Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 43752-43754 [2020-15381]
Download as PDF
43752
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 139 / Monday, July 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0585.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323;
fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177.
Issued on July 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–15532 Filed 7–17–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0653; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00631–E]
Examining the AD Docket
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
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, –1B67/P2, –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 a report
of a crack in the outer fuel manifold
causing fuel leakage. This proposed AD
would require initial and repetitive
visual inspections of the cushioned loop
clamp (‘‘p-clamp’’) and, depending on
the results of the inspection, a spot
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of
the outer fuel manifold. Depending on
the results of the FPI, this proposed AD
would require replacement of the outer
fuel manifold. This proposed AD would
also require initial and repetitive
replacements of the p-clamp. 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 September 3,
2020.
SUMMARY:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
ADDRESSES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:03 Jul 17, 2020
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.
Jkt 250001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0653; 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, 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: 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–2020–0653; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00631–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 as described in the
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 NPRM.
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 a report that an
aircraft with GE GEnx–1B model
engines installed experienced a fuel
imbalance in July 2018. Upon landing,
the operator identified a crack in the
outer fuel manifold during a fuel system
inspection. The root cause of this
cracking has been identified as a failure
of a p-clamp that provides bracket
support to the outer fuel manifold.
Failure of the p-clamp increased highcycle fatigue stresses at a welded joint
of the outer fuel manifold resulting in
the crack. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in engine fire
and damage to the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx–1B
Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0080 R01,
dated August 29, 2019. The SB
describes procedures for replacing the
p-clamp located at the signal fuel tube
hose, significant item number 34200,
and instructions for removing the signal
fuel tube hose when a p-clamp is found
damaged or missing. This service
E:\FR\FM\20JYP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 139 / Monday, July 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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
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.
43753
Proposed AD Requirements
Interim Action
This proposed AD would require
initial and repetitive visual inspections
of the p-clamp and, depending on the
results of the inspection, a FPI of the
outer fuel manifold. Depending on the
results of the FPI, this proposed AD
would require replacement of the outer
fuel manifold. This proposed AD would
also require initial and repetitive
replacements of the p-clamp.
The FAA considers this proposed AD
interim action. The manufacturer is still
reviewing this unsafe condition and
may develop a terminating action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 190 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Visually inspect the p-clamp ...........................
Replace the p-clamp .......................................
0.25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21.25 .....
0.25 work-hours × $85 = $21.25 ....................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary FPIs and
replacements that would be required
Parts cost
based on the results of the proposed
visual inspection. The FAA has no way
Cost per
product
$0
102
$21.25
123.25
Cost on U.S.
operators
$4,037.50
23,417.50
of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this FPI or replacement:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
FPI the outer fuel manifold ...........................................
Replace the outer fuel manifold ...................................
2.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $212.50 ...................
250 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21,250 ..................
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:03 Jul 17, 2020
Jkt 250001
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
PO 00000
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Parts cost
§ 39.13
$0
18,400
Cost per
product
$212.50
39,650
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0653; Project Identifier AD–2020–
00631–E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
September 3, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all General Electric
Company (GE) GEnx–1B64, –1B64/P1,
–1B64/P2, –1B67, –1B67/P1, –1B67/P2,
–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 7310, Engine Fuel Distribution.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
crack in the outer fuel manifold causing fuel
leakage. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the outer fuel manifold.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in engine fire and damage to the
airplane.
E:\FR\FM\20JYP1.SGM
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43754
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 139 / Monday, July 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 500 flight cycles (FCs) after the
effective date of this AD, perform a visual
inspection of the cushioned loop clamp (‘‘pclamp’’) to verify the p-clamp is undamaged
and installed.
(i) Thereafter, perform the visual
inspection required by (g)(1) of this AD at
intervals not to exceed 500 FCs since the last
inspection.
(ii) [Reserved]
(2) If, during any visual inspection
required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(1)(i) of
this AD, the p-clamp is outside of the limits
in paragraph 3.B.(4) of GE GEnx-1B Service
Bulletin (SB) 73–0080 R01, dated August 29,
2019, or if the p-clamp is missing, perform
a spot fluorescent penetrant inspection of the
outer fuel manifold, part number (P/N)
2403M46G01 significant item number (SIN)
34302, using Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.(4)(b), of GE GEnx-1B SB 73–
0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019.
(i) If a crack or a sign of fuel leakage is
found, before further flight, remove the outer
fuel manifold, P/N 2403M46G01 SIN 34302,
from service and replace with a part eligible
for installation.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Within 500 FCs after the effective date
of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 500 FCs from the last p-clamp
replacement, replace the p-clamp with a new
p-clamp. Complete this required action after
performing the visual inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(1)(i) of this AD.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a p-clamp is
a clamp, P/N J1432P12 with SIN 34282,
located at the signal fuel tube hose, SIN
34200, as shown in Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3, Figure 1, ‘‘Outer
Fuel Manifold and Clamp Location,’’ of GE
GEnx-1B SB 73–0080 R01, dated August 29,
2019.
(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: 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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:03 Jul 17, 2020
Jkt 250001
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 July 13, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–15381 Filed 7–17–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
You may electronically
submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this
document, its supporting materials, and
any comments TTB receives on it within
Docket No. TTB–2020–0007 as posted
on Regulations.gov (https://
www.regulations.gov), the Federal erulemaking portal. Please see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ section of this
document below for full details on how
to comment on this proposal via
Regulations.gov, U.S. mail, or hand
delivery, and for full details on how to
view or obtain copies of this document,
its supporting materials, and any
comments related to this proposal.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005;
phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
27 CFR Part 9
TTB Authority
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0007; Notice No.
