Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines, 4184-4187 [2024-01166]

Download as PDF 4184 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 / Rules and Regulations (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (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 (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. Federal Aviation Administration (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0021, dated January 23, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2023–0021, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at 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. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on January 17, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–01218 Filed 1–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Jan 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1647; Project Identifier AD–2023–00487–E; Amendment 39–22650; AD 2023–26–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) Model GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–115B engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain highpressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This AD requires replacement of affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective February 27, 2024. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 27, 2024. ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1647; 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. Material Incorporated by Reference: • 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: ge.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1647. 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: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain GE Model GE90–90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90– 115B engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 5, 2023 (88 FR 60603). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer’s detection of iron inclusion in a turbine disk manufactured from the same powder metal material used to manufacture certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools for GE90– 90B, GE90–94B, GE90–110B1, and GE90–115B engines. Further investigation by the manufacturer determined that the iron inclusion is attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process and may cause reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life capability, which may result in premature fracture and subsequent uncontained failure. The FAA was also informed that GE communicated with affected operators having affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD regarding the corrective action for this unsafe condition. As a result, affected operators are already aware of the corrective action and have already performed the actions required by this AD. Therefore, the FAA has determined that the compliance time to replace these affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks before further flight is appropriate. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools with parts eligible for installation. 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 five commenters. Commenters included E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 / Rules and Regulations The Boeing Company (Boeing), Federal Express (FedEx), GE, United Airlines, and an individual commenter. Boeing, United Airlines, and the individual commenter supported the NPRM without change. FedEx and GE requested changes to the proposed AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Reference Additional Service Information FedEx and GE requested that the FAA add the following service information to the NPRM in a section designated as Other Related Service Information: GE GE90–100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72– 0904 R00, dated May 25, 2022; GE GE90–100 SB 72–0911 R01, dated September 21, 2022; and GE GE90 SB 72–1223, dated January 25, 2023. FedEx and GE both noted that Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD listed affected components that were partially copied from those GE SBs, and not including mention of those GE SBs could cause confusion for operators, even though additional GE SBs would not be incorporated by reference. The FAA agrees and for the ease of the reader, instead of including these additional GE SBs in a section identified as Other Related Service Information in the preamble, has added Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD to include the three additional GE SBs identified by the commenters and to clarify that the affected parts can also be found in these additional GE SBs. These additional GE SBs will not be incorporated by reference in this AD. Request To Update Affected Part Number GE requested that the FAA update Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD by changing the part number (P/N) for an affected HPT stage 1 disk having serial number (S/N) GWN10NNW from ‘‘1865M13G08’’ to ‘‘2445M04G11.’’ GE noted that the HPT stage 1 disk with S/ N GWN10NNW was repaired and remarked to P/N 2445M04G11. The FAA agrees and has updated Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD as requested by GE. Request To Clarify Language in Background Section GE requested that the FAA add language to the Background section of the NPRM to clarify that GE communicated with affected operators having affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD regarding the proposed corrective action for the identified unsafe condition. GE noted that the current language in the NPRM does not specify that the affected disks are identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD, and additional HPT stage 2 disks are identified in General Electric GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72– 0914, dated January 25, 2023, which could cause a misinterpretation of the required actions on HPT stage 2 disks. The FAA agrees and has revised the language in the Background section of this final rule accordingly. 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 4185 to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed GE GE90–100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–0914, dated January 25, 2023 (GE GE90–100 SB 72– 0914); which provides the affected part and serial numbers of the HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools; and specifies replacement instructions for the HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Interim Action The FAA considers this AD to 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 affects 9 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry require replacement of the interstage HPT seal. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Replace Replace Replace Replace Labor cost HPT stage 2 disk .............................. stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool .. forward HPT rotor seal ..................... interstage HPT seal .......................... khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Jan 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 8 8 8 8 work-hours work-hours work-hours work-hours × × × × Parts cost $85 per hour = $680 $85.per hour = $680 $85 per hour = $680 $85 per hour = $680 ............. ............. ............. ............. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $531,578 493,588 25,093 108,256 Cost per product $532,258 494,268 25,773 108,936 Cost on U.S. operators $532,258 1,977,072 51,546 0 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 responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 / Rules and Regulations (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 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: (b) Affected ADs None. 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: ■ 2023–26–07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39–22650; Docket No. FAA–2023–1647; Project Identifier AD– 2023–00487–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 27, 2024. Table 1 to Paragraph (c)—Affected HPT Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disks, and Interstage HPT Seals Part Name PIN SIN HPT stage 1 disk 1865M13G08 HPT stage 1 disk 2445M04Gll GWN11657 GWN117GN GWNI0PGW GWNI0T0A GWNI0T0C GWNI0THW GWNI0TJ0 GWNI0NNW HPT stage 2 disk 1865M14P04 Interstage HPT seal 2453M60P01 TMT4RN06 TMT4RN26 NCU61528 NCU61686 NCU56200 NCU61527 NCU61687 Note 1 to paragraph (c): Part numbers and serial numbers for affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and interstage HPT seals are also listed in GE GE90–100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–0904 R00, dated May 25, 2022; GE GE90–100 SB 72–0911 R01, dated September 21, 2022; and GE GE90 SB 72– 1223, dated January 25, 2023. contain iron inclusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent premature fracture and subsequent uncontained failure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. (d) Subject Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section; 7250, Turbine Section. