Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines, 57575-57578 [2022-19853]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 182 / Wednesday, September 21, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
information services domain, and
presents security vulnerabilities related
to the introduction of computer viruses
and worms, user errors, and intentional
sabotage of airplane electronic assets
(networks, systems, and databases)
critical to the safety and maintenance of
the airplane.
The existing FAA regulations did not
anticipate these networked airplanesystem architectures. Furthermore, these
regulations and the current guidance
material do not address potential
security vulnerabilities, which could be
exploited by unauthorized access to
airplane networks, databuses, and
servers. Therefore, these special
conditions ensure that the security (i.e.,
confidentiality, integrity, and
availability) of airplane systems is not
compromised by unauthorized wired or
wireless electronic connections. This
includes ensuring that the security of
the airplane’s systems is not
compromised during maintenance of the
airplane’s electronic systems. These
special conditions also require the
applicant to provide appropriate
instructions to the operator to maintain
all electronic-system safeguards that
have been implemented as part of the
original network design so that this
feature does not allow or introduce
security threats.
These special conditions contain the
additional safety standards that the
Administrator considers necessary to
establish a level of safety equivalent to
that established by the existing
airworthiness standards.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the
Bombardier Model CL–600–2B16 (604
variant) airplane. Should L2 Consulting
Services, Inc., apply at a later date for
a supplemental type certificate to
modify any other model included on
Type Certificate No. A21EA to
incorporate the same novel or unusual
design feature, these special conditions
would apply to that model as well.
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Conclusion
This action affects only a certain
novel or unusual design feature on the
Bombardier Model CL–600–2B16 (604
variant) airplane. It is not a rule of
general applicability and affects only
the applicant who applied to the FAA
for approval of this feature on the
airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
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16:33 Sep 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
Authority Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
44701, 44702, 44704.
The Special Conditions
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the following special
conditions are issued as part of the type
certification basis for Bombardier Model
CL–600–2B16 (604 variant) airplane, as
modified by L2 Consulting Services,
Inc., for airplane electronicunauthorized external access.
1. The applicant must ensure airplane
electronic system security protection
from access by unauthorized sources
external to the airplane, including those
possibly caused by maintenance
activity.
2. The applicant must ensure that
electronic system security threats are
identified and assessed, and that
effective electronic system security
protection strategies are implemented to
protect the airplane from all adverse
impacts on safety, functionality, and
continued airworthiness.
3. The applicant must establish
appropriate procedures to allow the
operator to ensure that continued
airworthiness of the airplane is
maintained, including all post type
certification modifications that may
have an impact on the approved
electronic system security safeguards.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
September 15, 2022.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Innovation Policy
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–20393 Filed 9–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0516; Project
Identifier AD–2022–00262–E; Amendment
39–22157; AD 2022–18–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) GE90–
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Sfmt 4700
110B1 and GE90–115B model turbofan
engines and certain GE90–76B, GE90–
85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B model
turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by the detection of meltrelated freckles in the forgings and
billets, which may reduce the life of
certain rotating compressor discharge
pressure (CDP) high-pressure turbine
(HPT) seals (rotating CDP seals),
interstage HPT rotor seals, and HPT
rotor stage 2 disks. This AD requires
revising the airworthiness limitations
section (ALS) of the applicable GE90–
100 Engine Manual (EM) and the
operator’s existing approved
maintenance program or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
reduced life limits for these parts. This
AD also requires the removal and
replacement of certain interstage HPT
rotor seals, identified by serial number
(S/N), installed on GE90–76B, GE90–
85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B model
turbofan engines. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective October 26,
2022.
