Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 1343-1346 [2022-00049]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 7 / Tuesday, January 11, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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)(1) of this AD and
email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-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
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Gregory Johnson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Section, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106;
phone: (720) 626–5462; email:
gregory.johnson@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0262, dated
November 30, 2020, for more information.
You may examine the EASA AD in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2021–0871.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Vulcanair S.p.A. P.68 Variants Service
Bulletin No. 263, dated October 20, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Vulcanair S.p.A., Fulvio
Oloferni, via Giovanni Pascoli, 7, Naples,
80026, Italy; phone: +39 081 5918 135; email:
airworthiness@vulcanair.com; website:
www.vulcanair.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110.
(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00056 Filed 1–10–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Jan 10, 2022
Jkt 256001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0567; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00663–E; Amendment
39–21865; AD 2021–26–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
General Electric Company (GE) GE90
model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by two separate in-flight
shutdowns (IFSDs) resulting from
failure of the transfer gearbox (TGB)
radial bevel gear (TGB radial gearshaft).
This AD requires visual inspection of
the TGB radial gearshaft and, depending
on the results of the inspection,
replacement of the TGB radial gearshaft.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 15,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of February 15, 2022.
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: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com;
website: https://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 (817) 222–
5110. It is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0567.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0567; 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
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1343
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen Elwin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7236; fax: (781) 238–
7199; email: Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all GE GE90–76B, GE90–85B,
GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1,
and GE90–115B model turbofan engines
with a certain TGB radial gearshaft
installed. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 12, 2021 (86
FR 44321). The NPRM was prompted by
notification of two separate IFSDs
resulting from the failure of the TGB
radial gearshaft. After further
investigation, the manufacturer
determined that rework on the TGB
radial gearshaft teeth chamfers during
manufacturing may have caused local
burrs and micro-cracks which led to
high-cycle fatigue failure. GE
subsequently issued service information
to provide instructions for a one-time
visual inspection of the affected radial
gearshafts for the presence of burrs or
rework on TGB radial gearshaft teeth
chamfers. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require visual inspection of
the TGB radial gearshaft and, depending
on the results of the inspection,
replacement of the TGB radial gearshaft.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from 5
commenters. The commenters were Air
Line Pilots Association, International,
The Boeing Company, FedEx Express,
Japan Airlines (JAL), and United
Airlines. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
Question on the Difference Between
This AD and the Service Information
JAL asked why there is a difference
between the affected serial numbers (S/
Ns) in this AD and the related service
bulletins (SBs).
The FAA notes that the applicable
SBs include several populations of TGB
radial gearshafts. The FAA determined
that TGB radial gearshafts with S/Ns
starting with prefix FIAAXXXX,
FIA05XXX to FIA09XXX, or FIA0AXXX
to FIA0NXXX are not subject to the
E:\FR\FM\11JAR1.SGM
11JAR1
1344
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 7 / Tuesday, January 11, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
unsafe condition in this AD. Although
this AD does not require that these TGB
radial gearshafts be inspected and
removed, operators may still elect to
inspect these TGB radial gearshaft at the
next scheduled engine shop visit.
Request To Clarify Engine Shop Visit
Definition
JAL requested that the FAA clarify
disassembly of the compressor
discharge pressure (CDP) seal joint in
the definition of ‘‘engine shop visit.’’
JAL indicated that they understand that
disassembly of the CDP seal joint is the
same as disassembly of the CDP seal
flange bolt, but not the same as removal
of the CDP seal.
The FAA notes that any disassembly
of the CDP seal joint meets the
definition of an engine shop visit.
between the service information and
this AD.
The FAA understands that the CDP
seal joint, in some cases, may require
disassembly during a QTW; however, in
this scenario the appropriate provisions
would exist to perform the required
actions of this AD. A QTW that does not
disassemble the CDP seal joint would
not meet the definition of an engine
shop visit, per this AD.
Addition of Interim Action Paragraph
The FAA determined the need to add
the Interim Action paragraph to this AD.
The manufacturer is investigating if an
additional population of TGB radial gear
shafts are affected by the unsafe
condition of this AD.
Request To Clarify if Inspection Occurs
During Quick Turn Workscope (QTW)
Support for the AD
Air Line Pilots Association,
International, The Boeing Company,
FedEx Express, and United Airlines
expressed support for the AD as written.
