Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 73997-74000 [2021-28134]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 29, 2021 / Proposed Rules
NHTSA to ensure that the fuel economy
imputed to EVs pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
32904 is not set at a level that
undermines the overarching statutory
goals of energy and fuel conservation.
To be sure, Petitioners believe that
producing significant and increasing
numbers of EVs should be an available
means for automakers to comply with
increasingly stringent CAFE standards.
But the relative energy efficiency of EVs
compared to ICEVs, coupled with the
ongoing shift to increasingly efficient
electricity generation from renewable
sources, should ensure that baseline EV
CAFE values will compare favorably to
leading ICEVs. The statute further
provides DOE additional discretion—
through consideration of factors
‘‘subject to less precise
quantification’’ 69 such as ‘‘the need of
the United States to conserve all forms
of energy,’’ and ‘‘the relative scarcity
and value to the Nation of all fuel used
to generate electricity’’ 70—to adjust that
baseline value to a level that will
optimize the overall real-world
reduction in fuel consumption and
achieve the core purpose of EPCA’s fueleconomy chapter.
Conclusion
For the above reasons, Petitioners ask
that DOE grant this petition and initiate
a rulemaking process to revise and
update the regulations at 10 CFR part
474 for calculating equivalent
petroleum-based fuel economy values
for EVs. Petitioners thank DOE for its
consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Pete Huffman
Natural Resources Defense Council.
Joshua Berman,
Vera P. Pardee,
Law Office of Vera Pardee,
Counsel for Sierra Club.
[FR Doc. 2021–27624 Filed 12–28–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
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[Docket No. FAA–2021–1167; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00823–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
69 59
70 49
FR at 5337.
U.S.C. 32904(a)(2)(B)(iii).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2019–22–05, which applies to all
General Electric Company (GE) CF34–
8C model turbofan engines. AD 2019–
22–05 requires initial and repetitive
inspections of the operability bleed
valve (OBV) fuel tubes, OBV bleed air
manifold link rod assemblies, and the
OBV fuel fittings. AD 2019–22–05 also
requires replacement of OBVs or related
OBV hardware that fail inspection.
Since the FAA issued AD 2019–22–05,
the manufacturer has redesigned the
OBV, which terminates the need for the
repetitive inspections. This proposed
AD would require initial and repetitive
inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV
bleed air manifold link rod assemblies,
and the OBV fuel fittings. This proposed
AD would also require replacement of
OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail
inspection. As a terminating action to
the repetitive inspections, this proposed
AD would require replacement of
certain OBVs installed on GE CF34–8C
and CF34–8E model turbofan engines.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by February 14,
2022.
DATES:
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; phone: (513) 552–3272;
email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com;
website: https://www.ge.com. You may
view this service information at the
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–
5110.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00006
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73997
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1167; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
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:
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 ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–1167; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00823–E’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
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
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this proposed
AD.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 29, 2021 / Proposed Rules
applicability of this proposed AD. The
FAA is proposing to require installation
of the newly-designed OBV as a
terminating action to the repetitive
inspections required for CF34–8C model
turbofan engines. The FAA is also
proposing to require replacement of
certain OBVs installed on CF34–8E
model turbofan engines.
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2019–22–05,
Amendment 39–19784 (84 FR 63569,
November 18, 2019), (AD 2019–22–05),
for all GE CF34–8C1, CF34–8C5, CF34–
8C5A1, CF34–8C5B1, CF34–8C5A2, and
CF34–8C5A3 model turbofan engines.
AD 2019–22–05 was prompted by
multiple reports of fuel leaks, some
leading to engine fires, that have
occurred as a result of malfunctions
related to the OBV. AD 2019–22–05
requires initial and repetitive
inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV
bleed air manifold link rod assemblies,
and the OBV fuel fittings. AD 2019–22–
05 also requires replacement of OBVs or
related OBV hardware that fail
inspection. The agency issued AD 2019–
22–05 to prevent failure of the OBV.
Actions Since AD 2019–22–05 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019–22–
05, the manufacturer redesigned the
OBV to eliminate the need for the
repetitive inspections of the OBV fuel
tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings.
The manufacturer has issued service
information specifying procedures to
replace certain OBVs installed on CF34–
8C1, CF34–8C5, CF34–8C5A1, CF34–
8C5B1, CF34–8C5A2, CF34–8C5A3
(CF34–8C), and GE CF34–8E2, CF34–
8E2A1, CF34–8E5, CF34–8E5A1, CF34–
8E5A2, CF34–8E6, and CF34–8E6A1
(CF34–8E) model turbofan engines.
