Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 9432-9435 [2022-03787]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2019–26–01 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2021–
0141 that are required by paragraph (g) of this
AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0141 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated
from using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
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(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.
(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0141, dated June 15, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0141, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
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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/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 28, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–03633 Filed 2–18–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0101; Project
Identifier AD–2021–01456–E; Amendment
39–21949; AD 2022–04–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx–
1B64, –1B64/P1, –1B64/P2, –1B67,
–1B67/P1, –1B67/P2, –1B70, –1B70/75/
P1, –1B70/75/P2, –1B70/P1, –1B70/P2,
–1B70C/P1, –1B70C/P2, –1B74/75/P1,
–1B74/75/P2, –1B76/P2, –1B76A/P2,
GEnx–2B67, –2B67B, and –2B67/P
model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by an in-flight shutdown
(IFSD) of an engine and subsequent
investigation by the manufacturer that
revealed an improperly torqued fuel
metering unit (FMU) bypass valve (BPV)
plug. This AD requires a shim check
inspection of the FMU BPV plug and,
depending on the results of the
inspection, replacement of the FMU.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 9,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of March 9, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by April 8, 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.
SUMMARY:
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• 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 final rule, contact General Electric
Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH 45215; phone: (513) 552–3272;
email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.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–2022–
0101.
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0101; 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 street address for
the Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7178; email:
Alexei.T.Marqueen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On July 20, 2021, a Boeing model
747–8F airplane, powered by GEnx–
2B67/P model turbofan engines, flying
from Hong Kong to Dubai, experienced
N1 overspeed and fire warnings that
resulted in an IFSD and air turnback
(ATB) to Hong Kong. After landing, the
engine reignited and emergency crews
extinguished the fire. The investigation
led by the National Transportation
Safety Board found several fuel system
leaks including at the FMU supply
pressure (P1) BPV pressure port with a
loose FMU BPV plug safety cabled in
place. Because a safety cable was in
place, the investigation concluded that
the FMU BPV plug might not have been
torqued properly during production or
during an engine shop visit. During the
investigation, GE discovered that
another operator, operating a Boeing
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
model 787–10 airplane, powered by
GEnx–1B74/75/P2 model turbofan
engines, found a fuel system leak related
to a loose FMU BPV plug in August
2020 during a walk-around after a flight.
As a result of the investigation, the
manufacturer published GE GEnx–1B
Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0100 R00,
dated December 3, 2021, and GE GEnx–
2B SB 73–0092 R00, dated December 3,
2021, specifying procedures to inspect
the FMU BPV plug and, depending on
the results of the inspection,
replacement of the FMU. This
condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of engine thrust control, IFSD,
and reduced control of the aircraft. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because
the agency has determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx–1B SB
73–0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021,
and GE GEnx–2B SB 73–0092 R00,
dated December 3, 2021. These SBs
specify procedures for inspecting the
FMU BPV plug and replacing the FMU
on GE GEnx–1B and GEnx–2B 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires a shim check
inspection of the FMU BPV plug and,
depending on the results of the
inspection, replacement of the FMU.
Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency,
for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ Under this section, an agency,
upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without providing notice and
seeking comment prior to issuance.
Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than thirty days, upon
a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies foregoing notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule. On July 20, 2021, a Boeing model
747–8F airplane, powered by GEnx–
2B67/P model turbofan engines,
experienced an IFSD and ATB due to a
fuel system leak. This unsafe condition,
caused by improper torquing of the
FMU BPV plug, may result in the loss
of engine thrust control, IFSD, and
reduced control of the aircraft.
The FAA considers inspection of the
FMU BPV plug to be an urgent safety
issue. Inspection of the FMU BPV plug
must be accomplished within 150 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
The FAA estimates that engines affected
by this AD will accumulate 150 flight
cycles within approximately 90 days of
the effective date of this AD. These
conditions still exist, therefore, notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment are impracticable and contrary
to the public interest pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good
cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)
for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days, for the same reasons
the FAA found good cause to forego
notice and comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–0101
and Project Identifier AD–2021–01456–
E’’ at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the final rule, explain
the reason for any recommended
change, and include supporting data.
The FAA will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
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amend this final rule 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 received about this final rule.
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 AD 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 AD,
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 AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Alexei Marqueen,
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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 114 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Shim check inspection of FMU BPV plug ......
