high load
during the fuel mixing that led to
damage to the fuel nozzle. This
condition, if not addressed, could result
in failure of the fuel nozzle, damage to
the combustor case, engine fire and
damage to the airplane.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx–1B
Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0085 R00,
dated December 23, 2019. The SB
describes procedures for installing the
EEC software version B205.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the Agency 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
installation of EEC software, version
B205 or later.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 176 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 88 / Wednesday, May 6, 2020 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Install EEC software version B205 or later ....
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) 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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:25 May 05, 2020
Jkt 250001
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0443; Project Identifier AD–2020–
00178–E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by June
22, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric
Company (GE) GEnx–1B64, 1B64/P1, –1B64/
P2, –1B67, –1B67/P1, –1B67P2, –1B70,
–1B70/75/P1, –1B70/75/P2, –1B70/P1,
–1B70/P2, –1B70C/P1, –1B70C/P2, –1B74/
75/P1, –1B74/75/P2, –1B76/P2, and –1B76A/
P2 model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7240, Turbine Engine Combustion
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two reports of
combustor case burn-through. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel
nozzle. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in damage to the
combustor case, engine fire, and damage to
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 120 days after the effective date of
this AD, install electronic engine control
(EEC) software that is eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, EEC software
that is eligible for installation is EEC software
that is version B205 or later.
(i) 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
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$85
$14,960
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)(1) 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: (781) 238–
7743; fax: (781) 238–7199; email:
Mehdi.Lamnyi@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215,
United States; phone: (513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; website:
www.ge.com. You may view this referenced
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 781–238–7759.
Issued on April 29, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–09437 Filed 5–5–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0331; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–019–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model
737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and
–900ER series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report that the
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26891-26893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09437]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0443; Project Identifier AD-2020-00178-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 26892]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, 1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -
1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -
1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, and
-1B76A/P2 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of combustor case burn-through. This proposed AD would require
installation of electronic engine control (EEC) software, version B205
or later. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 22,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact General
Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45215, United States;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: [email protected]; website:
www.ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. 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-2020-
0443; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
238-7743; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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-2020-0443;
Project Identifier AD-2020-00178-E'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552),
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA received two reports of engine overheat messages on
airplanes operating GE GEnx-1B model turbofan engines during revenue
flights. One message led to a commanded in-flight shutdown and both
flights diverted and made safe landings. Investigation of these
incidents revealed combustor case burn-through as the result of damage
to the fuel nozzle caused by high amplitude load on the combustor
components during fuel mixing. The breach in the fuel nozzle produced
sideways jets and fanned spray directed towards the combustor case
which led to burn-through of the cases. The software upgrade required
by this AD would introduce changes to the fuel scheduling to reduce the
high load during the fuel mixing that led to damage to the fuel nozzle.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the fuel
nozzle, damage to the combustor case, engine fire and damage to the
airplane.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0085 R00,
dated December 23, 2019. The SB describes procedures for installing the
EEC software version B205.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the Agency 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 installation of EEC software,
version B205 or later.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 176 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 26893]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install EEC software version B205 or 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $14,960
later. hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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-2020-0443; Project
Identifier AD-2020-00178-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by June 22, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64,
1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -
1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -
1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, and -1B76A/P2 model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine
Combustion Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two reports of combustor case burn-
through. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel
nozzle. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
damage to the combustor case, engine fire, and damage to the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, install
electronic engine control (EEC) software that is eligible for
installation.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, EEC software that is eligible for
installation is EEC software that is version B205 or later.
(i) 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)(1) 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: (781) 238-7743; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215,
United States; phone: (513) 552-3272; email:
[email protected]; website: www.ge.com. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
Issued on April 29, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-09437 Filed 5-5-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