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann
Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone:
(513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@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.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0516; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
57575
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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 182 / Wednesday, September 21, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all GE GE90–110B1 and GE90–
115B model turbofan engines and
certain GE90–76B, GE90–85B, GE90–
90B, and GE90–94B model turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on May 27, 2022 (87
FR 32098). The NPRM was prompted by
notification by the engine manufacturer
of the detection of melt-related freckles
in the forgings and billets, which may
reduce the life of certain rotating CDP
seals, interstage HPT rotor seals, and
HPT rotor stage 2 disks on GE90–110B1
and GE90–115B model turbofan engines
and may reduce the life of certain
interstage HPT rotor seals on GE90–76B,
GE90–85B, GE90–90B, and GE90–94B
model turbofan engines. The
manufacturer’s investigation determined
that, as a result of such freckles forming
in the forgings and billets, certain
rotating CDP seals, interstage HPT rotor
seals, and HPT rotor stage 2 disks (lifelimited parts (LLPs)) may have
undetected subsurface anomalies that
developed during the manufacturing
process, resulting in reduced material
properties and a lower fatigue life
capability. Reduced material properties
may cause premature LLP fracture,
which could result in uncontained
debris release. As a result of its
investigation, the manufacturer
determined the need to reduce the life
limits of certain LLPs. To reflect these
reduced life limits, the manufacturer
revised the ALS of the affected GE90–
100 EMs. Additionally, the
manufacturer published service
information that specifies procedures
for the removal and replacement of
certain interstage HPT rotor seals
installed on GE90–76B, GE90–85B,
GE90–90B, and GE90–94B model
turbofan engines. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require revising the ALS of
the applicable GE90–100 EM and the
operator’s existing approved
maintenance program or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
reduced life limits for certain LLPs. The
NPRM also proposed to require the
removal and replacement of certain
interstage HPT rotor seals. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from six
commenters. The commenters were Air
Line Pilots Association, International
(ALPA), American Airlines, The Boeing
Company (Boeing), FedEx Express,
Japan Airlines, and United Airlines.
Five of the commenters, ALPA,
American Airlines, Boeing, FedEx
Express, and United Airlines, supported
the proposal without change. The
following presents the comment
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response.
Request To Refer to Service
Information
Japan Airlines requested that the FAA
refer to GE90 SB 72–1211, latest
revision, in the AD as the appropriate
source of service information for the
required actions. Japan Airlines noted
that this would confirm the source of
the affected interstage HPT rotor seal for
the GE90–76B, GE90–85B, GE90–90B,
and GE90–94B model engines. The FAA
infers that Japan Airlines is requesting
for GE90 SB 72–1211 to be incorporated
by reference. The FAA disagrees with
the request to incorporate GE90 SB 72–
1211 by reference. Paragraph (c)(2) of
this AD identifies the affected interstage
HPT rotor seal installed on the GE90–
76B, GE90–85B, and GE90–94B model
turbofan engines by part number and
serial number. The FAA did not change
this AD as a result of this comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE GE90–100 SB
72–0851 R00, dated August 17, 2021.
This service information provides
reduced life limits for certain LLPs. The
FAA also reviewed GE GE90 SB 72–
1211 R00, dated March 9, 2022. This
service information describes
procedures for removing and replacing
certain interstage HPT rotor seals.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 248 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates that zero engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry will require
replacement of the interstage HPT rotor
seal.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Revise ALS of EM and the operator’s existing
approved maintenance program or inspection program.
Replace interstage HPT rotor seal .................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
$0
$85
$21,080
1,500 work-hours × $85 per hour = $127,500
286,331
413,831
0
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
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Jkt 256001
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Labor cost
Authority for This Rulemaking
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Cost per
product
Action
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
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 182 / Wednesday, September 21, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
57577
(e) Unsafe Condition
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2022–18–06 General Electric Company:
Amendment 39–22157; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0516; Project Identifier AD–
2022–00262–E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 26, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
This AD was prompted by the detection of
melt-related freckles in the forgings and
billets, which may reduce the life of certain
rotating compressor discharge pressure (CDP)
HPT seals (rotating CDP seals), interstage
HPT rotor seals, and HPT rotor stage 2 disks.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the rotating CDP seal, interstage HPT rotor
seal, and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
uncontained debris release, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to:
(1) General Electric Company (GE) GE90–
110B1 and GE90–115B model turbofan
engines; and
(2) GE GE90–76B, GE90–85B, GE90–90B,
and GE90–94B model turbofan engines with
an installed interstage high-pressure turbine
(HPT) rotor seal with part number (P/N)
2629M47P01 and serial number (S/N)
NCU5430D.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor
Section, and JASC Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For affected GE90–110B1 and GE90–
115B model turbofan engines, within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the
existing GE90–100 Engine Manual (EM) and
the operator’s existing approved maintenance
program or inspection program, as
applicable, by inserting the following
information:
(i) For rotating CDP seal P/N 2479M03P01,
insert the information in Table 1 to paragraph
(g)(1)(i) of this AD.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)(I)—ROTATING CDP SEAL P/N 2479M03P01
Part name
Part No.
