Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 63193-63195 [2020-22038]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
§ 134.317
[Removed and reserved]
2. Remove and reserve § 134.317.
■ 3. Amend § 134.714 by adding a
sentence to the end of the section to
read as follows:
■
§ 134.714 When must the Judge issue his
or her decision?
* * * The Judge’s decision is the
final agency decision and becomes
effective upon issuance.
Jovita Carranza,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020–19567 Filed 10–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8026–03–P
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0557; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00541–E; Amendment
39–21269; AD 2020–20–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–15–
04 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 model turbofan
engines. AD 2018–15–04 required
ultrasonic inspection (UI) of highpressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage
2 disks. This AD retains the required
inspections while expanding the
population of affected HPT disks. This
AD was prompted by an uncontained
failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and the
manufacturer’s determination to expand
the population of affected HPT disks.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November
12, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 12, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:59 Oct 06, 2020
General Electric Company, GE Aviation,
Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH 45215; 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.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0557.
Jkt 250001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.govby searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0557; 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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7132; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2018–15–04,
Amendment 39–19336 (83 FR 43739,
August 28, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–15–04’’).
AD 2018–15–04 applied to certain 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 model turbofan engines. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 8, 2020 (85 FR 35024).
The NPRM was prompted by an
uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2
disk and the manufacturer’s
determination to expand the population
of affected HPT disks. The NPRM
proposed to retain the required
inspections of AD 2018–15–04, while
expanding the population of affected
HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD
PO 00000
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63193
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
Request To Update the No-Reporting
Requirements
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that
the FAA update paragraph (h) of this
AD to include a no-reporting
requirement with respect to
Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(3), of GE CF6–80A
Service Bulletin (SB) 72–0869 R02,
dated May 29, 2019 (‘‘GE SB 72–0869
R02’’). DAL reasoned that paragraph (h)
of the NPRM contains a no-reporting
requirement for the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and
3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6–80C2 SB 72–1562
R04, dated May 29, 2019 (‘‘GE SB 72–
1562 R04’’); but fails to include a noreporting requirement associated with
the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(3), of GE SB 72–0869
R02.
The FAA disagrees. Paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD requires a UI of the HPT stage
1 and 2 disks on affected CF6–80C2
model turbofan engines using the
Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE SB 72–1562
R04. Within paragraph 3.A.(2) of GE SB
72–1562 R04 are instructions that
include reporting certain information to
GE. Therefore, the FAA found it
necessary to indicate in this AD that
these reporting instructions are not
required. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD
requires the use of paragraph 3.A.(2) of
GE SB 72–0869 R02, which does not
include reporting instructions to
perform the UI. This AD does not
require the use of paragraph 3.A.(3) of
GE SB 72–0869 R02 and, as such, the
addition of a no-reporting requirement
for that paragraph is unnecessary.
Support for the AD
The Boeing Company, FedEx Express,
United Airlines Engineering, and the
Air Line Pilots Association,
International, expressed support for the
AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. The FAA has determined that
these minor changes:
E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM
07OCR1
63194
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF6–80C2 SB
72–1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019. The
SB describes procedures for UI of CF6–
80C2 turbofan engine HPT stage 1 and
2 disks. The FAA also reviewed GE
CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R02, dated May
29, 2019. The SB describes procedures
for UI of CF6–80A turbofan engine HPT
stage 2 disks. This service information
is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
section.
ADDRESSES
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1,512 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
UI of HPT disk ................................................
10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ...........
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
Cost per
product
Parts cost
that are required based on the results of
the inspection. The FAA has no way of
$0
$850
Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,285,200
determining the number of aircraft that
might need these replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace CF6–80C2 HPT stage 1 disk .........................
Replace CF6–80C2 HPT stage 2 disk .........................
Replace CF6–80A HPT stage 2 disk ...........................
0.25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21.25 ...................
0.25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21.25 ...................
0.25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21.25 ...................
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 has determined that this AD
will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD
will not have a substantial direct effect
on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:59 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 250001
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2018–15–04, Amendment 39–
19336 (83 FR 43739, August 28, 2018);
and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
2020–20–13 General Electric Company:
Amendment 39–21269; Docket No.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
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Parts cost
$799,700
364,600
344,000
Cost per
product
$799,721.25
364,621.25
344,021.25
FAA–2020–0557; Project Identifier AD–
2020–00541–E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 12, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018–15–04,
Amendment 39–19336 (83 FR 43739, August
28, 2018).
(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 model turbofan
engines with high-pressure turbine (HPT)
disks with serial numbers listed in Tables 1
and 2 of Appendix A in GE CF6–80C2
Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1562 R04, dated
May 29, 2019; and Table 1 of Appendix A in
GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R02, dated May 29,
2019.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an uncontained
failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and the
manufacturer’s determination to expand the
population of affected HPT disks. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
HPT stage 1 disk (CF6–80C2 engines) and the
HPT stage 2 disk (CF6–80C2 and CF6–80A
E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM
07OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
engines). 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
(1) After the effective date of this AD,
perform an ultrasonic inspection (UI) for
cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on
the CF6–80C2 turbofan engine at each piecepart exposure using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE CF6–
80C2 SB 72–1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
(2) After the effective date of this AD,
perform a UI for cracks in HPT stage 2 disks
on the CF6–80A turbofan engine at each
piece-part exposure using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A.(2), of GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R02,
dated May 29, 2019.
(3) If any disk fails the inspection required
by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD,
replace the disk before further flight.
(h) No Reporting Requirements
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 R04, dated May 29, 2019, are not
required by this AD.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘piece-part
exposure’’ of the HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disk
is the 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 (k) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7132; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:59 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 250001
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) General Electric Company (GE) CF6–
80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1562 R04,
dated May 29, 2019.
