Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines, 37812-37815 [2023-12286]

Download as PDF 37812 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Proposed Rules the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ 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: ■ Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2023– 1207; Project Identifier MCAI–2022– 00925–R. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 24, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2435, Starter-Generator. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a starter-generator that was caused by a ruptured drive shaft. The failure was not detected by the generator control unit and caused partial loss of battery power. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent electrical failure of the starter-generator, possibly due to incorrect installation or removal. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in complete loss of electrical power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA AD 2022– 0148, dated July 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022– 0148). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0148 (1) Where EASA AD 2022–0148 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2022–0148 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022– 0148 states to, ‘‘inspect the drive shaft;’’ for this AD, replace that text with,’’ inspect the drive shaft for misalignment and a crack.’’ (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022–0148 specifies VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Jun 08, 2023 Jkt 259001 to proceed with subsequent procedures if there is misalignment or if the alignment is not clear; for this AD, proceed with those subsequent procedures before further flight. (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022–0148 states, ‘‘with reference to Annex A, perform a liquid penetrant inspection of the drive-shaft, in order to detect the presence of eventual cracks;’’ for this AD, replace that text with ‘‘With reference to Annex A, perform a dye penetrant inspection of the drive-shaft in order to detect any cracks.’’ (6) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022–0148 specifies contacting LH [Leonardo Helicopters] spare management to send a starter-generator directly to an authorized repair station for repair and sending the starter-generator to an authorized repair station for repair, this AD does not require those actions. (7) Where paragraphs (2) and (4) of EASA AD 2022–0148 state, ‘‘Part II of the ASB;’’ for this AD, replace that text with, ‘‘AMP Data Modules 19–A–24–30–04–00A–520A–A, Starter Generator—Remove Procedure and 19–A–24–30–04–00A–720A–A, Starter Generator—Install Procedure, each Issue 001 and dated May 24, 2021. Except where AMP Data Module 19–A–24–30–04–00A–520A–A Starter Generator—Remove Procedure specifies discarding parts; for this AD, remove those parts from service.’’ (8) This AD does not require paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0148. (9) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0148. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022–0148 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, provided they are restricted to visual flight rules (VFR) with night operations prohibited and no passengers are onboard. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-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. (l) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (303) 342– 1080; email hal.jensen@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0148, dated July 14, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022–0148, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on June 2, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–12335 Filed 6–8–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1208; Project Identifier AD–2023–00325–E] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company 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) Model CF6–80E1A2, CF6–80E1A3, CF6–80E1A4, and CF6–80E1A4/B engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that a certain forward outer seal and certain highpressure turbine rotor (HPTR) stage 1 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09JNP1.SGM 09JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Proposed Rules disks and rotating seals were manufactured from material suspected to contain iron inclusion, which may cause reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life capability. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the affected forward outer seal, HPTR stage 1 disks, and rotating seals. 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 July 24, 2023. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2023– 1208; 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, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7178; email: alexei.t.marqueen@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–1208; Project Identifier AD– 2023–00325–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 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, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. 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 that a certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals on Model CF6– 80E1A2, CF6–80E1A3, CF6–80E1A4, 37813 and CF6–80E1A4/B engines were made from billets manufactured from material that are suspected to contain iron inclusion. Such iron inclusion may cause premature fracture and subsequent uncontained failure. The FAA has determined that the operators with affected HPTR stage 1 disks have proactively removed these parts from service. As a result, the proposed compliance time for removal and replacement of the affected HPTR stage 1 disks is before further flight. 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. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require the removal of a certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals from service and replacement with parts eligible for installation. Interim Action The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action. This unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may consider further rulemaking action. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1 engine installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. This engine would require replacement of the rotating seal. The FAA estimates that there are no engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry that would require replacement of the forward outer seal or HPTR stage 1 disk. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Action Labor cost Parts cost Replace HPTR stage 1 disk ........... 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. $1,479,623 (prorated) .................... $1,480,303 $0 $732,517 (prorated) ....................... 733,197 733,197 $1,290,000 (prorated) .................... 1,290,680 0 Replace rotating seal ...................... Replace forward outer seal ............ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Jun 08, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\09JNP1.SGM 09JNP1 37814 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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 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– 2023–1208; Project Identifier AD–2023– 00325–E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 24, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company Model CF6–80E1A2, CF6–80E1A3, CF6–80E1A4, and CF6–80E1A4/B engines with an installed forward outer seal, highpressure turbine rotor (HPTR) stage 1 disk, or rotating seal having a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c)—AFFECTED FORWARD OUTER SEAL, HPTR STAGE 1 DISKS, AND ROTATING SEALS Part name P/N Forward outer seal ...................................................................... HPTR stage 1 disk ...................................................................... 1778M70P03 ............................................................................... 1863M36G06 ............................................................................... Rotating seal ............................................................................... 1778M69P06 ............................................................................... (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that a certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals were manufactured from material suspected to contain iron inclusion, which may cause reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life capability. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fracture and subsequent uncontained failure of a certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals. 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) At the next piece-part exposure of the affected forward outer seal or before the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Jun 08, 2023 Jkt 259001 affected forward outer seal exceeds 5,400 cycles since new (CSN), whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected forward outer seal from service and replace with a part eligible for installation. (2) At the next piece-part exposure of the affected rotating seal or before the affected rotating seal exceeds 5,200 CSN, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected rotating seal from service and replace with a part eligible for installation. (3) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected HPTR stage 1 disk from service and replace with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is any forward outer seal, HPTR stage 1 disk, or rotating seal that does not have a P/N and S/N identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD. (2) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘piece-part exposure’’ is when the affected part is removed from the engine and completely disassembled. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Part S/N NCU65340. TMT5TD23. TMT5TD26. TMT5TD27. BTB20610. BTB20611. BTB20612. BTB26650. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520 Continued Operational Safety 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 branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: ANEAD-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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7178; email: alexei.t.marqueen@faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\09JNP1.SGM 09JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Proposed Rules (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on June 2, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–12286 Filed 6–8–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board 15 CFR Part 400 [Docket No. 230131–0033] RIN 0625–AB22 Foreign-Trade Zones Board Proceedings Foreign-Trade Zones Board, International Trade Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule and request for comments. AGENCY: The Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) proposes to amend its regulations and invites public comment on these proposed revisions. These modifications, if adopted, would allow for additional electronic fee payment options and make other minor clarifications and corrections to the regulatory language. Sections of the Board’s 2012 regulations regarding application formats contained information collection requirements and could not be effective until the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requests, which occurred on March 25, 2013. DATES: To be assured of consideration, written comments must be received no later than July 10, 2023. ADDRESSES: All comments must be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov, Docket No. ITA– 230131–0033, unless the commenter does not have access to the internet. Commenters that do not have access to the internet may submit the original and one electronic copy of each set of comments by mail or hand delivery/ courier. All comments should be addressed to: Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 21013, Washington, DC 20230. Comments submitted to the Board will be uploaded to the eRulemaking Portal at www.Regulations.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Jun 08, 2023 Jkt 259001 The Board will consider all comments received before the close of the comment period. All comments responding to this document will be a matter of public record and will be available on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.Regulations.gov. The Board will not accept comments accompanied by a request that part or all of the material be treated confidentially because of its business proprietary nature or for any other reason. Any questions concerning the process for submitting comments should be submitted to Enforcement & Compliance (E&C) Communications office at (202) 482–0063 or ECCommunications@ trade.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Whiteman at Elizabeth.Whiteman@trade.gov, (202) 482–0473, or Ashlande Gelin at Ashlande.Gelin@trade.gov,, (240) 449– 5911. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs or zones) are restricted-access sites in or near U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry. Zones are licensed by the Board and operated under the supervision of CBP (see 19 CFR part 146). Specifically, zones are physical areas into which foreign and domestic merchandise may be moved for operations involving storage, exhibition, assembly, manufacture or other processing not otherwise prohibited by law. Zone areas ‘‘activated’’ by CBP are considered outside of U.S. customs territory for purposes of CBP entry procedures. Therefore, the usual formal CBP entry procedure and payment of duties is not required on the foreign merchandise in FTZs unless and until it enters U.S. customs territory for U.S. domestic consumption. In fact, U.S. duties can be avoided on foreign merchandise re-exported from a FTZ, including after incorporation into a downstream product through activity in the FTZ. Zones have as their public policy objective the creation and maintenance of employment through the encouragement of operations in the United States which, for customs reasons, might otherwise have been carried on abroad. Through this proposed action, the Board intends to update the rules for FTZs. The key revision in the proposed regulations pertains to providing flexibility on the method to submit application fees. The current regulations require that application fees be submitted by check. While the Board PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 37815 has begun accepting ‘‘eChecks’’, the revisions proposed here would allow for the submission of additional forms of electronic payment. This proposed action will move the existing requirement to admit merchandise subject to AD/CVD actions in ‘‘Privileged foreign’’ status to the ‘‘General conditions, prohibitions and restrictions applicable to authorized zones’’ section. This move of the existing language is intended to clarify that the provision applies to all merchandise that is admitted to FTZs. Other revisions in this proposed rulemaking will update the language used to provide clarification and to reflect current practices. On February 28, 2012, a final rule was published revising the regulations of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (77 FR 12112). That rule was published with an effective date of April 30, 2012, except for §§ 400.21 through 400.23, 400.25 and 400.43(f). These sections contained information collection requirements and could not become effective until the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved these information collection requests pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). On March 25, 2013, OMB approved the information collections under control number 0625–0139, and the FTZ Board then began to use the new applications under §§ 400.21 through 400.23, 400.25 and 400.43(f). Expected Impact of the Proposed Rule The proposed edits will allow for additional flexibility on the submission of application fees and otherwise clarify existing language and practices. The proposed edits are not expected to impact the number of requests submitted to the FTZ Board or the operation and management of existing zones. Classifications Executive Order 12866 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this proposed rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Paperwork Reduction Act This proposed rule contains no new collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35. Executive Order 13132 This proposed rule does not contain policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in section 1(a) of Executive Order 13132, dated August 4, 1999 (64 FR 43255 (August 10, 1999)). E:\FR\FM\09JNP1.SGM 09JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37812-37815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12286]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1208; Project Identifier AD-2023-00325-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company 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) Model CF6-80E1A2, CF6-80E1A3, 
CF6-80E1A4, and CF6-80E1A4/B engines. This proposed AD was prompted by 
a manufacturer investigation that revealed that a certain forward outer 
seal and certain high-pressure turbine rotor (HPTR) stage 1