Additionally, the FAA determined that
the CF34–8E model turbofan engines are
susceptible to the same unsafe condition
as the CF34–8C model turbofan engines,
and therefore, added the CF34–8E
model turbofan engines to the
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF34–8C
Service Bulletin (SB) 75–0020 R04,
dated May 10, 2019 (GE SB 75–0020).
The SB specifies procedures for
inspecting the bleed air manifold link
rod assemblies; the supply, return, and
drain fuel fittings; and the fuel tubes on
the OBV. The SB also specifies
procedures for performing corrective
actions and replacing any OBVs or
related OBV hardware that fail the
inspection criteria. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of GE SB 75–
0020 as of December 23, 2019 (84 FR
63569, November 18, 2019).
The FAA reviewed GE CF34–8C SB
75–0025 R01, dated August 1, 2019.
This SB describes procedures for
replacing and upgrading the suspect
population of OBVs VIN 5000728–104
(part number (P/N) 4123T71P02), VIN
5000728–106 (P/N 4123T71P03), and
VIN 5080046–101 (P/N 4123T71P04).
The FAA reviewed GE CF34–8E SB
75–0019 R01, dated August 1, 2019.
This SB describes procedures for
replacing and upgrading the suspect
population of OBVs VIN 5000728–104
(P/N 4123T71P02), VIN 5000728–106
(P/N 4123T71P03), and VIN 5080046–
101 (P/N 4123T71P04).
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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE CF34–8C SB
75–0026 R00, dated February 21, 2020.
This SB introduces OBV VIN 5080046–
103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
The FAA also reviewed GE CF34–8E
SB 75–0021 R00, dated February 21,
2020. This SB introduces OBV VIN
5080046–103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would retain
certain requirements of AD 2019–22–05.
This proposed AD would require initial
and repetitive inspections of the OBV
fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link
rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel
fittings and replacement of OBVs or
related OBV hardware that fail
inspection. As a terminating action to
the repetitive inspections of the OBV
fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link
rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel
fittings, this proposed AD would require
replacement of certain OBVs installed
on GE CF34–8C model turbofan engines.
This proposed AD would also require
replacement of certain OBVs installed
on CF34–8E model turbofan engines.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
GE SB 75–0020 specifies that the
results of the inspections must be
documented in an inspection chart form
and sent to GE Product Support
Engineering. This proposed AD would
not mandate sending information to GE
Product Support Engineering.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 1,172
engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace OBV ...............................................
Inspect OBV fuel tubes, assemblies, and
fittings.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..........
1 work-hour × 85 per hour = 85 ..................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
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results of the proposed inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the
PO 00000
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
Sfmt 4702
$17,230
0
$17,400
85
Cost on U.S.
operators
$20,392,800
99,620
number of aircraft that might need this
replacement.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 29, 2021 / Proposed Rules
73999
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace OBV tubes, clamps, support hardware ..........
2.25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $191.25 .................
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 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 that the proposed regulation:
(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.
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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
19:21 Dec 28, 2021
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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
2019–22–05, Amendment 39–19784 (84
FR 63569, November 18, 2019); and
b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA–
2021–1167; Project Identifier AD–2021–
00823–E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by
February 14, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019–22–05,
Amendment 39–19784 (84 FR 63569,
November 18, 2019).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric
Company (GE) CF34–8C1, CF34–8C5, CF34–
8C5A1, CF34–8C5B1, CF34–8C5A2, CF34–
8C5A3, CF34–8E2, CF34–8E2A1, CF34–8E5,
CF34–8E5A1, CF34–8E5A2, CF34–8E6, and
CF34–8E6A1 model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7532, Compressor Bleed Valve.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple reports
of fuel leaks, some leading to engine fires,
that have occurred as a result of malfunctions
related to the operability bleed valve (OBV).
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the OBV. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in an engine fire and
damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For CF34–8C1, CF34–8C5, CF34–
8C5A1, and CF34–8C5B1 model turbofan
engines with serial numbers (S/Ns): 965101
through 965670 inclusive; 194101 through
194999 inclusive; and 195101 through
195653 inclusive:
(i) Within 880 flight hours (FHs) since the
previous inspection, 500 FHs after December
23, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019–22–
05), or 6,880 FHs since new, whichever
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Parts cost
$3,786.25
Cost per
product
$3,977.50
occurs later, inspect the OBV bleed air
manifold link rod assemblies, the OBV fuel
fittings, and the OBV fuel tubes.