Seal, CDP .................................................
Seal, CDP .................................................
Seal, CDP .................................................
Seal, CDP .................................................
2479M03P01, For part
2479M03P01, For part
DIX A Table 11.
2479M03P01, For part
DIX A Table 12.
2479M03P01, For part
DIX A, Table 13.
Life cycles
serial numbers NOT listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision ....
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
15,000
5,300
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
10,400
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
13,900
(ii) For interstage HPT rotor seal P/N
2505M72P01, insert the information in Table
2 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
TABLE 2 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)(II)—INTERSTAGE HPT ROTOR SEAL P/N 2505M72P01
Part name
Part No.
Seal, Interstage .........................................
Seal, Interstage .........................................
Seal, Interstage .........................................
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Seal, Interstage .........................................
2505M72P01, For part
2505M72P01, For part
DIX A Table 8.
2505M72P01, For part
DIX A Table 9.
2505M72P01, For part
DIX A Table 10.
Life cycles
serial numbers NOT listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision ....
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
15,000
5,500
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
10,900
serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
14,300
(iii) For HPT rotor stage 2 disk P/N
2505M73P03, insert the information in Table
3 to paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
TABLE 3 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)(III)—HPT ROTOR STAGE 2 DISK P/N 2505M73P03
Part name
Part No.
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
2505M73P03, For part serial numbers NOT listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision ....
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16:33 Sep 20, 2022
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E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
Life cycles
21SER1
15,000
57578
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 182 / Wednesday, September 21, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 3 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)(III)—HPT ROTOR STAGE 2 DISK P/N 2505M73P03—Continued
Part name
Part No.
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
Disk, Stage 2 ............................................
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 1.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 2.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 3.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 4.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 5.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 6.
2505M73P03, For
DIX A Table 7.
3,500
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
5,100
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
5,800
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
7,200
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
8,000
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
8,300
part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
8,800
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
(h) Definitions
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible
for installation’’ is any interstage HPT rotor
seal that does not have P/N 2629M47P01 and
S/N NCU5430D.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(j) Related Information
(1) 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.
(2) For service information identified (but
not incorporated by reference) in this AD,
contact General Electric Company, 1
Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website:
www.ge.com. You may view this referenced
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Sep 20, 2022
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Issued on August 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–19853 Filed 9–20–22; 8:45 am]
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 61 and 121
(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 (j)(1) 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.
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part serial numbers listed in SB 72–0851, latest revision APPEN-
(2) For affected GE90–76B, GE90–85B,
GE90–90B, and GE90–94B model turbofan
engines, before the interstage HPT rotor seal,
P/N 2629M47P01 and S/N NCU5430D,
accumulates 7,400 cycles since new, remove
the affected interstage HPT rotor seal from
service and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1106; Amdt. Nos.
61–150 And 121–385]
RIN 2120–AL03
Recognition of Pilot in Command
Experience in the Military and Air
Carrier Operations
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This final rule provides
additional crediting options for certain
pilot in command (PIC) time to count
towards the 1,000 hours of air carrier
experience required to serve as a PIC in
air carrier operations. In addition, this
final rule allows credit for select
military time in a powered-lift flown in
horizontal flight towards the 250 hours
of airplane time as PIC, or second in
command (SIC) performing the duties of
PIC, required for an airline transport
pilot (ATP) certificate. This action is
necessary to expand opportunities for
pilots that meet the amended criteria to
use relevant flight experience toward
the requirements for an ATP certificate
and to meet PIC qualification
requirements for air carrier operations.