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to 16:06 Jan 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 (f) Compliance (g) Required Actions (e) Unsafe Condition VerDate Sep<11>2014 (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) Model GE90–90B and GE90– 94B engines with interstage HPT seals listed in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD and GE90–110B1 and GE90–115B engines with an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, forward HPT rotor seal, or stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD, or identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX—A, Tables 1, 2, or 3, of GE GE90–100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–0914, dated January 25, 2023 (GE90–100 SB 72– 0914). At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (6) of this AD, remove each affected HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, forward HPT rotor seal, interstage HPT seal, and stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool from service and replace with a part eligible for installation. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (1) For HPT stage 1 disks, before further flight. (2) For HPT stage 2 disks with a part number and serial number identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX—A, Table 1 of GE90–100 SB 72–0914, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding 3,500 cycles since new (CSN), whichever occurs first. (3) For HPT stage 2 disks with a part number and serial number identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, before further flight. (4) For forward HPT rotor seals with a part number and serial number identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX—A, Table 3 of GE90–100 SB 72–0914, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding 14,200 CSN, whichever occurs first. (5) For interstage HPT seals, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding 12,600 CSN, whichever occurs first. E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 ER23JA24.021</GPH> 4186 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 / Rules and Regulations (6) For stages 7–9 compressor rotor spools, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding the cyclic removal thresholds identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX—A, Table 2 of GE90–100 SB 72–0914, whichever occurs first. For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is any HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, stages 7–9 compressor rotor spool, forward HPT rotor seal, or interstage HPT seal with a part number and serial number that is not identified in paragraph (c) of this AD. (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 AIR–520 Continued Operational Safety 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) Additional 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. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) General Electric GE90–100 Service Bulletin 72–0914, dated January 25, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: ge.com. (4) You may view this service information at 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email: fr.inspection@ nara.gov. 16:06 Jan 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security 15 CFR Part 744 [Docket No. 240117–0016] (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES [FR Doc. 2024–01166 Filed 1–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (h) Definition VerDate Sep<11>2014 Issued on January 2, 2024. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. RIN 0694–AJ52 Removals From the Unverified List Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing three persons, including one under the destination of Canada, one under the destination of People’s Republic of China (China), and one under the destination of the United Arab Emirates, from the Unverified List (UVL) because BIS was able to verify their bona fides. DATES: This rule is effective on January 19, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin J. Kurland, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Phone: (202) 482–4255 or by email at UVLRequest@bis.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background The UVL, found in supplement no. 6 to part 744 of the EAR (15 CFR parts 730–774), contains the names and addresses of foreign persons who are or have been parties to a transaction, as described in § 748.5 of the EAR, involving the export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) of items subject to the EAR. These foreign persons are added to the UVL because BIS or federal officials acting on BIS’s behalf were unable to verify their bona fides (i.e., legitimacy and reliability relating to the end-use and end user of items subject to the EAR) through an end-use check. These checks, such as a pre-license check (PLC) or a post-shipment verification (PSV), cannot be completed satisfactorily for reasons outside the U.S. Government’s control. As set forth in the EAR, there are any number of reasons why these checks cannot be completed to the satisfaction of the U.S. Government. Section PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 4187 744.15(c)(1) of the EAR provides illustrative examples of those circumstances, including reasons unrelated to the cooperation of the foreign party subject to the end-use check. Such examples include: (i) During the conduct of an end-use check, the subject of the check is unable to demonstrate the disposition of items subject to the EAR; (ii) The existence or authenticity of the subject of an end-use check cannot be verified (e.g., the subject of the check cannot be located or contacted); (iii) Lack of cooperation by the host government authority prevents an end-use check from being conducted. BIS’s inability to confirm the bona fides of foreign persons subject to enduse checks raises concerns about the suitability of such persons as participants in future exports, reexports, or transfers (in-country) of items subject to the EAR; it also indicates a risk that such items may be diverted to prohibited end-uses and/or end-users. Under such circumstances, there may not be sufficient information to add the foreign person at issue to the Entity List under § 744.11 of the EAR. Therefore, BIS may add the foreign person to the UVL. As provided in § 740.2(a)(17) of the EAR, the use of license exceptions for exports, reexports, and transfers (incountry) involving a party or parties to the transaction who are listed on the UVL is suspended. Additionally, under § 744.15(b) of the EAR, there is a requirement for exporters, reexporters, and transferors to obtain (and maintain a record of) a UVL statement from a party or parties to the transaction who are listed on the UVL before proceeding with exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to such persons, when the exports, reexports and transfers (incountry) are not subject to a license requirement. Finally, pursuant to § 758.1(b)(8), Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be filed in the Automated Export System (AES) for all exports of tangible items subject to the EAR where any party to the transaction, as described in § 748.5(d) through (f), is listed on the UVL. Requests for the removal of a UVL entry must be made in accordance with § 744.15(d) of the EAR. Decisions regarding the removal or modification of a UVL entry will be made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, based on a demonstration by the listed person of their bona fides. Removals From the UVL This final rule removes three persons from the UVL because BIS was able to verify their bona fides. This rule E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4184-4187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01166]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1647; Project Identifier AD-2023-00487-E; 
Amendment 39-22650; AD 2023-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain General Electric Company (GE) Model GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-
110B1, and GE90-115B engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer 
investigation that revealed certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 
disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT 
seals, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from 
powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This AD 
requires replacement of affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, 
forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7-9 
compressor rotor spools. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 27, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 27, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1647; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: ge.com">aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: 
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. It is 
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1647.