(ii) Thereafter, within every 880 FHs since
the previous inspection, perform additional
repeat inspections of the OBV bleed air
manifold link rod assemblies, the OBV fuel
fittings, and the OBV fuel tubes.
(iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B., of GE CF34–8C Service
Bulletin (SB) 75–0020 R04, dated May 10,
2019 (GE SB 75–0020), to perform
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD and, per the inspection
criteria in paragraph 3.B., of GE SB 75–0020
(the inspection criteria), do the following:
(A) Before further flight, if fuel leakage is
observed at the OBV fittings or the OBV
fittings are loose, replace the OBV with a part
eligible for installation.
(B) Before further flight, if any OBV fuel
tube clamp is found to be outside the
inspection criteria, re-torque the OBV fuel
tube clamp or replace the OBV fuel tube
clamp.
(C) Within 50 flight cycles (FCs) after the
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD, replace any link rod
hardware found to be outside the inspection
criteria. Until the worn link rod hardware is
replaced, the OBV fittings must be inspected
before the first flight of each day for leakage
and looseness in accordance with the
inspection criteria. If the OBV fittings fail to
meet the inspection criteria, before further
flight, replace the OBV and worn link rod
hardware.
(2) For CF34–8C5B1 model turbofan
engines with S/Ns not listed in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD and for all CF34–8C5A2 and
CF34–8C5A3 model turbofan engines,
perform the following:
(i) Within 880 FHs after the effective date
of this AD or prior to accumulating 6,880 FHs
since new, whichever occurs later, perform
an initial inspection of the OBV bleed air
manifold link rod assemblies, OBV fuel
fittings, and OBV fuel tubes.
(ii) Thereafter, within every 880 FHs since
the last inspection, repeat the inspection of
the OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, OBV fuel fittings, and OBV fuel
tubes.
(iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B., of GE SB 75–0020, to perform
the inspections in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of
this AD and, per the inspection criteria in
paragraph 3.B., of GE SB 75–0020, do the
following:
(A) Before further flight, if fuel leakage is
observed at the OBV fittings or the OBV
fittings are loose, replace the OBV with a part
eligible for installation.
(B) Before further flight, if any OBV fuel
tube clamp is found to be outside the
inspection criteria, re-torque the OBV fuel
tube clamp or replace the OBV fuel tube
clamp.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 29, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(C) Within 50 FCs after the inspections
required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of
this AD, replace any link rod hardware found
to be outside the inspection criteria. Until the
worn link rod hardware is replaced, the OBV
fittings must be inspected before the first
flight of each day for leakage and looseness
in accordance with the inspection criteria. If
the OBV fittings fail to meet the inspection
criteria, before further flight, replace the OBV
and worn link rod hardware.
(3) For all affected engines with an
installed OBV, VIN 5000728–104 part
number (P/N) (P/N 4123T71P02), VIN
5000728–106 (P/N 4123T71P03), or VIN
5080046–101 (P/N 4123T71P04), having an
OBV S/N listed in Appendix A, paragraph 4.,
of GE CF34–8C SB 75–0025 R01, dated
August 1, 2019 (GE SB 75–0025), or
Appendix A, paragraph 4., of GE CF34–8E SB
75–0019 R01, dated August 1, 2019 (GE SB
75–0019), respectively, within 180 days after
the effective date of this AD, remove the OBV
and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(4) For all affected engines with an
installed OBV, VIN 5000728–104 (P/N
4123T71P02), VIN 5000728–106 (P/N
4123T71P03), or VIN 5080046–101 (P/N
4123T71P04), having an OBV S/N not listed
in Appendix A, paragraph 4., of GE SB 75–
0025 or Appendix A, paragraph 4., of GE SB
75–0019, respectively, remove the OBV and
replace with a part eligible for installation
within the following compliance times:
(i) Within 16 months after the effective
date of this AD for an OBV that has
accumulated more than 25,000 FHs since
new.
(ii) Within 32 months after the effective
date of this AD for an OBV that has
accumulated between 12,500 to 25,000 FHs
since new, inclusive.
(iii) Within 48 months after the effective
date of this AD for an OBV with fewer than
12,500 FHs since new.
