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
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]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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