Document ID: FAA-2020-0557-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Posted Date: 2020-06-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 110 (Monday, June 8, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35024-35026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12157]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0557; Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2018-15-04, which applies to certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-
80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3,
CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6,
CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and
CF6-80C2K1F model turbofan engines. AD 2018-15-04 requires ultrasonic
inspection (UI) of high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2
disks. Since we issued AD 2018-15-04, GE determined the need to expand
the population of affected disks. This proposed AD would retain the
required inspections while expanding the population of affected disks.
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 23,
2020.

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 https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact General
Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215, United States;
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; website:
www.ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0557; 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. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0557;
Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM 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
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    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 Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

[[Page 34665]]

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 43739,
August 28, 2018), (``AD 2018-15-04''), for certain GE CF6-80A, CF6-
80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-
80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2,
CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-
80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-
80C2K1F model turbofan engines. AD 2018-15-04 requires a UI of HPT
stage 1 and 2 disks. AD 2018-15-04 resulted from an uncontained failure
of a HPT stage 2 disk that resulted in a fire. The FAA issued AD 2018-
15-04 to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 and the HPT stage 2 disks,
uncontained HPT disk release, damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2018-15-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2018-15-04, GE determined that additional
serial-numbered HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks should be included in the
population of affected disks. GE therefore issued revisions to its
service information to include the additional affected disks.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R04,
dated May 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for UI of CF6-80C2
turbofan engine HPT stage 1 and 2 disks. The FAA also reviewed GE CF6-
80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for
UI of CF6-80A turbofan engine HPT stage 2 disks. 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2018-15-
04. This proposed AD would expand the population of affected disks to
include additional serial-numbered HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,512 engines
installed on airplanes, of U.S. registry.
    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultrasonic Inspection of HPT disk.  10 work-hours x $85    $0...................            $850      $1,285,200
                                     per hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT Stage 1 disk..........  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $799,700     $799,721.25
                                              $21.25.
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT Stage 2 disk..........  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =            364,600      364,621.25
                                              $21.25.
Replace CF6-80A HPT Stage 2 disk...........  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =            344,000      344,021.25
                                              $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 has 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 that the proposed
regulation:
    (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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 34666]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive AD
2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 43739, August 28, 2018), and
adding the following new AD:

General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0557; Project
Identifier AD-2020-00541-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 23,
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 43739,
August 28, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-
80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-
80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-
80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-
80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F model turbofan engines with high-pressure
turbine (HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Tables 1 and 2 of
Appendix A in GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R04, dated
May 29, 2019; and Table 1 of Appendix A in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869
R02, dated May 29, 2019.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2
disk. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage
1 disk (CF6-80C2 engines) and the HPT stage 2 disk (CF6-80C2 and
CF6-80A engines). The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in an uncontained HPT disk release, damage to the engine, and
damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic
inspection for cracks in HPT stage 1 and 2 disks on the CF6-80C2
turbofan engine at each piece-part exposure using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), in GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R04,
dated May 29, 2019.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic
inspection for cracks in HPT stage 2 disks on the CF6-80A turbofan
engine at each piece-part exposure using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated
May 29, 2019.
    (3) If any disk fails the inspection required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD, replace the disk before further flight.

(h) Non-Required Actions

    The reporting requirements specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(2)(f), of CF6-80C2 SB
72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019, are not required by this AD.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' of the HPT
stage 1 or stage 2 disk is separation of that HPT disk from its
mating rotor parts within the HPT rotor module (thermal shield and
HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disk, respectively).

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your
request 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Scott Stevenson,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215,
United States; phone: (513) 552-3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; website: www.ge.com. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued on June 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12157 Filed 6-5-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P