(5) For all affected engines with an
installed OBV, VIN 5080046–102 (P/N
4123T71P05), before the OBV accumulates
25,000 FHs since new or within 10 years after
the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, remove the OBV and replace
with a part eligible for installation.
using GE CF34–8C SB 75–0019 R01, dated
October 24, 2017, or R00, dated August 4,
2017; or GE CF34–8C–AL S/B 75–0020,
Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018, as
applicable.
(h) Terminating Action
Installation of an OBV that meets the
definition of a part eligible for installation in
paragraph (i) of this AD constitutes
terminating action for the inspections
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this
AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible
for installation’’ is an OBV VIN 5080046–103
(P/N 4123T71P06) or an OBV reworked to
VIN 5080046–103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
(j) No Reporting Requirement
The reporting instructions specified in GE
SB 75–0020 are not required by this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or
(2)(i), of this AD if you performed this initial
inspection before the effective of this AD
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(l) 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 ECO Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed 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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
238–7132; fax: (781) 238–7199; email:
Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website:
https://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 (817) 222–5110.
Issued on December 21, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–28134 Filed 12–28–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1156; Airspace
Docket No. 19–AAL–28]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of United
States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route
T–364; Kotzebue, AK
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish United States Area Navigation
(RNAV) route T–364 in the vicinity of
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Kotzebue, AK in support of a large and
comprehensive T-route modernization
project for the state of Alaska.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before February 14, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone:
1(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA–2021–1156; Airspace Docket No.
19–AAL–28 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order
JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, and subsequent
amendments can be viewed online at
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
you can contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. FAA Order
JO 7400.11F is also available for
inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order JO 7400.11F at NARA, email:
fr.inspection@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher McMullin, Rules and
Regulations Group, Office of Policy,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of the airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
expand the availability of RNAV in
Alaska and improve the efficient flow of
air traffic within the National Airspace
System (NAS) by lessening the
dependency on ground based
navigation.
E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM
29DEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 29, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73997-74000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28134]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1167; Project Identifier AD-2021-00823-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2019-22-05, which applies to all General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C
model turbofan engines. AD 2019-22-05 requires initial and repetitive
inspections of the operability bleed valve (OBV) fuel tubes, OBV bleed
air manifold link rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings. AD 2019-
22-05 also requires replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware that
fail inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-22-05, the manufacturer
has redesigned the OBV, which terminates the need for the repetitive
inspections. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive
inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings. This proposed AD would also
require replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail
inspection. As a terminating action to the repetitive inspections, this
proposed AD would require replacement of certain OBVs installed on GE
CF34-8C and CF34-8E model turbofan engines. 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 February
14, 2022.
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; phone: (513)
552-3272; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.ge.com. You may view this service information at the Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1167; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1167; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00823-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
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
[[Page 73998]]
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2019-22-05, Amendment 39-19784 (84 FR 63569,
November 18, 2019), (AD 2019-22-05), for all GE CF34-8C1, CF34-8C5,
CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, and CF34-8C5A3 model turbofan
engines. AD 2019-22-05 was prompted by multiple reports of fuel leaks,
some leading to engine fires, that have occurred as a result of
malfunctions related to the OBV. AD 2019-22-05 requires initial and
repetitive inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold
link rod assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings. AD 2019-22-05 also
requires replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail
inspection. The agency issued AD 2019-22-05 to prevent failure of the
OBV.
Actions Since AD 2019-22-05 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019-22-05, the manufacturer redesigned the
OBV to eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections of the OBV
fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, and the OBV
fuel fittings. The manufacturer has issued service information
specifying procedures to replace certain OBVs installed on CF34-8C1,
CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A3 (CF34-8C), and
GE CF34-8E2, CF34-8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34-8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6,
and CF34-8E6A1 (CF34-8E) model turbofan engines. Additionally, the FAA
determined that the CF34-8E model turbofan engines are susceptible to
the same unsafe condition as the CF34-8C model turbofan engines, and
therefore, added the CF34-8E model turbofan engines to the
applicability of this proposed AD. The FAA is proposing to require
installation of the newly-designed OBV as a terminating action to the
repetitive inspections required for CF34-8C model turbofan engines. The
FAA is also proposing to require replacement of certain OBVs installed
on CF34-8E model turbofan engines.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE CF34-8C Service Bulletin (SB) 75-0020 R04,
dated May 10, 2019 (GE SB 75-0020). The SB specifies procedures for
inspecting the bleed air manifold link rod assemblies; the supply,
return, and drain fuel fittings; and the fuel tubes on the OBV. The SB
also specifies procedures for performing corrective actions and
replacing any OBVs or related OBV hardware that fail the inspection
criteria. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of GE SB 75-0020 as of December 23, 2019 (84
FR 63569, November 18, 2019).