0.50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $42.50 .....
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
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$0
22FER1
$42.50
Cost on U.S.
operators
$4,845
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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
Labor cost
Replace the FMU with a FMU that has undergone
packing replacement.
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ...........................
$200
$880
Replace the FMU .........................................................
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 ...........................
727,317
727,912
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
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,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
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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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Parts cost
Cost per
product
Action
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
addressed, could result in the loss of engine
thrust control, IFSD, and reduced control of
the aircraft.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
■
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:
■
2022–04–07 General Electric Company:
Amendment 39–21949; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0101; Project Identifier AD–
2021–01456–E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all General Electric
Company (GE) GEnx–1B64, GEnx–1B64/P1,
GEnx–1B64/P2, GEnx–1B67, GEnx–1B67/P1,
GEnx–1B67/P2, GEnx–1B70, GEnx–1B70/75/
P1, GEnx–1B70/75/P2, GEnx–1B70/P1,
GEnx–1B70/P2, GEnx–1B70C/P1, GEnx–
1B70C/P2, GEnx–1B74/75/P1, GEnx–1B74/
75/P2, GEnx–1B76/P2, GEnx–1B76A/P2,
GEnx–2B67, GEnx–2B67B, and GEnx–2B67/P
model turbofan engines with:
(1) A fuel metering unit (FMU) VIN 8062–
1094 part number (P/N) 2122M20P07, VIN
8062–1176 P/N 2122M20P08, VIN 8062–1106
P/N 2459M17P01, or VIN 8062–1177 P/N
2459M17P02, installed; and
(2) An FMU having a serial number (S/N)
identified in Paragraph 4, Appendix A, Table
1, of either GE GEnx–1B Service Bulletin (SB)
73–0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021
(GEnx–1B SB 73–0100), or GE GEnx–2B SB
73–0092 R00, dated December 3, 2021
(GEnx–2B SB 73–0092).
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 150 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, perform either an
on-wing or off-wing shim check inspection
using a 0.005 inch feeler gauge of the FMU
BPV plug to verify the FMU BPV plug is
properly installed using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4) or paragraph
3.B.(3), of GEnx–1B SB 73–0100 (for GEnx–
1B models) or the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4) or paragraph
3.B.(3), of GEnx–2B SB 73–0092 (for GEnx–
2B models), as applicable. Perform the shim
check inspection on any flat side of the FMU
BPV plug.
(2) If, during the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, the 0.005 inch
feeler gauge can fit between the FMU BPV
plug and the FMU housing on the flat side,
before further flight, remove the FMU and
replace with an FMU eligible for installation.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7320, Fuel Controlling System.
(h) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘FMU
eligible for installation’’ is:
(1) An FMU having a S/N that is not
identified in Paragraph 4, Appendix A, Table
1, of GEnx–1B SB 73–0100 or GEnx–2B SB
73–0092;
(2) An FMU having a S/N identified in
Paragraph 4, Appendix A, Table 1, of GEnx–
1B SB 73–0100 or GEnx–2B SB 73–0092 that
passes the shim check inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD; or
(3) An FMU having a S/N identified in
Paragraph 4, Appendix A, Table 1, of GEnx–
1B SB 73–0100 or GEnx–2B SB 73–0092 that
fails the shim check inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD but has had the
packing of the FMU BPV plug replaced per
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.C. of GEnx–1B 73–0100 or GEnx–2B 73–
0092.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) of an engine and
subsequent investigation by the manufacturer
that revealed an improperly torqued FMU
bypass valve (BPV) plug. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent fuel system leakage from
the FMU. The unsafe condition, if not
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,
if requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and
email 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(j) Related Information
Airworthiness Directives; Continental
Aerospace Technologies, Inc. and
Continental Motors Reciprocating
Engines
For more information about this AD,
contact Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
238–7178; email: Alexei.T.Marqueen@
faa.gov.
(k) 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) GEnx–
1B Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0100 R00, dated
December 3, 2021.
