Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 55319-55322 [2022-19400]

Download as PDF 55319 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 174 Friday, September 9, 2022 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service RIN 0581–AE18 [Doc. No. AMS–FTPP–22–0046] Poultry Growing Tournament Systems: Fairness and Related Concerns Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is providing additional time for the public to submit comments and information that will inform policy development and future rulemaking proposals regarding the use of poultry grower ranking systems commonly known as tournaments in contract poultry production. AMS seeks this input in response to numerous complaints from poultry growers about the use of tournament systems. Comments in response to this request would help AMS tailor further rulemaking in addition to that already planned and under way to address specific industry practices in relation to tournament systems. DATES: The comment period for the notice originally published on June 8, 2022, at 87 FR 34814, is reopened. Comments must be submitted on or before September 26, 2022. ADDRESSES: Comments can be submitted by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Enter AMS–FTPP–22–0046 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. AMS–FTPP–22–0046, S. Brett Offutt, Chief Legal Officer, Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA, AMS, FTPP; Room 2097–S, Mail Stop 3601, jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION S. Brett Offutt, Chief Legal Officer/Policy Advisor, Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA AMS Fair Trade Practices Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250; Phone: (202) 690–4355; or Email: s.brett.offutt@usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A notice published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2022 (87 FR 34814), requested comments and information from the public to assist AMS in developing policy regarding the use of poultry grower ranking or ‘‘tournament’’ pay systems as a means to determine grower compensation by vertically integrated poultry companies, known as ‘‘integrators’’. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) established a 90-day comment period, ending September 6, 2022. During the initial comment period, AMS received requests from industry organizations asking for additional time to submit comments, citing the breadth and complexity of the questions and concepts presented for comment. AMS is now reopening the comment period to encourage additional input on the topics raised by the ANPR. The June 8, 2022, ANPR includes numerous specific questions for commenter consideration. We ask that commenters please fully explain all views and alternative solutions or suggestions, supplying examples and data or other information to support those views where possible. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 9 CFR Part 201 VerDate Sep<11>2014 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250–3601. Jkt 256001 Erin Morris, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2022–19533 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–0989; Project Identifier AD–2022–00468–E] 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) GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–115B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7– 9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 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 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; ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55320 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: www.ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222– 5110. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022– 0989; 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: jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2022–0989; Project Identifier AD– 2022–00468–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 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 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools for the GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–115B 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 HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools installed on GE90–90B, GE90– 94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–115B 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 the following service information issued by GE, which specifies procedures for removing the affected HPT stage 2 disk from service. These documents are distinct since they apply to different engine models. • GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72–0893 R01, dated November 30, 2021. • GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72–0899 R00, dated April 29, 2022. The FAA also reviewed GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72–0897 R00, dated February 23, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for removing the affected stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool from service. The FAA also reviewed GE90 Service Bulletin 72–1214 R00, dated April 29, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for removing the affected HPT stage 1 disk and HPT stage 2 disk from service. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require the replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7– 9 compressor rotor spools. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information GE GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72– 0893 R01, dated November 30, 2021, and GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72–0899 R00, dated April 29, 2022, use 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 1 engine 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 HPT stage 1 disk or stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Action Labor cost Parts cost Replace HPT stage 2 disk ............. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. $459,473 (average pro-rated cost of part). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 $460,153 Cost on U.S. operators $460,153 55321 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS—Continued Labor cost Parts cost Replace HPT stage 1 disk ............. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. $867,041 (average pro-rated cost of part). $442,204 (average pro-rated cost of part). 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 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: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 Cost on U.S. operators 867,721 0 442,884 0 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: ■ General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2022–0989; Project Identifier AD–2022– 00468–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 GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90– 110B1, and GE90–115B model turbofan engines with an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 EP09SE22.047</GPH> Replace stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS Cost per product Action 55322 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules (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 that certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 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 uncontained failure of certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7–9 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 [FR Doc. 2022–19400 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2022–1151; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01603–T] (g) Required Actions (1) Before exceeding 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, and stages 7–9 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, and stages 7– 9 compressor rotor spool and replace with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definitions RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that electrical bonding jumpers had been installed on fuel scavenge lines even after the removal was required by previous AD rulemaking and that electrical bonding jumpers may have been installed in production or in service at other locations. This proposed AD would require an inspection for electrical bonding jumpers and brackets on the fuel scavenge and vent lines at specific wing locations, and if installed, removal or modification of those jumpers and brackets. This proposed AD would also require a records check to determine if certain maintenance tasks were performed and removal, modification, or rework if those tasks were performed. This proposed AD would also prohibit the use of earlier versions of certain maintenance tasks. 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. SUMMARY: (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is any HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 7–9 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, ‘‘affected engines not in service’’ are affected 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 7–9 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) jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS Issued on July 29, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 14 CFR Part 39 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (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. 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, Canada; North America (tollfree): 855–310–1013, Direct: 647–277– 5820; email thd@dehavilland.com; internet dehavilland.com. You may view this 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–1151; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Catanzaro, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7366; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@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–2022–1151; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01603–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments. E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55319-55322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19400]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0989; Project Identifier AD-2022-00468-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) GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-
110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain 
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and 
stages 7-9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 
disks, and stages 7-9 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 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;

[[Page 55320]]

email: [email protected]; website: www.ge.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0989; 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-2022-0989; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00468-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 
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 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 1 disks, HPT stage 
2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools for the GE90-90B, GE90-
94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B 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 HPT 
stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 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 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 
7-9 compressor rotor spools installed on GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-
110B1, and GE90-115B 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 the following service information issued by GE, 
which specifies procedures for removing the affected HPT stage 2 disk 
from service. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different engine models.
     GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0893 R01, dated November 30, 
2021.
     GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0899 R00, dated April 29, 
2022.
    The FAA also reviewed GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0897 R00, dated 
February 23, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for 
removing the affected stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool from service. 
The FAA also reviewed GE90 Service Bulletin 72-1214 R00, dated April 
29, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for removing 
the affected HPT stage 1 disk and HPT stage 2 disk from service.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the replacement of certain HPT stage 
1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0893 R01, dated November 30, 2021, 
and GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0899 R00, dated April 29, 2022, use 
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 1 engine 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 HPT stage 1 disk or stages 7-9 compressor 
rotor spool.
    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 HPT stage 2 disk..........  8 work-hours x $85     $459,473 (average pro-       $460,153        $460,153
                                     per hour = $680.       rated cost of part).

[[Page 55321]]

 
Replace HPT stage 1 disk..........  8 work-hours x $85     $867,041 (average pro-        867,721               0
                                     per hour = $680.       rated cost of part).
Replace stages 7-9 compressor       8 work-hours x $85     $442,204 (average pro-        442,884               0
 rotor spool.                        per hour = $680.       rated cost of part).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

    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-2022-0989; Project 
Identifier AD-2022-00468-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 GE90-90B, GE90-94B, 
GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B model turbofan engines with an installed 
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or 
stages 7-9 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] TP09SE22.047


[[Page 55322]]



(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 that certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and 
stages 7-9 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 uncontained 
failure of certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 
7-9 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 400 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD, remove the affected HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, 
and stages 7-9 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, and stages 
7-9 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 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 
7-9 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, ``affected engines not in 
service'' are affected 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 
1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, or stages 7-9 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 29, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19400 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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