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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain GE Model GE90-
90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B engines. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on September 5, 2023 (88 FR 60603). The NPRM was 
prompted by the manufacturer's detection of iron inclusion in a turbine 
disk manufactured from the same powder metal material used to 
manufacture certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT 
rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor 
spools for GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B engines. 
Further investigation by the manufacturer determined that the iron 
inclusion is attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process 
and may cause reduced material properties and a lower fatigue life 
capability, which may result in premature fracture and subsequent 
uncontained failure. The FAA was also informed that GE communicated 
with affected operators having affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks 
identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD regarding the 
corrective action for this unsafe condition. As a result, affected 
operators are already aware of the corrective action and have already 
performed the actions required by this AD. Therefore, the FAA has 
determined that the compliance time to replace these affected HPT stage 
1 and stage 2 disks before further flight is appropriate. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require replacement of certain HPT stage 1 disks, 
HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, and 
stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools with parts eligible for 
installation. 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 five commenters. Commenters included

[[Page 4185]]

The Boeing Company (Boeing), Federal Express (FedEx), GE, United 
Airlines, and an individual commenter. Boeing, United Airlines, and the 
individual commenter supported the NPRM without change. FedEx and GE 
requested changes to the proposed AD. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Reference Additional Service Information

    FedEx and GE requested that the FAA add the following service 
information to the NPRM in a section designated as Other Related 
Service Information: GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0904 R00, 
dated May 25, 2022; GE GE90-100 SB 72-0911 R01, dated September 21, 
2022; and GE GE90 SB 72-1223, dated January 25, 2023. FedEx and GE both 
noted that Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD listed affected 
components that were partially copied from those GE SBs, and not 
including mention of those GE SBs could cause confusion for operators, 
even though additional GE SBs would not be incorporated by reference.
    The FAA agrees and for the ease of the reader, instead of including 
these additional GE SBs in a section identified as Other Related 
Service Information in the preamble, has added Note 1 to paragraph (c) 
of this AD to include the three additional GE SBs identified by the 
commenters and to clarify that the affected parts can also be found in 
these additional GE SBs. These additional GE SBs will not be 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

Request To Update Affected Part Number

    GE requested that the FAA update Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the 
proposed AD by changing the part number (P/N) for an affected HPT stage 
1 disk having serial number (S/N) GWN10NNW from ``1865M13G08'' to 
``2445M04G11.'' GE noted that the HPT stage 1 disk with S/N GWN10NNW 
was repaired and re-marked to P/N 2445M04G11.
    The FAA agrees and has updated Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of this AD 
as requested by GE.

