Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 55328-55331 [2022-19397]

Download as PDF 55328 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable oncondition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [Docket No. FAA–2022–0978; Project Identifier AD–2022–00460–E] (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3520; email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 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. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS Issued on July 1, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–19298 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools. 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 October 24, 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 FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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–2022–0978; 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: 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: 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–2022–0978; Project Identifier AD– 2022–00460–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 this 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 received about this NPRM. 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 E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55329 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules placed in the public docket of this NPRM. 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. Background The FAA was notified by the manufacturer of the detection of iron inclusion in an HPT stage 2 disk manufactured from the same powder metal material used to manufacture certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools for 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–1B) and GEnx– 2B67, GEnx–2B67B, and GEnx–2B67/P (GEnx–2B) model turbofan engines. Further investigation by the manufacturer determined that the iron inclusion is attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process. The investigation by the manufacturer also determined that certain GEnx–1B and GEnx–2B HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools made from billets manufactured using the same process may have reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life capability due to iron inclusion, which may cause premature fracture and uncontained failure. As a result of its investigation, the manufacturer published service information that specifies procedures for the removal and replacement of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools installed on GEnx–1B and GEnx–2B model turbofan engines. This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft. 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 The FAA reviewed GE GEnx–1B Service Bulletin 72–0505, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2022. The FAA also reviewed GE GEnx–2B Service Bulletin 72–0444, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2022. This service information describes procedures for removing the HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool. These documents are distinct since they apply to different engine models. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require the removal of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools and replacement with parts eligible for installation. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information GE GEnx–1B Service Bulletin 72– 0505, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2022, uses the term ‘‘HPT rotor stage 2 disk,’’ while this proposed AD uses the term ‘‘HPT stage 2 disk.’’ Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 3 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would require replacement of the forward seal or HPT stage 2 disk. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Labor cost Parts cost Replace stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool. Replace forward seal ...................... 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. $846,519 (average pro-rated part cost). $364,558 (average pro-rated part cost). $363,424 (average pro-rated part cost). Replace HPT stage 2 disk ............. Authority for This Rulemaking jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS Cost per product Action 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost on U.S. operators $847,199 $2,541,597 365,238 0 364,104 0 (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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55330 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS ■ (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by October 24, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2022–0978; Project Identifier AD–2022– 00460–E. (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company GEnx–1B64, GEnx–1B64/P1, GEnx–1B64/P2, GEnx–1B67, GEnx–1B67/P1, (d) Subject (e) Unsafe Condition Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section; 7250, Turbine Section. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fracture and potential E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 EP09SE22.046</GPH> Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules uncontained failure of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R08–OAR–2021–0001; FRL–10014– 01–R8] (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Before exceeding 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool from service and replace with a part eligible for installation. (2) For affected engines not in service, before further flight, remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool and replace with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is any HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool with a P/N and S/N not identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. (2) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘engines not in service’’ are engines that are in longterm or short-term storage as of the effective date of this AD. (i) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6–10 compressor rotor spool with a P/ N and S/N identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD onto any engine. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS (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 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. (k) 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: Alexei.T.Marqueen@ faa.gov. Issued on July 21, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–19397 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 Air Plan Approval; Montana; Revisions to Regional Haze State Implementation Plan and Partial Withdrawals to Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Montana on March 25, 2020, addressing regional haze. Specifically, EPA is proposing to approve a SIP revision for the first implementation period of the Clean Air Act’s (CAA) regional haze program that addresses the nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirements for two electric generating unit (EGU) facilities, as well as proposing to withdraw portions of the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) promulgated by EPA in 2012 (2012 regional haze FIP) addressing the NOX, SO2 and particulate matter (PM) BART requirements for two cement kilns and the PM BART requirements for the same two EGU facilities. This action also addresses the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s June 9, 2015 vacatur and remand of portions of the FIP. EPA is proposing this action pursuant to sections 110 and 169A of the CAA. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 8, 2022. Public hearing: If anyone contacts us requesting a public hearing on or before September 26, 2022, we will hold a hearing. Additional information about the hearing, if requested, will be published in a subsequent Federal Register document. Contact Jaslyn Dobrahner at dobrahner.jaslyn@epa.gov, to request a hearing or to determine if a hearing will be held. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R08– OAR–2021–0001, to the Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from www.regulations.gov. EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55331 Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epadockets. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available electronically in www.regulations.gov. To reduce the risk of COVID–19 transmission, for this action we do not plan to offer hard copy review of the docket. Please email or call the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section if you need to make alternative arrangements for access to the docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaslyn Dobrahner, Air and Radiation Division, EPA, Region 8, Mailcode 8ARD–IO, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129, telephone number: (303) 312–6252, email address: dobrahner.jaslyn@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document wherever ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean EPA. Table of Contents I. What action is EPA proposing? II. Background A. Requirements of the Clean Air Act and EPA’s Regional Haze Rule B. Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) C. Long-Term Strategy and Reasonable Progress Requirements D. Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Recording E. Consultation With Federal Land Managers (FLMs) F. Clean Air Act 110(l) G. Regulatory and Legal History of the Montana Regional Haze FIP III. EPA’s Evaluation of Montana’s Regional Haze SIP Revisions E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55328-55331]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; Project Identifier AD-2022-00460-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model 
turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer 
investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) 
stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools 
were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron 
inclusion. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the 
affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor 
rotor spools. 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 October 24, 
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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; 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: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7178; 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-2022-0978; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00460-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 
this 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 received about this NPRM.

