[Federal Register: August 16, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 157)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50299-50302]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16au04-12]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18648; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-26-AD;
Amendment 39-13773; AD 2004-15-03R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-3A1 and -
3B1 Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1 and -3B1 series turbofan
engines with certain serial numbers (SNs) of stage 5 low pressure
turbine (LPT) disks, part number (P/N) 6078T92P01, and/or certain SNs
of stage 6 LPT disks, P/N 6078T89P01. That AD currently requires
initial and repetitive visual and eddy current inspections of those
disks. That AD also allows as optional terminating action to the
repetitive inspections, replacement of those SN disks. Also, that AD
requires replacement of certain stage 5 and stage 6 LPT disks. This ad
requires the same actions. This AD results from the discovery that an
[[Page 50300]]
incorrect part number for stage 6 LPT disks was published in the
existing AD and from the need to allow credit for actions completed per
previous releases of Alert Service Bulletin CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173. We
are issuing this AD to prevent LCF failure of stage 5 LPT disks and
stage 6 LPT disks, which could lead to uncontained engine failure.
DATES: Effective August 31, 2004. The incorporation of certain
publications, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by
the Director of the Federal Register as of August 16, 2004 (69 FR
45562; July 30, 2004).
We must receive any comments on this AD by October 15, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information identified in this AD from GE
Aircraft Engines, 1000 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: CF34
Product Support Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 594-
6323; fax (781) 594-0600.
You may examine the comments on this AD in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7757; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 20, 2004, the FAA issued AD 2004-15-
03, Amendment 39-13737 (69 FR 45562; July 30, 2004). That AD requires:
Initial and repetitive visual and eddy current inspections
of certain SN stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT disks.
Replacement of the suspect disks as optional terminating
action to the repetitive inspections.
Replacement of certain stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT
disks.
That AD was the result of a report of a stage 5 LPT disk that
failed due to cracking from low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) during factory
testing. That condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained
engine failure.
Actions Since AD 2004-15-03 Was Issued
Since that AD was issued, we discovered that we published an
incorrect part number (P/N) of 6089T89P01 for stage 6 LPT disks. This
AD revision corrects that P/N to 6078T89P01. Also, since that AD was
issued, we determined that credit for actions completed per previous
releases of Alert Service Bulletin CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173 need to be
allowed. This AD revision adds a paragraph in the compliance section to
allow that credit.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE Alert
Service Bulletin No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3, dated July 20,
2004, that lists applicable disks by SN, and describes the procedures
for performing visual and eddy current inspections on the applicable
stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT disks.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other GE CF34-3A1 and -3B1 series turbofan engines of the
same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent LCF failure of
stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT disks, which could lead to
uncontained engine failure. This AD requires:
Initial and repetitive visual and eddy current inspections
of certain SN stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT disks.
Replacement of the suspect disks as optional terminating
action to the repetitive inspections.
Replacement of certain stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT
disks.
You must use the service information described previously to perform
the actions required by this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Docket Management System (DMS)
We have implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, we posted new AD actions on the DMS
and assigned a DMS docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding Directorate identifier. The DMS docket No. is in the form
``Docket No. FAA-200X-XXXXX.'' Each DMS docket also lists the
Directorate identifier (``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for
searching purposes.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2004-18648;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-26-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-
[[Page 50301]]
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation
Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that 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 the regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal
Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (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 removing Amendment 39-13737 (69 FR
45562; July 30, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-13773, to read as follows:
2004-15-03R1 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-13773. Docket
No. FAA-2004-18648; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-26-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
31, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD revises AD 2004-15-03, Amendment 39-13737.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1
and -3B1 series turbofan engines with stage 5 low pressure turbine
(LPT) disks, part number (P/N) 6078T92P01, and or stage 6 LPT disks,
P/N 6078T89P01, with serial numbers (SNs) listed in Figure 3 of GE
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3,
dated July 20, 2004. These engines are installed on, but not limited
to, Bombardier Canadair CL600-2B19 (RJ) airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a stage 5 LPT disk that
failed due to cracking from low-cycle-fatigue during factory
testing. The crack started at the site of an electrical arc-out.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Initial Inspection or Replacement
(f) Using the compliance schedule in Table 1 of this AD:
(1) Visually inspect and eddy current inspect (ECI) applicable
stage 5 LPT disks and applicable stage 6 LPT disks using paragraphs
3.C.(1) through 3.E.(6) of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision
3, dated July 20, 2004, if the inspections can be completed within 9
calendar months after the effective date of this AD; or
(2) If the inspections specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD
cannot be completed within 9 calendar months after the effective
date of this AD, replace applicable stage 5 LPT disks and applicable
stage 6 LPT disks with a serviceable disk using the compliance
schedule in Table 1 of this AD.