(ii) GE CF6–80A SB 72–0869 R02, dated
May 29, 2019.
(3) For GE service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513–552–3272;
email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com;
website: www.ge.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–22038 Filed 10–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0049; Product
Identifier 2017–CE–031–AD; Amendment
39–21222; AD 2020–18–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron
Aviation Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Model
172N, 172P, 172Q, 172RG, F172N,
F172P, FR172K, R172K, 182E, 182F,
182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M,
182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, T182, F182P,
F182Q, FR182, R182, TR182, 206, P206,
P206A, P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E,
TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TP206D,
TP206E, U206, U206A, U206B, U206C,
U206D, U206E, U206F, U206G,
TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, TU206D,
TU206E, TU206F, TU206G, 207, 207A,
T207, T207A, 210–5 (205), 210–5A
(205A), 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F,
and T210F airplanes. This AD was
prompted by cracks found in the lower
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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63195
area of the forward cabin doorpost
bulkhead. This AD requires repetitively
inspecting the lower area of the forward
cabin doorposts at the strut attach fitting
for cracks and repairing any cracks. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November
12, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 12, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation
Customer Service, One Cessna Blvd.,
Wichita, Kansas 67215; telephone: (316)
517–5800; email: customercare@
txtav.com; internet: https://
support.cessna.com. You may review
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Policy and Innovation
Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0049.
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–2018–
0049; 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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bobbie Kroetch, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas
67209; telephone: (316) 946–4155; fax:
(316) 946–4107; email: bobbie.kroetch@
faa.gov or Wichita-COS@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental
notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an
AD that would apply to certain serialnumbered Textron Aviation Inc.
(Textron) (type certificate previously
held by Cessna Aircraft Company)
Model 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172RG,
F172N, F172P, FR172K, R172K, 182E,
E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM
07OCR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63193-63195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22038]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0557; Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E;
Amendment 39-21269; AD 2020-20-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-15-04
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 model
turbofan engines. AD 2018-15-04 required ultrasonic inspection (UI) of
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks. This AD retains
the required inspections while expanding the population of affected HPT
disks. This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2
disk and the manufacturer's determination to expand the population of
affected HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 12, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 12,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email:
[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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0557.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0557; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7132; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR
43739, August 28, 2018) (``AD 2018-15-04''). AD 2018-15-04 applied to
certain 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 model turbofan engines. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2020 (85 FR 35024). The
NPRM was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and
the manufacturer's determination to expand the population of affected
HPT disks. The NPRM proposed to retain the required inspections of AD
2018-15-04, while expanding the population of affected HPT disks. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Update the No-Reporting Requirements
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that the FAA update paragraph (h)
of this AD to include a no-reporting requirement with respect to
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(3), of GE CF6-80A Service
Bulletin (SB) 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019 (``GE SB 72-0869 R02'').
DAL reasoned that paragraph (h) of the NPRM contains a no-reporting
requirement for the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c)
and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019 (``GE
SB 72-1562 R04''); but fails to include a no-reporting requirement
associated with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(3), of
GE SB 72-0869 R02.
The FAA disagrees. Paragraph (g)(1) of this AD requires a UI of the
HPT stage 1 and 2 disks on affected CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE SB 72-
1562 R04. Within paragraph 3.A.(2) of GE SB 72-1562 R04 are
instructions that include reporting certain information to GE.
Therefore, the FAA found it necessary to indicate in this AD that these
reporting instructions are not required. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD
requires the use of paragraph 3.A.(2) of GE SB 72-0869 R02, which does
not include reporting instructions to perform the UI. This AD does not
require the use of paragraph 3.A.(3) of GE SB 72-0869 R02 and, as such,
the addition of a no-reporting requirement for that paragraph is
unnecessary.
Support for the AD
The Boeing Company, FedEx Express, United Airlines Engineering, and
the Air Line Pilots Association, International, expressed support for
the AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this AD as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
[[Page 63194]]
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
The SB describes procedures for UI of CF6-80C2 turbofan engine HPT
stage 1 and 2 disks. The FAA also reviewed GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02,
dated May 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for UI of CF6-80A
turbofan engine HPT stage 2 disks. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,512 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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 $1,285,200
hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that are required based on the results of the inspection.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT stage 1 disk............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $799,700 $799,721.25
$21.25.
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT stage 2 disk............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = 364,600 364,621.25
$21.25.
Replace CF6-80A HPT stage 2 disk.............. 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = 344,000 344,021.25
$21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336
(83 FR 43739, August 28, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2020-20-13 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21269; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0557; Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 12, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 43739,
August 28, 2018).
(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 model turbofan engines with high-pressure
turbine (HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Tables 1 and 2 of
Appendix A in GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R04, dated
May 29, 2019; and Table 1 of Appendix A in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869
R02, dated May 29, 2019.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2
disk and the manufacturer's determination to expand the population
of affected HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the HPT stage 1 disk (CF6-80C2 engines) and the HPT stage 2 disk
(CF6-80C2 and CF6-80A
[[Page 63195]]
engines). 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
(1) After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic
inspection (UI) for cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on the
CF6-80C2 turbofan engine at each piece-part exposure using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE CF6-80C2 SB
72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, perform a UI for cracks
in HPT stage 2 disks on the CF6-80A turbofan engine at each piece-
part exposure using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A.(2), of GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019.
(3) If any disk fails the inspection required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD, replace the disk before further flight.
(h) No Reporting Requirements
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 R04, dated May 29, 2019, are not required by this AD.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' of the HPT
stage 1 or stage 2 disk is the 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 (k) 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
For more information about this AD, contact Scott Stevenson,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7132; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB)
72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
(ii) GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019.
(3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email:
[email protected]; website: www.ge.com.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22038 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