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

[[Page 55329]]

placed in the public docket of this NPRM. 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.

Background

    The FAA was notified by the manufacturer of the detection of iron 
inclusion in an HPT stage 2 disk manufactured from the same powder 
metal material used to manufacture certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward 
seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools for 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-1B) and GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-
2B67/P (GEnx-2B) model turbofan engines. Further investigation by the 
manufacturer determined that the iron inclusion is attributed to 
deficiencies in the manufacturing process. The investigation by the 
manufacturer also determined that certain GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B HPT stage 
2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools made 
from billets manufactured using the same process may have reduced 
material properties and a lower fatigue life capability due to iron 
inclusion, which may cause premature fracture and uncontained failure. 
As a result of its investigation, the manufacturer published service 
information that specifies procedures for the removal and replacement 
of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor 
rotor spools installed on GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris 
release, damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft.

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

    The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0505, Revision 02, 
dated April 5, 2022. The FAA also reviewed GE GEnx-2B Service Bulletin 
72-0444, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2022. This service information 
describes procedures for removing the HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, 
and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different engine models.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the removal of certain HPT stage 2 
disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools and 
replacement with parts eligible for installation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 72-0505, Revision 02, dated April 5, 
2022, uses the term ``HPT rotor stage 2 disk,'' while this proposed AD 
uses the term ``HPT stage 2 disk.''

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 3 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA 
estimates that 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would 
require replacement of the forward seal or HPT stage 2 disk.
    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 stages 6-10 compressor      8 work-hours x $85     $846,519 (average pro-       $847,199      $2,541,597
 rotor spool.                        per hour = $680.       rated part cost).
Replace forward seal..............  8 work-hours x $85     $364,558 (average pro-        365,238               0
                                     per hour = $680.       rated part cost).
Replace HPT stage 2 disk..........  8 work-hours x $85     $363,424 (average pro-        364,104               0
                                     per hour = $680.       rated part cost).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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:


[[Page 55330]]


    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:

General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0978; Project 
Identifier AD-2022-00460-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by October 24, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company 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 an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) 
stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool 
with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 
1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09SE22.046

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section; 7250, Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that 
revealed certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6-10 
compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material 
suspected to contain iron inclusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent fracture and potential

[[Page 55331]]

uncontained failure of certain HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and 
stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the 
engine, and damage to the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before exceeding 600 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and 
stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool from service and replace with a 
part eligible for installation.
    (2) For affected engines not in service, before further flight, 
remove the affected HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, and stages 6-10 
compressor rotor spool and replace with a part eligible for 
installation.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is any HPT stage 2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10 
compressor rotor spool with a P/N and S/N not identified in Table 1 
to paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``engines not in service'' are 
engines that are in long-term or short-term storage as of the 
effective date of this AD.

(i) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HPT stage 
2 disk, forward seal, or stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool with a 
P/N and S/N identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD onto 
any engine.

(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 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.

(k) 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].

    Issued on July 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19397 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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