The FAA reviewed GE CF34-8C SB 75-0025 R01, dated August 1, 2019.
This SB describes procedures for replacing and upgrading the suspect
population of OBVs VIN 5000728-104 (part number (P/N) 4123T71P02), VIN
5000728-106 (P/N 4123T71P03), and VIN 5080046-101 (P/N 4123T71P04).
The FAA reviewed GE CF34-8E SB 75-0019 R01, dated August 1, 2019.
This SB describes procedures for replacing and upgrading the suspect
population of OBVs VIN 5000728-104 (P/N 4123T71P02), VIN 5000728-106
(P/N 4123T71P03), and VIN 5080046-101 (P/N 4123T71P04).
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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE CF34-8C SB 75-0026 R00, dated February 21,
2020. This SB introduces OBV VIN 5080046-103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
The FAA also reviewed GE CF34-8E SB 75-0021 R00, dated February 21,
2020. This SB introduces OBV VIN 5080046-103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2019-22-
05. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections
of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, and
the OBV fuel fittings and replacement of OBVs or related OBV hardware
that fail inspection. As a terminating action to the repetitive
inspections of the OBV fuel tubes, OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, and the OBV fuel fittings, this proposed AD would require
replacement of certain OBVs installed on GE CF34-8C model turbofan
engines. This proposed AD would also require replacement of certain
OBVs installed on CF34-8E model turbofan engines.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
GE SB 75-0020 specifies that the results of the inspections must be
documented in an inspection chart form and sent to GE Product Support
Engineering. This proposed AD would not mandate sending information to
GE Product Support Engineering.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,172 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace OBV......................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $17,230 $17,400 $20,392,800
hour = $170.
Inspect OBV fuel tubes, assemblies, 1 work-hour x 85 per 0 85 99,620
and fittings. hour = 85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacement.
[[Page 73999]]
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace OBV tubes, clamps, support hardware... 2.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $3,786.25 $3,977.50
$191.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 that the proposed
regulation:
(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 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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019-22-05, Amendment 39-19784
(84 FR 63569, November 18, 2019); and
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-1167; Project
Identifier AD-2021-00823-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by February 14, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-22-05, Amendment 39-19784 (84 FR 63569,
November 18, 2019).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8C1, CF34-
8C5, CF34-8C5A1, CF34-8C5B1, CF34-8C5A2, CF34-8C5A3, CF34-8E2, CF34-
8E2A1, CF34-8E5, CF34-8E5A1, CF34-8E5A2, CF34-8E6, and CF34-8E6A1
model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7532, Compressor
Bleed Valve.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple reports of fuel leaks, some
leading to engine fires, that have occurred as a result of
malfunctions related to the operability bleed valve (OBV). The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the OBV. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in an engine fire and
damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For CF34-8C1, CF34-8C5, CF34-8C5A1, and CF34-8C5B1 model
turbofan engines with serial numbers (S/Ns): 965101 through 965670
inclusive; 194101 through 194999 inclusive; and 195101 through
195653 inclusive:
(i) Within 880 flight hours (FHs) since the previous inspection,
500 FHs after December 23, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-22-
05), or 6,880 FHs since new, whichever occurs later, inspect the OBV
bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, the OBV fuel fittings, and
the OBV fuel tubes.
(ii) Thereafter, within every 880 FHs since the previous
inspection, perform additional repeat inspections of the OBV bleed
air manifold link rod assemblies, the OBV fuel fittings, and the OBV
fuel tubes.
(iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of GE
CF34-8C Service Bulletin (SB) 75-0020 R04, dated May 10, 2019 (GE SB
75-0020), to perform inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD and, per the inspection criteria in paragraph
3.B., of GE SB 75-0020 (the inspection criteria), do the following:
(A) Before further flight, if fuel leakage is observed at the
OBV fittings or the OBV fittings are loose, replace the OBV with a
part eligible for installation.
(B) Before further flight, if any OBV fuel tube clamp is found
to be outside the inspection criteria, re-torque the OBV fuel tube
clamp or replace the OBV fuel tube clamp.