(ii) GE GEnx–2B SB 73–0092 R00, dated
December 3, 2021.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ae.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
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 February 15, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–03787 Filed 2–17–22; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0875; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00675–E; Amendment
39–21945; AD 2022–04–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Continental Aerospace Technologies,
Inc. C–125, C145, IO–360, IO–470, IO–
550, O–300, O–470, TSIO–360, TSIO–
520 series model reciprocating engines
and certain Continental Motors IO–520
series model reciprocating engines with
a certain oil filter adapter installed. This
AD was prompted by reports of two
accidents that were the result of power
loss due to oil starvation. This AD
requires replacing the oil filter adapter
fiber gasket (fiber gasket) with an oil
filter adapter copper gasket (copper
gasket). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective March 29,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 29, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208
Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 27215;
phone: (800) 822–3200; website: https://
www.tempestplus.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–
0875.
DATES:
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You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0875; 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
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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:
George Hanlin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Atlanta ACO, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: (404) 474–5584; fax: (404)
474–5605; email: george.hanlin@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Examining the AD Docket
VerDate Sep<11>2014
9435
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Continental Aerospace
Technologies, Inc. (Type Certificate
previously held by Continental Motors,
Inc., and Teledyne Continental Motors)
C–125–1, C–125–2, C145–2, C145–2H,
IO–360–C, IO–360–D, IO–360–DB, IO–
360–H, IO–360–HB, IO–360–K, IO–360–
KB, IO–470–E, IO–470–S, IO–550–B,
IO–550–G, O–300–B, O–300–C, O–300–
D, O–300–E, O–470–A, O–470–B, O–
470–G, O–470–J, O–470–K, O–470–L,
O–470–M, O–470–N, O–470–R, O–470–
S, O–470–U, O–470–11, O–470–15,
TSIO–360–E, TSIO–360–EB, TSIO–360–
F, TSIO–360–FB, TSIO–360–GB, TSIO–
360–LB, TSIO–360–MB, TSIO–360–SB,
TSIO–520–C, TSIO–520–CE, TSIO–520–
E, TSIO–520–UB model reciprocating
engines; and Continental Motors (Type
Certificate previously held by Teledyne
Continental Motors) IO–520–A, IO–520–
B, IO–520–BA, IO–520–BB, IO–520–C,
IO–520–D, IO–520–J, and IO–520–L
model reciprocating engines. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
October 12, 2021 (86 FR 56658). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of two
accidents that were the result of power
loss due to oil starvation. The first was
a fatal accident on May 1, 2019, in Mill
Creek California, involving a Cessna
182P airplane with an installed
Continental Motors O–470–S engine.
The National Transportation Safety
Board’s preliminary accident
investigation report, docket number
WPR19FA126, identified evidence of
improperly maintained or installed oil
filter adapters. An improperly
maintained or installed oil filter adapter
may lead to failure of the fiber gasket,
which may result in oil loss or oil
starvation. Based on the investigation,
the manufacturer determined the need
to replace the fiber gasket with a copper
gasket. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed
to require removal of the fiber gasket
and replacement with a copper gasket.
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9432-9435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03787]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0101; Project Identifier AD-2021-01456-E;
Amendment 39-21949; AD 2022-04-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, -1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -
1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -
1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, -
1B76A/P2, GEnx-2B67, -2B67B, and -2B67/P model turbofan engines. This
AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine and
subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed an
improperly torqued fuel metering unit (FMU) bypass valve (BPV) plug.
This AD requires a shim check inspection of the FMU BPV plug and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the FMU. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 9,
2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 8, 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 final rule, 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 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-2022-0101.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0101; 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 street address for the
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7178; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On July 20, 2021, a Boeing model 747-8F airplane, powered by GEnx-
2B67/P model turbofan engines, flying from Hong Kong to Dubai,
experienced N1 overspeed and fire warnings that resulted in an IFSD and
air turnback (ATB) to Hong Kong. After landing, the engine reignited
and emergency crews extinguished the fire. The investigation led by the
National Transportation Safety Board found several fuel system leaks
including at the FMU supply pressure (P1) BPV pressure port with a
loose FMU BPV plug safety cabled in place. Because a safety cable was
in place, the investigation concluded that the FMU BPV plug might not
have been torqued properly during production or during an engine shop
visit. During the investigation, GE discovered that another operator,
operating a Boeing
[[Page 9433]]
model 787-10 airplane, powered by GEnx-1B74/75/P2 model turbofan
engines, found a fuel system leak related to a loose FMU BPV plug in
August 2020 during a walk-around after a flight. As a result of the
investigation, the manufacturer published GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin
(SB) 73-0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021, and GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0092
R00, dated December 3, 2021, specifying procedures to inspect the FMU
BPV plug and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement
of the FMU. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of
engine thrust control, IFSD, and reduced control of the aircraft. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021,
and GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 R00, dated December 3, 2021. These SBs
specify procedures for inspecting the FMU BPV plug and replacing the
FMU on GE GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires a shim check inspection of the FMU BPV plug and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the FMU.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
On July 20, 2021, a Boeing model 747-8F airplane, powered by GEnx-2B67/
P model turbofan engines, experienced an IFSD and ATB due to a fuel
system leak. This unsafe condition, caused by improper torquing of the
FMU BPV plug, may result in the loss of engine thrust control, IFSD,
and reduced control of the aircraft.