192]
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act (FAA Act), 27
U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary
of the Treasury to prescribe regulations
for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits,
and malt beverages. The FAA Act
provides that these regulations should,
among other things, prohibit consumer
deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels and ensure that
labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity
and quality of the product. The Alcohol
and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
Secretary has delegated various
authorities through Treasury Order 120–
01, dated December 10, 2013
(superseding Treasury Order 120–01,
dated January 24, 2003), to the TTB
Administrator to perform the functions
and duties in the administration and
enforcement of these provisions.
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
part 4) authorizes TTB to establish
definitive viticultural areas and regulate
the use of their names as appellations of
origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth
standards for the preparation and
submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of
American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
RIN 1513–AC55
Proposed Modification of the
Boundaries of the Santa Lucia
Highlands and Arroyo Seco Viticultural
Areas
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
modify the boundaries of the ‘‘Santa
Lucia Highlands’’ viticultural area and
the adjacent ‘‘Arroyo Seco’’ viticultural
area in Monterey County, California.
The proposed boundary modifications
would remove approximately 376 acres
from the Santa Lucia Highlands
viticultural area and would also remove
148 acres from the Arroyo Seco
viticultural area and place them entirely
within the Santa Lucia Highlands
viticultural area. The proposed
viticultural areas and the proposed
modification areas are located entirely
within the established Monterey and
Central Coast viticultural areas. TTB
designates viticultural areas to allow
vintners to better describe the origin of
their wines and to allow consumers to
better identify wines they may
purchase. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by
September 18, 2020.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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E:\FR\FM\20JYP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 139 (Monday, July 20, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43752-43754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15381]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0653; Project Identifier AD-2020-00631-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
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, -1B67/P2, -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 a
report of a crack in the outer fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. This
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of
the cushioned loop clamp (``p-clamp'') and, depending on the results of
the inspection, a spot fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the
outer fuel manifold. Depending on the results of the FPI, this proposed
AD would require replacement of the outer fuel manifold. This proposed
AD would also require initial and repetitive replacements of the p-
clamp. 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 September
3, 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]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.
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-
0653; 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, 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-2020-0653;
Project Identifier AD-2020-00631-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 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 NPRM.
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 a report that an aircraft with GE GEnx-1B model
engines installed experienced a fuel imbalance in July 2018. Upon
landing, the operator identified a crack in the outer fuel manifold
during a fuel system inspection. The root cause of this cracking has
been identified as a failure of a p-clamp that provides bracket support
to the outer fuel manifold. Failure of the p-clamp increased high-cycle
fatigue stresses at a welded joint of the outer fuel manifold resulting
in the crack. This condition, if not addressed, could result in engine
fire and damage to the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0080 R01,
dated August 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for replacing the p-
clamp located at the signal fuel tube hose, significant item number
34200, and instructions for removing the signal fuel tube hose when a
p-clamp is found damaged or missing. This service
[[Page 43753]]
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
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 initial and repetitive visual
inspections of the p-clamp and, depending on the results of the
inspection, a FPI of the outer fuel manifold. Depending on the results
of the FPI, this proposed AD would require replacement of the outer
fuel manifold. This proposed AD would also require initial and
repetitive replacements of the p-clamp.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer
is still reviewing this unsafe condition and may develop a terminating
action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 190 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visually inspect the p-clamp.......... 0.25 work-hours x $85 $0 $21.25 $4,037.50
per hour = $21.25.
Replace the p-clamp................... 0.25 work-hours x $85 = 102 123.25 23,417.50
$21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary FPIs and
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed visual inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need this FPI or replacement:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI the outer fuel manifold................... 2.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $212.50
$212.50.
Replace the outer fuel manifold............... 250 work-hours x $85 per hour = 18,400 39,650
$21,250.
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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.
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-2020-0653; Project
Identifier AD-2020-00631-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by September 3, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64,
-1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -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 7310, Engine Fuel
Distribution.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the outer fuel
manifold causing fuel leakage. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the outer fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in engine fire and damage to the airplane.
[[Page 43754]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 500 flight cycles (FCs) after the effective date of
this AD, perform a visual inspection of the cushioned loop clamp
(``p-clamp'') to verify the p-clamp is undamaged and installed.
(i) Thereafter, perform the visual inspection required by (g)(1)
of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 FCs since the last
inspection.
(ii) [Reserved]
(2) If, during any visual inspection required by paragraphs
(g)(1) or (g)(1)(i) of this AD, the p-clamp is outside of the limits
in paragraph 3.B.(4) of GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0080
R01, dated August 29, 2019, or if the p-clamp is missing, perform a
spot fluorescent penetrant inspection of the outer fuel manifold,
part number (P/N) 2403M46G01 significant item number (SIN) 34302,
using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(4)(b), of GE GEnx-
1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019.
(i) If a crack or a sign of fuel leakage is found, before
further flight, remove the outer fuel manifold, P/N 2403M46G01 SIN
34302, from service and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Within 500 FCs after the effective date of this AD, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 FCs from the last p-clamp
replacement, replace the p-clamp with a new p-clamp. Complete this
required action after performing the visual inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(1)(i) of this AD.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a p-clamp is a clamp, P/N J1432P12
with SIN 34282, located at the signal fuel tube hose, SIN 34200, as
shown in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3, Figure 1, ``Outer
Fuel Manifold and Clamp Location,'' of GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01,
dated August 29, 2019.
(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 July 13, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15381 Filed 7-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P