JAL asked if the TGB radial gearshaft
is required to be inspected during
engine QTW. JAL indicated that GE
GE90–100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–
0857 R01, dated April 28, 2021 (GE90–
100 SB 72–0857 R01), excludes the
performance of the inspection during
QTW. The proposed AD, however, did
not reference QTW in the required
inspection. JAL suggested that the FAA
update this AD to either exclude QTW
from the compliance requirement for
inspection or clarify the difference
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products. Except for minor editorial
changes, and any other changes
described previously, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GE90 Service
Bulletin (SB) 72–1201 R01, dated April
28, 2021 (GE90 SB 72–1201 R01), and
GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01, dated April
28, 2021. GE90 SB 72–1201 R01
specifies procedures for performing a
one-time inspection of the TGB radial
gearshaft for presence of burrs or rework
on teeth chamfers on GE90–76B, GE90–
85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B model
turbofan engines. GE90–100 SB 72–0857
R01 specifies procedures for performing
a one-time inspection of the TGB radial
gearshaft for presence of burrs or rework
on teeth chamfers on GE90–110B1 and
GE90–115B model turbofan engines.
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an
interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA may consider
additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 126 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspect TGB radial gearshaft ..........................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacement
that would be required based on the
Cost per
product
Parts cost
results of the inspection. The agency has
no way of determining the number of
$0
$85
Cost on U.S.
operators
$10,710
aircraft that might need this
replacement:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace TGB radial gearshaft ......................................
60 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,100 ......................
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Jan 10, 2022
Jkt 256001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Parts cost
$24,520
Cost per
product
$29,620
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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
E:\FR\FM\11JAR1.SGM
11JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 7 / Tuesday, January 11, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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) 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 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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–26–06 General Electric Company:
Amendment 39–21865; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0567; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00663–E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective February 15, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric
Company (GE) GE90–76B, GE90–85B, GE90–
90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–
115B model turbofan engines with a transfer
gearbox (TGB) radial bevel gear (TGB radial
gearshaft) serial number listed in paragraph
1345
4., APPENDIX—A, Table 1 of GE GE90
Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1201 R01, dated
April 28, 2021 (GE90 SB 72–1201 R01) or
paragraph 4., APPENDIX—A, Table 1 of GE
GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01, dated April 28,
2021 (GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7260, Turbine Engine Accessory Drive.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two separate inflight shutdowns resulting from the failure of
the TGB radial gearshaft. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the TGB radial
gearshaft. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of one or
more engines, loss of thrust control, and
damage to the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) At the next engine shop visit after the
effective date of this AD, perform a visual
inspection of the affected TGB radial
gearshaft using Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
Model Engine
Use
GE90-76B, GE90-85B,
GE90-90B, and GE90-94B
Paragraph 3.A.(3)(a)l through J, of GE90 SB 72-1201
ROl
GE90-11 OB 1 and GE90115B
Paragraph 3.A.(3)(a)l through J, of GE90-100 SB 720857 ROl
January 5, 2021, or GE GE90–100 SB 72–0857
R00, dated January 5, 2021.
238–7236; fax: (781) 238–7199; email:
Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(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.
You may take credit for the inspection of
the affected TGB radial gearshaft required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you performed
the inspection before the effective date of this
AD using GE GE90 SB 72–1201 R00, dated
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Stephen Elwin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
(2) If, during the visual inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, discrepancies
are found that meet the criteria in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A.(4)(a) or 3.A.(4)(b), of GE90 SB 72–1201
R01 or GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01, before
further flight, replace the TGB radial
gearshaft with a part eligible for installation.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(h) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘engine
shop visit’’ is when the compressor discharge
pressure seal joint is disassembled.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part
eligible for installation’’ is a TGB radial
gearshaft that does not have raised material
or rework on the teeth chamfers as described
in the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(4)(a) or 3.A.(4)(b), of GE90 SB
72–1201 R01 or GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Jan 10, 2022
Jkt 256001
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(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) GE90
Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1201 R01, dated
April 28, 2021.
(ii) GE GE90–100 SB 72–0857 R01, dated
April 28, 2021.