(C) Within 50 flight cycles (FCs) after the inspections required
by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD, replace any link rod
hardware found to be outside the inspection criteria. Until the worn
link rod hardware is replaced, the OBV fittings must be inspected
before the first flight of each day for leakage and looseness in
accordance with the inspection criteria. If the OBV fittings fail to
meet the inspection criteria, before further flight, replace the OBV
and worn link rod hardware.
(2) For CF34-8C5B1 model turbofan engines with S/Ns not listed
in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and for all CF34-8C5A2 and CF34-8C5A3
model turbofan engines, perform the following:
(i) Within 880 FHs after the effective date of this AD or prior
to accumulating 6,880 FHs since new, whichever occurs later, perform
an initial inspection of the OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, OBV fuel fittings, and OBV fuel tubes.
(ii) Thereafter, within every 880 FHs since the last inspection,
repeat the inspection of the OBV bleed air manifold link rod
assemblies, OBV fuel fittings, and OBV fuel tubes.
(iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of GE
SB 75-0020, to perform the inspections in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or
(ii) of this AD and, per the inspection criteria in paragraph 3.B.,
of GE SB 75-0020, do the following:
(A) Before further flight, if fuel leakage is observed at the
OBV fittings or the OBV fittings are loose, replace the OBV with a
part eligible for installation.
(B) Before further flight, if any OBV fuel tube clamp is found
to be outside the inspection criteria, re-torque the OBV fuel tube
clamp or replace the OBV fuel tube clamp.
[[Page 74000]]
(C) Within 50 FCs after the inspections required by paragraphs
(g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD, replace any link rod hardware found
to be outside the inspection criteria. Until the worn link rod
hardware is replaced, the OBV fittings must be inspected before the
first flight of each day for leakage and looseness in accordance
with the inspection criteria. If the OBV fittings fail to meet the
inspection criteria, before further flight, replace the OBV and worn
link rod hardware.
(3) For all affected engines with an installed OBV, VIN 5000728-
104 part number (P/N) (P/N 4123T71P02), VIN 5000728-106 (P/N
4123T71P03), or VIN 5080046-101 (P/N 4123T71P04), having an OBV S/N
listed in Appendix A, paragraph 4., of GE CF34-8C SB 75-0025 R01,
dated August 1, 2019 (GE SB 75-0025), or Appendix A, paragraph 4.,
of GE CF34-8E SB 75-0019 R01, dated August 1, 2019 (GE SB 75-0019),
respectively, within 180 days after the effective date of this AD,
remove the OBV and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(4) For all affected engines with an installed OBV, VIN 5000728-
104 (P/N 4123T71P02), VIN 5000728-106 (P/N 4123T71P03), or VIN
5080046-101 (P/N 4123T71P04), having an OBV S/N not listed in
Appendix A, paragraph 4., of GE SB 75-0025 or Appendix A, paragraph
4., of GE SB 75-0019, respectively, remove the OBV and replace with
a part eligible for installation within the following compliance
times:
(i) Within 16 months after the effective date of this AD for an
OBV that has accumulated more than 25,000 FHs since new.
(ii) Within 32 months after the effective date of this AD for an
OBV that has accumulated between 12,500 to 25,000 FHs since new,
inclusive.
(iii) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD for
an OBV with fewer than 12,500 FHs since new.
(5) For all affected engines with an installed OBV, VIN 5080046-
102 (P/N 4123T71P05), before the OBV accumulates 25,000 FHs since
new or within 10 years after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, remove the OBV and replace with a part
eligible for installation.
(h) Terminating Action
Installation of an OBV that meets the definition of a part
eligible for installation in paragraph (i) of this AD constitutes
terminating action for the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)
and (2) of this AD.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is an OBV VIN 5080046-103 (P/N 4123T71P06) or an OBV reworked to VIN
5080046-103 (P/N 4123T71P06).
(j) No Reporting Requirement
The reporting instructions specified in GE SB 75-0020 are not
required by this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (2)(i), of this AD if you performed this
initial inspection before the effective of this AD using GE CF34-8C
SB 75-0019 R01, dated October 24, 2017, or R00, dated August 4,
2017; or GE CF34-8C-AL S/B 75-0020, Revision 03, dated December 14,
2018, as applicable.
(l) 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
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7132; 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;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: [email protected]; website:
https://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 (817) 222-
5110.
Issued on December 21, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28134 Filed 12-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P