[[Page 37813]]

disks and rotating seals were manufactured from material suspected to 
contain iron inclusion, which may cause reduced material properties and 
a lower fatigue life capability. This proposed AD would require the 
replacement of the affected forward outer seal, HPTR stage 1 disks, and 
rotating seals. 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 July 24, 
2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1208; 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, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 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-2023-1208; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00325-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 
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, FAA, 2200 South 216th 
Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. 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 that a certain forward 
outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals on Model 
CF6-80E1A2, CF6-80E1A3, CF6-80E1A4, and CF6-80E1A4/B engines were made 
from billets manufactured from material that are suspected to contain 
iron inclusion. Such iron inclusion may cause premature fracture and 
subsequent uncontained failure. The FAA has determined that the 
operators with affected HPTR stage 1 disks have proactively removed 
these parts from service. As a result, the proposed compliance time for 
removal and replacement of the affected HPTR stage 1 disks is before 
further flight. 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the removal of a certain forward 
outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and rotating seals from 
service and replacement with parts eligible for installation.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action. 
This unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer 
and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may 
consider further rulemaking action.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1 engine installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. This engine 
would require replacement of the rotating seal. The FAA estimates that 
there are no engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
require replacement of the forward outer seal or HPTR stage 1 disk.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace HPTR stage 1 disk.........  8 work-hours x $85     $1,479,623 (prorated)      $1,480,303              $0
                                     per hour = $680.
Replace rotating seal.............  8 work-hours x $85     $732,517 (prorated)..         733,197         733,197
                                     per hour = $680.
Replace forward outer seal........  8 work-hours x $85     $1,290,000 (prorated)       1,290,680               0
                                     per hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 37814]]

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-2023-1208; Project 
Identifier AD-2023-00325-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by July 24, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company Model CF6-80E1A2, 
CF6-80E1A3, CF6-80E1A4, and CF6-80E1A4/B engines with an installed 
forward outer seal, high-pressure turbine rotor (HPTR) stage 1 disk, 
or rotating seal having a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) 
identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.

   Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Affected Forward Outer Seal, HPTR Stage 1
                        Disks, and Rotating Seals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Part name                     P/N               Part S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward outer seal.............  1778M70P03........  NCU65340.
HPTR stage 1 disk..............  1863M36G06........  TMT5TD23.
                                                     TMT5TD26.
                                                     TMT5TD27.
Rotating seal..................  1778M69P06........  BTB20610.
                                                     BTB20611.
                                                     BTB20612.
                                                     BTB26650.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that 
revealed that a certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 
disks and rotating seals were manufactured from material suspected 
to contain iron inclusion, which may cause reduced material 
properties and a lower fatigue life capability. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent fracture and subsequent uncontained failure of a 
certain forward outer seal and certain HPTR stage 1 disks and 
rotating seals. 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) At the next piece-part exposure of the affected forward 
outer seal or before the affected forward outer seal exceeds 5,400 
cycles since new (CSN), whichever occurs first after the effective 
date of this AD, remove the affected forward outer seal from service 
and replace with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) At the next piece-part exposure of the affected rotating 
seal or before the affected rotating seal exceeds 5,200 CSN, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the affected rotating seal from service and replace with a part 
eligible for installation.
    (3) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
remove the affected HPTR stage 1 disk from service and replace with 
a part eligible for installation.

 (h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is any forward outer seal, HPTR stage 1 disk, or 
rotating seal that does not have a P/N and S/N identified in Table 1 
to paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' is when 
the affected part is removed from the engine and completely 
disassembled.

 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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 branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and 
email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

 (j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alexei Marqueen, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7178; email: [email protected].

[[Page 37815]]

 (k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on June 2, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-12286 Filed 6-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.