(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@ge.com;
website: https://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
E:\FR\FM\11JAR1.SGM
11JAR1
ER11JA22.000</GPH>
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(l) - Visual Inspection of TGB Radial Gearshaft
1346
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 7 / Tuesday, January 11, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00049 Filed 1–10–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0784; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01455–T; Amendment
39–21857; AD 2021–25–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Jan 10, 2022
Jkt 256001
fatigue cracking and loss of structural
integrity of the circumferential splice
joint, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Examining the AD Docket
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0784; 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:
Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531; email
9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–1A11
(600), CL–600–2A12 (601), and CL–600–
2B16 (601–3A, 601–3R, and 604
Variants) airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD
requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 15,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of February 15, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer
Response Center, 400 Coˆte Vertu Road
West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9, Canada;
514–855–2999; email ac.yul@
aero.bombardier.com; internet https://
www.bombardier.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
SUMMARY:
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0784.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF–
2020–44, dated October 23, 2020
(referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc.,
Model CL–600–1A11 (600), CL–600–
2A12 (601), and CL–600–2B16 (601–3A,
601–3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0784.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model
CL–600–1A11 (600), CL–600–2A12
(601), and CL–600–2B16 (601–3A, 601–
3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 14, 2021 (86 FR
51029). The NPRM was prompted by a
determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. The NPRM proposed to
require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• 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 the following
Bombardier service information, which
describes new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations (a special
detailed inspection for cracking of the
skin circumferential splice at fuselage
station (FS) 559.00, between stringer
(STR) 10L and STR10R). Note: The
asterisk (or ‘‘one star’’) with the last
three digits of the task number indicates
that the task is an airworthiness
limitation task.
• Bombardier Challenger 600 Time
Limits/Maintenance Checks (TLMC),
Product Support Publication (PSP) 605,
Temporary Revision (TR) 5–163, dated
April 30, 2020, which includes Task 53–
30–00–165*, ‘‘Skin Circumferential
Splice at FS559.00, between STR10L
and STR10R.’’
• Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC,
PSP 601–5, TR 5–267, dated April 30,
2020, which includes Task 53–30–00–
188*, ‘‘Skin Circumferential Splice at
FS559.00, between STR10L and
STR10R.’’
• Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC,
PSP 601A–5, TR 5–281, dated April 30,
2020, which includes Task 53–30–00–
191*, ‘‘Skin Circumferential Splice at
FS559.00, between STR10L and
STR10R.’’
• Section 5–10–30, Airworthiness
Limitation Items, Bombardier
Challenger 604 TLMC, Publication No.
CH 604 TLMC, Part 2, Revision 32,
dated December 18, 2019, which
includes Task 53–20–00–192*, ‘‘Special
Detailed Inspection of the Skin
E:\FR\FM\11JAR1.SGM
11JAR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1343-1346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00049]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0567; Project Identifier AD-2021-00663-E;
Amendment 39-21865; AD 2021-26-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain General Electric Company (GE) GE90 model turbofan engines. This
AD was prompted by two separate in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) resulting
from failure of the transfer gearbox (TGB) radial bevel gear (TGB
radial gearshaft). This AD requires visual inspection of the TGB radial
gearshaft and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement
of the TGB radial gearshaft. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 15,
2022.
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: https://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
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0567.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0567; 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: Stephen Elwin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7236; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GE GE90-76B, GE90-
85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan
engines with a certain TGB radial gearshaft installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on August 12, 2021 (86 FR 44321). The
NPRM was prompted by notification of two separate IFSDs resulting from
the failure of the TGB radial gearshaft. After further investigation,
the manufacturer determined that rework on the TGB radial gearshaft
teeth chamfers during manufacturing may have caused local burrs and
micro-cracks which led to high-cycle fatigue failure. GE subsequently
issued service information to provide instructions for a one-time
visual inspection of the affected radial gearshafts for the presence of
burrs or rework on TGB radial gearshaft teeth chamfers. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require visual inspection of the TGB radial
gearshaft and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement
of the TGB radial gearshaft. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from 5 commenters. The commenters were
Air Line Pilots Association, International, The Boeing Company, FedEx
Express, Japan Airlines (JAL), and United Airlines. The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Question on the Difference Between This AD and the Service Information
JAL asked why there is a difference between the affected serial
numbers (S/Ns) in this AD and the related service bulletins (SBs).