DATES: This rule is effective October 21,
2022.
SUMMARY:
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Life cycles
Fmt 4700
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For information on where to
obtain copies of rulemaking documents
and other information related to this
final rule, see ‘‘How To Obtain
Additional Information’’ in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barbara Adams, Air Transportation
Division, AFS–200, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone (202) 267–8166; email
barbara.adams@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
I. Executive Summary
II. Authority for This Rulemaking
III. Discussion of the Final Rule and Public
Comments
A. ATP Aeronautical Experience
Requirements (§ 61.159)
B. Minimum of 1,000 Hours in Air Carrier
Operations To Serve as Pilot in
Command in Part 121 Operations
(§ 121.436)
C. Miscellaneous Amendments
D. Comment Regarding the Regulatory
Evaluation
IV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
A. Regulatory Evaluation
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. International Trade Impact Assessment
D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment
E. Paperwork Reduction Act
F. International Compatibility and
Cooperation
G. Environmental Analysis
V. Executive Order Determinations
A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
C. Executive Order 13609, International
Cooperation
VI. How To Obtain Additional Information
A. Electronic Filing and Access
B. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Frequently Used in This Document
ATP Airline Transport Pilot
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57575-57578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19853]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0516; Project Identifier AD-2022-00262-E;
Amendment 39-22157; AD 2022-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan
engines and certain GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related
freckles in the forgings and billets, which may reduce the life of
certain rotating compressor discharge pressure (CDP) high-pressure
turbine (HPT) seals (rotating CDP seals), interstage HPT rotor seals,
and HPT rotor stage 2 disks. This AD requires revising the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the applicable GE90-100
Engine Manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance
program or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate reduced
life limits for these parts. This AD also requires the removal and
replacement of certain interstage HPT rotor seals, identified by serial
number (S/N), installed on GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B
model turbofan engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: [email protected]; website:
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-2022-0516; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7178; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 57576]]
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GE GE90-110B1 and
GE90-115B model turbofan engines and certain GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-
90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on May 27, 2022 (87 FR 32098). The NPRM was prompted
by notification by the engine manufacturer of the detection of melt-
related freckles in the forgings and billets, which may reduce the life
of certain rotating CDP seals, interstage HPT rotor seals, and HPT
rotor stage 2 disks on GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines
and may reduce the life of certain interstage HPT rotor seals on GE90-
76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. The
manufacturer's investigation determined that, as a result of such
freckles forming in the forgings and billets, certain rotating CDP
seals, interstage HPT rotor seals, and HPT rotor stage 2 disks (life-
limited parts (LLPs)) may have undetected subsurface anomalies that
developed during the manufacturing process, resulting in reduced
material properties and a lower fatigue life capability. Reduced
material properties may cause premature LLP fracture, which could
result in uncontained debris release. As a result of its investigation,
the manufacturer determined the need to reduce the life limits of
certain LLPs. To reflect these reduced life limits, the manufacturer
revised the ALS of the affected GE90-100 EMs. Additionally, the
manufacturer published service information that specifies procedures
for the removal and replacement of certain interstage HPT rotor seals
installed on GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan
engines. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of
the applicable GE90-100 EM and the operator's existing approved
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate reduced life limits for certain LLPs. The NPRM also
proposed to require the removal and replacement of certain interstage
HPT rotor seals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from six commenters. The commenters were
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), American Airlines,
The Boeing Company (Boeing), FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, and United
Airlines. Five of the commenters, ALPA, American Airlines, Boeing,
FedEx Express, and United Airlines, supported the proposal without
change. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the
FAA's response.
Request To Refer to Service Information
Japan Airlines requested that the FAA refer to GE90 SB 72-1211,
latest revision, in the AD as the appropriate source of service
information for the required actions. Japan Airlines noted that this
would confirm the source of the affected interstage HPT rotor seal for
the GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model engines. The FAA
infers that Japan Airlines is requesting for GE90 SB 72-1211 to be
incorporated by reference. The FAA disagrees with the request to
incorporate GE90 SB 72-1211 by reference. Paragraph (c)(2) of this AD
identifies the affected interstage HPT rotor seal installed on the
GE90-76B, GE90-85B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines by part number
and serial number. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this
comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed GE GE90-100 SB 72-0851 R00, dated August 17, 2021.