Request To Clarify Language in Background Section

    GE requested that the FAA add language to the Background section of 
the NPRM to clarify that GE communicated with affected operators having 
affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks identified in Table 1 to 
Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD regarding the proposed corrective 
action for the identified unsafe condition. GE noted that the current 
language in the NPRM does not specify that the affected disks are 
identified in Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD, and 
additional HPT stage 2 disks are identified in General Electric GE90-
100 Service Bulletin 72-0914, dated January 25, 2023, which could cause 
a misinterpretation of the required actions on HPT stage 2 disks.
    The FAA agrees and has revised the language in the Background 
section of this final rule accordingly.

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, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0914, dated 
January 25, 2023 (GE GE90-100 SB 72-0914); which provides the affected 
part and serial numbers of the HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor 
seals, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools; and specifies 
replacement instructions for the HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT rotor 
seals, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to 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 affects 9 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 0 engines installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry require replacement of the interstage HPT 
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace HPT stage 2 disk..............  8 work-hours x $85 per          $531,578        $532,258        $532,258
                                         hour = $680.
Replace stages 7-9 compressor rotor     8 work-hours x $85.per           493,588         494,268       1,977,072
 spool.                                  hour = $680.
Replace forward HPT rotor seal........  8 work-hours x $85 per            25,093          25,773          51,546
                                         hour = $680.
Replace interstage HPT seal...........  8 work-hours x $85 per           108,256         108,936               0
                                         hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

[[Page 4186]]

    (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:

2023-26-07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22650; Docket No. 
FAA-2023-1647; Project Identifier AD-2023-00487-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 27, 
2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) Model GE90-90B 
and GE90-94B engines with interstage HPT seals listed in Table 1 to 
Paragraph (c) of this AD and GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B engines with 
an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 
disk, forward HPT rotor seal, or stages 7-9 compressor rotor spool 
part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) identified in Table 1 to 
Paragraph (c) of this AD, or identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX--A, 
Tables 1, 2, or 3, of GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0914, 
dated January 25, 2023 (GE90-100 SB 72-0914).

Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Affected HPT Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disks, and 
Interstage HPT Seals
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR23JA24.021

    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Part numbers and serial numbers for 
affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and interstage HPT 
seals are also listed in GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0904 
R00, dated May 25, 2022; GE GE90-100 SB 72-0911 R01, dated September 
21, 2022; and GE GE90 SB 72-1223, dated January 25, 2023.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that 
revealed certain HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, forward HPT 
rotor seals, interstage HPT seals, 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 
premature fracture and subsequent uncontained failure. 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

    At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(6) of this AD, remove each affected HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 
disk, forward HPT rotor seal, interstage HPT seal, and stages 7-9 
compressor rotor spool from service and replace with a part eligible 
for installation.
    (1) For HPT stage 1 disks, before further flight.
    (2) For HPT stage 2 disks with a part number and serial number 
identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX--A, Table 1 of GE90-100 SB 72-
0914, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding 3,500 
cycles since new (CSN), whichever occurs first.
    (3) For HPT stage 2 disks with a part number and serial number 
identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, before further 
flight.
    (4) For forward HPT rotor seals with a part number and serial 
number identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX--A, Table 3 of GE90-100 
SB 72-0914, at the next piece part exposure or before exceeding 
14,200 CSN, whichever occurs first.
    (5) For interstage HPT seals, at the next piece part exposure or 
before exceeding 12,600 CSN, whichever occurs first.

[[Page 4187]]

    (6) For stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools, at the next piece 
part exposure or before exceeding the cyclic removal thresholds 
identified in Paragraph 4. APPENDIX--A, Table 2 of GE90-100 SB 72-
0914, whichever occurs first.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is any HPT stage 1 disk, HPT stage 2 disk, stages 7-9 compressor 
rotor spool, forward HPT rotor seal, or interstage HPT seal with a 
part number and serial number that is not identified in paragraph 
(c) of this AD.

(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 AIR-520 Continued Operational 
Safety 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) Additional 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].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) General Electric GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0914, dated 
January 25, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: ge.com">aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: 
ge.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, visit: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or 
email: [email protected].

    Issued on January 2, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-01166 Filed 1-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.