The FAA notes that the applicable SBs include several populations
of TGB radial gearshafts. The FAA determined that TGB radial gearshafts
with S/Ns starting with prefix FIAAXXXX, FIA05XXX to FIA09XXX, or
FIA0AXXX to FIA0NXXX are not subject to the
[[Page 1344]]
unsafe condition in this AD. Although this AD does not require that
these TGB radial gearshafts be inspected and removed, operators may
still elect to inspect these TGB radial gearshaft at the next scheduled
engine shop visit.
Request To Clarify Engine Shop Visit Definition
JAL requested that the FAA clarify disassembly of the compressor
discharge pressure (CDP) seal joint in the definition of ``engine shop
visit.'' JAL indicated that they understand that disassembly of the CDP
seal joint is the same as disassembly of the CDP seal flange bolt, but
not the same as removal of the CDP seal.
The FAA notes that any disassembly of the CDP seal joint meets the
definition of an engine shop visit.
Request To Clarify if Inspection Occurs During Quick Turn Workscope
(QTW)
JAL asked if the TGB radial gearshaft is required to be inspected
during engine QTW. JAL indicated that GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB)
72-0857 R01, dated April 28, 2021 (GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01), excludes
the performance of the inspection during QTW. The proposed AD, however,
did not reference QTW in the required inspection. JAL suggested that
the FAA update this AD to either exclude QTW from the compliance
requirement for inspection or clarify the difference between the
service information and this AD.
The FAA understands that the CDP seal joint, in some cases, may
require disassembly during a QTW; however, in this scenario the
appropriate provisions would exist to perform the required actions of
this AD. A QTW that does not disassemble the CDP seal joint would not
meet the definition of an engine shop visit, per this AD.
Addition of Interim Action Paragraph
The FAA determined the need to add the Interim Action paragraph to
this AD. The manufacturer is investigating if an additional population
of TGB radial gear shafts are affected by the unsafe condition of this
AD.
Support for the AD
Air Line Pilots Association, International, The Boeing Company,
FedEx Express, and United Airlines expressed support for the AD as
written.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GE90 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1201 R01, dated
April 28, 2021 (GE90 SB 72-1201 R01), and GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01,
dated April 28, 2021. GE90 SB 72-1201 R01 specifies procedures for
performing a one-time inspection of the TGB radial gearshaft for
presence of burrs or rework on teeth chamfers on GE90-76B, GE90-85B,
GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01
specifies procedures for performing a one-time inspection of the TGB
radial gearshaft for presence of burrs or rework on teeth chamfers on
GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines. 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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 126 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect TGB radial gearshaft.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $10,710
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace TGB radial gearshaft.................. 60 work-hours x $85 per hour = $24,520 $29,620
$5,100.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
[[Page 1345]]
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) 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-26-06 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21865; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0567; Project Identifier AD-2021-00663-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-
85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan
engines with a transfer gearbox (TGB) radial bevel gear (TGB radial
gearshaft) serial number listed in paragraph 4., APPENDIX--A, Table
1 of GE GE90 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1201 R01, dated April 28, 2021
(GE90 SB 72-1201 R01) or paragraph 4., APPENDIX--A, Table 1 of GE
GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01, dated April 28, 2021 (GE90-100 SB 72-0857
R01).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7260, Turbine Engine
Accessory Drive.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two separate in-flight shutdowns
resulting from the failure of the TGB radial gearshaft. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TGB radial gearshaft. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one
or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of
this AD, perform a visual inspection of the affected TGB radial
gearshaft using Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JA22.000
(2) If, during the visual inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4)(a) or 3.A.(4)(b),
of GE90 SB 72-1201 R01 or GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01, before further
flight, replace the TGB radial gearshaft with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is when
the compressor discharge pressure seal joint is disassembled.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is a TGB radial gearshaft that does not have raised
material or rework on the teeth chamfers as described in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4)(a) or 3.A.(4)(b), of
GE90 SB 72-1201 R01 or GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the inspection of the affected TGB
radial gearshaft required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you
performed the inspection before the effective date of this AD using
GE GE90 SB 72-1201 R00, dated January 5, 2021, or GE GE90-100 SB 72-
0857 R00, dated January 5, 2021.
(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 Stephen Elwin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7236; 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) GE90 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-
1201 R01, dated April 28, 2021.
(ii) GE GE90-100 SB 72-0857 R01, dated April 28, 2021.
(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: https://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
[[Page 1346]]
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(817) 222-5110.
(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 December 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00049 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