This service information provides reduced life limits for certain LLPs.
The FAA also reviewed GE GE90 SB 72-1211 R00, dated March 9, 2022. This
service information describes procedures for removing and replacing
certain interstage HPT rotor seals.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 248 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that zero engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry will require replacement of the
interstage HPT rotor seal.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise ALS of EM and the operator's 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $21,080
existing approved maintenance program hour = $85.
or inspection program.
Replace interstage HPT rotor seal..... 1,500 work-hours x $85 286,331 413,831 0
per hour = $127,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
[[Page 57577]]
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-18-06 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22157; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0516; Project Identifier AD-2022-00262-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 26, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to:
(1) General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model
turbofan engines; and
(2) GE GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan
engines with an installed interstage high-pressure turbine (HPT)
rotor seal with part number (P/N) 2629M47P01 and serial number (S/N)
NCU5430D.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section, and JASC Code 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the detection of melt-related freckles
in the forgings and billets, which may reduce the life of certain
rotating compressor discharge pressure (CDP) HPT seals (rotating CDP
seals), interstage HPT rotor seals, and HPT rotor stage 2 disks. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the rotating CDP seal,
interstage HPT rotor seal, and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris
release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For affected GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan
engines, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing GE90-100
Engine Manual (EM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance
program or inspection program, as applicable, by inserting the
following information:
(i) For rotating CDP seal P/N 2479M03P01, insert the information
in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(i)--Rotating CDP Seal P/N 2479M03P01
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part name Part No. Life cycles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seal, CDP...................... 2479M03P01, For part 15,000
serial numbers NOT
listed in SB 72-0851,
latest revision.
Seal, CDP...................... 2479M03P01, For part 5,300
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 11.
Seal, CDP...................... 2479M03P01, For part 10,400
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 12.
Seal, CDP...................... 2479M03P01, For part 13,900
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A,
Table 13.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) For interstage HPT rotor seal P/N 2505M72P01, insert the
information in Table 2 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
Table 2 to Paragraph (g)(1)(ii)--Interstage HPT Rotor Seal P/N
2505M72P01
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part name Part No. Life cycles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seal, Interstage............... 2505M72P01, For part 15,000
serial numbers NOT
listed in SB 72-0851,
latest revision.
Seal, Interstage............... 2505M72P01, For part 5,500
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 8.
Seal, Interstage............... 2505M72P01, For part 10,900
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 9.
Seal, Interstage............... 2505M72P01, For part 14,300
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iii) For HPT rotor stage 2 disk P/N 2505M73P03, insert the
information in Table 3 to paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
Table 3 to Paragraph (g)(1)(iii)--HPT Rotor Stage 2 Disk P/N 2505M73P03
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part name Part No. Life cycles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 15,000
serial numbers NOT
listed in SB 72-0851,
latest revision.
[[Page 57578]]
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 3,500
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 1.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 5,100
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 2.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 5,800
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 3.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 7,200
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 4.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 8,000
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 5.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 8,300
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 6.
Disk, Stage 2.................. 2505M73P03, For part 8,800
serial numbers listed
in SB 72-0851, latest
revision APPENDIX A
Table 7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For affected GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B
model turbofan engines, before the interstage HPT rotor seal, P/N
2629M47P01 and S/N NCU5430D, accumulates 7,400 cycles since new,
remove the affected interstage HPT rotor seal from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is any interstage HPT rotor seal that does not have P/N 2629M47P01
and S/N NCU5430D.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
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 and email to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) 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].
(2) For service information identified (but not incorporated by
reference) in this AD, contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann
Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552-3272; email:
[email protected]; website: www.ge.com. You may view this
referenced 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.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on August 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19853 Filed 9-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