The FAA considers inspection of the FMU BPV plug to be an urgent
safety issue. Inspection of the FMU BPV plug must be accomplished
within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. The FAA
estimates that engines affected by this AD will accumulate 150 flight
cycles within approximately 90 days of the effective date of this AD.
These conditions still exist, therefore, notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0101 and Project Identifier
AD-2021-01456-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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
this final rule 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 received about this final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Alexei
Marqueen, 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 114 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shim check inspection of FMU BPV plug. 0.50 work-hours x $85 $0 $42.50 $4,845
per hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 9434]]
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 the FMU with a FMU that has undergone 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $200 $880
packing replacement. $680.
-------------------------------
Replace the FMU............................... 7 work-hours x $85 per hour = 727,317 727,912
$595.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2022-04-07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21949; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0101; Project Identifier AD-2021-01456-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64,
GEnx-1B64/P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2,
GEnx-1B70, GEnx-1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-
1B70/P2, GEnx-1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/
75/P2, GEnx-1B76/P2, GEnx-1B76A/P2, GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-
2B67/P model turbofan engines with:
(1) A fuel metering unit (FMU) VIN 8062-1094 part number (P/N)
2122M20P07, VIN 8062-1176 P/N 2122M20P08, VIN 8062-1106 P/N
2459M17P01, or VIN 8062-1177 P/N 2459M17P02, installed; and
(2) An FMU having a serial number (S/N) identified in Paragraph
4, Appendix A, Table 1, of either GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB)
73-0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021 (GEnx-1B SB 73-0100), or GE
GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 R00, dated December 3, 2021 (GEnx-2B SB 73-0092).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7320, Fuel
Controlling System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an
engine and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that
revealed an improperly torqued FMU bypass valve (BPV) plug. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent fuel system leakage from the FMU. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the loss of
engine thrust control, IFSD, and reduced control of the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, perform either an on-wing or off-wing shim check inspection
using a 0.005 inch feeler gauge of the FMU BPV plug to verify the
FMU BPV plug is properly installed using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4) or paragraph 3.B.(3), of GEnx-1B SB
73-0100 (for GEnx-1B models) or the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(4) or paragraph 3.B.(3), of GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 (for
GEnx-2B models), as applicable. Perform the shim check inspection on
any flat side of the FMU BPV plug.
(2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, the 0.005 inch feeler gauge can fit between the FMU BPV
plug and the FMU housing on the flat side, before further flight,
remove the FMU and replace with an FMU eligible for installation.
(h) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, an ``FMU eligible for installation''
is:
(1) An FMU having a S/N that is not identified in Paragraph 4,
Appendix A, Table 1, of GEnx-1B SB 73-0100 or GEnx-2B SB 73-0092;
(2) An FMU having a S/N identified in Paragraph 4, Appendix A,
Table 1, of GEnx-1B SB 73-0100 or GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 that passes the
shim check inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD; or
(3) An FMU having a S/N identified in Paragraph 4, Appendix A,
Table 1, of GEnx-1B SB 73-0100 or GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 that fails the
shim check inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD but
has had the packing of the FMU BPV plug replaced per the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C. of GEnx-1B 73-0100 or
GEnx-2B 73-0092.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
[[Page 9435]]
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Alexei Marqueen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7178; email:
[email protected].
(k) 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) GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB)
73-0100 R00, dated December 3, 2021.
(ii) GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0092 R00, dated December 3, 2021.
(3) 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.
(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 (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 February 15, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03787 Filed 2-17-22; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
