Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Engines, 21196-21198 [2024-06430]

Download as PDF 21196 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations (3) For PW service information identified in this AD, contact International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 565–0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; website: connect.prattwhitney.com. (4) 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. (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-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on March 21, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–06433 Filed 3–22–24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–0472; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00095–E; Amendment 39–22707; AD 2024–06–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the centrifugal compressor case mount pad weld area, caused by a nonconforming welding (lack of welding penetration). This AD requires a onetime detailed visual inspection of the compressor case pad welds for any crack, and replacement of the compressor case if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Mar 26, 2024 Jkt 262001 This AD is effective April 11, 2024. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11, 2024. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 13, 2024. 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 under Docket No. FAA–2024–0472; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this final rule, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. • 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–2024–0472. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–0472; PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00095–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule. 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024– 0040–E, dated February 8, 2024, (EASA AD 2024–0040–E) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on GEAC Model M601D, M601D–1, M601D–2, M601D–11, M601D–11NZ, M601E, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E– 11S, M601E–21, M601F, M601FS, and M601Z engines. The MCAI states that a crack was found on the centrifugal compressor case mount pad weld area of an engine, which led to an unscheduled engine removal. Further investigation identified a non-conforming welding in the location of the failure (lack of E:\FR\FM\27MRR1.SGM 27MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations welding penetration). The manufacturer issued service information that provides instruction for a one-time detailed visual inspection of the compressor case for any crack in the location of the pad welds, and replacement of the compressor case if necessary. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to crack propagation, possibly resulting in engine separation and reduced control of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–0472. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024– 0040–E which specifies procedures for performing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the compressor case pad welds for any crack, replacement of the compressor case if necessary, and sending certain inspection results to the manufacturer. 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 ADDRESSES. FAA’s Determination These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the MCAI, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD, and except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this AD and the MCAI.’’ Differences Between This AD and the MCAI GEAC Model M601D, M601D–1, M601D–2, M601D–11NZ, M601E, M601E–21, M601FS, and M601Z engines do not have an FAA type certificate, therefore this AD does not include those engines in the applicability. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. 21197 An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. The presence of cracks on the compressor case pad weld area caused by non-conforming welding could lead to crack propagation, possibly resulting in engine separation and reduced control of the airplane, which indicates an immediate safety of flight problem. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 45 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Inspect centrifugal compressor case .............. Report inspection results ................................ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the Cost per product Parts cost results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of $0 0 $85 85 Cost on U.S. operators $3,825 3,825 engines that might need this replacement: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Replace centrifugal compressor case .......................... 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ......................... The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Mar 26, 2024 Jkt 262001 warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Parts cost $5,000 Cost per product $5,850 Paperwork Reduction Act A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with E:\FR\FM\27MRR1.SGM 27MRR1 21198 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524. 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Mar 26, 2024 Jkt 262001 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 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2024–06–02 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): Amendment 39– 22707; Docket No. FAA–2024–0472; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00095–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D–11, M601E– 11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes 7120, Engine Mount Section; 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the centrifugal compressor case mount pad weld area, caused by a nonconforming welding (lack of welding penetration). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor case. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in crack propagation, possibly resulting in engine separation and reduced control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0040–E, dated February 8, 2024 (EASA AD 2024– 0040–E). PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0040–E (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0040–E requires compliance from its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2024–0040–E specifies to contact the manufacturer for approved instructions if any crack is detected on an affected part, this AD requires replacement of the compressor case. (3) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2024–0040–E. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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 (j) of this AD and email to ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. 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 Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov. (k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0040–E, dated February 8, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2024–0040–E, 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 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. (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-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on March 21, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–06430 Filed 3–22–24; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\27MRR1.SGM 27MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 27, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21196-21198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06430]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0472; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00095-E; 
Amendment 39-22707; AD 2024-06-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by 
WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D-11, 
M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F engines. This AD 
was prompted by a report of a crack on the centrifugal compressor case 
mount pad weld area, caused by a non-conforming welding (lack of 
welding penetration). This AD requires a one-time detailed visual 
inspection of the compressor case pad welds for any crack, and 
replacement of the compressor case if necessary, as specified in a 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated 
by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11, 
2024.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 13, 2024.

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 under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0472; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: 
+49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     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-2024-0472.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0472; Project Identifier MCAI-
2024-00095-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0040-E, dated February 8, 2024, 
(EASA AD 2024-0040-E) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition on GEAC Model M601D, M601D-1, M601D-2, M601D-11, 
M601D-11NZ, M601E, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601E-
21, M601F, M601FS, and M601Z engines. The MCAI states that a crack was 
found on the centrifugal compressor case mount pad weld area of an 
engine, which led to an unscheduled engine removal. Further 
investigation identified a non-conforming welding in the location of 
the failure (lack of

[[Page 21197]]

welding penetration). The manufacturer issued service information that 
provides instruction for a one-time detailed visual inspection of the 
compressor case for any crack in the location of the pad welds, and 
replacement of the compressor case if necessary. This condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to crack propagation, possibly resulting in 
engine separation and reduced control of the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0472.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0040-E which specifies procedures for 
performing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the compressor case 
pad welds for any crack, replacement of the compressor case if 
necessary, and sending certain inspection results to the manufacturer.
    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 ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining 
that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the MCAI, 
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory 
text of this AD, and except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
this AD and the MCAI.''

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    GEAC Model M601D, M601D-1, M601D-2, M601D-11NZ, M601E, M601E-21, 
M601FS, and M601Z engines do not have an FAA type certificate, 
therefore this AD does not include those engines in the applicability.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. 
The presence of cracks on the compressor case pad weld area caused by 
non-conforming welding could lead to crack propagation, possibly 
resulting in engine separation and reduced control of the airplane, 
which indicates an immediate safety of flight problem. Accordingly, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 45 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect centrifugal compressor case...  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $3,825
                                         hour = $85.
Report inspection results.............  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85           3,825
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace centrifugal compressor case...........  10 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $5,000          $5,850
                                                 $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with

[[Page 21198]]

a collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this 
information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this 
collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per 
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses 
to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments 
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection 
of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:

2024-06-02 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously 
held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): 
Amendment 39-22707; Docket No. FAA-2024-0472; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2024-00095-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type 
certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, 
M601E-11S, and M601F engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes 7120, Engine Mount 
Section; 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the centrifugal 
compressor case mount pad weld area, caused by a non-conforming 
welding (lack of welding penetration). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor case. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in crack propagation, 
possibly resulting in engine separation and reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Perform all required actions within the compliance times 
specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0040-E, dated February 8, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-
0040-E).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0040-E

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0040-E requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0040-E specifies to contact the 
manufacturer for approved instructions if any crack is detected on 
an affected part, this AD requires replacement of the compressor 
case.
    (3) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 
2024-0040-E.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    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 (j) of 
this AD and email to [email protected].
    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 Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: 
[email protected].

(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0040-E, 
dated February 8, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2024-0040-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; 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 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.
    (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-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 21, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-06430 Filed 3-22-24; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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