(3) The requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD
do not apply if the inspections were conducted using paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
Table 1.--Compliance Schedule
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Then perform the actions
defined in paragraph (f) of
On the effective date of this AD, if this AD at next piece-part
the disk has: exposure, not to exceed the
accumulation of:
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(i) 14,750 or more cycles-since-new An additional 250 cycles-in-
(CSN) and has not been fluorescent service (CIS) after the
penetrant inspected (FPI) at an effective date of this AD.
earlier piece-part exposure.
(ii) 14,750 or more CSN and has been An additional 500 CIS after the
FPI at an earlier piece-part exposure. effective date of this AD.
(iii) 14,500 or more CSN but fewer than An additional 500 CIS after the
14,750 CSN. effective date of this AD.
(iv) 14,250 or more CSN but fewer than An additional 750 CIS after the
14,500 CSN. effective date of this AD.
(v) 13,000 or more CSN but fewer than An additional 1,000 CIS after
14,250 CSN. the effective date of this AD.
(vi) 2,500 or more CSN but fewer than An additional 4,000 CIS after
13,000 CSN. the effective date of this AD,
or 14,000 CSN, whichever comes
first.
(vii) Fewer than 2,500 cycles-since-new 6,500 CSN.
(CSN).
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(g) Before installation in an airplane:
(1) Visually inspect and ECI applicable stage 5 LPT disks and
applicable stage 6 LPT disks installed in replacement engines or
replacement LPT modules using paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.E.(6) of
GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3, dated July 20, 2004, if
the inspections can be completed within 9 calendar months after the
effective date of this AD; or
(2) If the inspections specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
cannot be completed within 9 calendar months after the effective
date of this AD, replace applicable stage 5 LPT disks and applicable
stage 6 LPT disks installed in replacement engines or replacement
LPT modules with a serviceable disk.
Repetitive Inspections
(h) For stage 5 LPT disks and stage 6 LPT disks initially
inspected as specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (g)(1) of this AD,
perform repetitive visual inspections and ECIs within every 3,100
cycles-since-last-inspection, using paragraphs 3.C.(1) through
3.E.(6) of GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3, dated July
20, 2004, until the life limit of the part is reached.
Disks That Pass Inspection
(i) If a disk passes inspection, it must be reinstalled into the
same LPT module it was removed from.
Optional Terminating Action
(j) Replacement of an applicable stage 5 LPT disk or applicable
stage 6 LPT disk with a disk not listed in Figure 3 of GE ASB No.
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3, dated July 20, 2004, is
terminating action to the inspections required by this AD for that
disk.
[[Page 50302]]
Actions Completed per Previous Releases of Alert Service Bulletin CF34-
AL S/B 72-A0173
(k) Actions completed before the effective date of this AD using
GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, dated April 2, 2004; or Revision 1,
dated May 20, 2004; or Revision 2, dated June 22, 2004; or Revision
3, dated July 20, 2004; are considered acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding action in this AD.
Definitions
(l) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable disk is defined
as a disk that has a SN not listed in Figure 3 of GE ASB No. CF34-AL
S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3, dated July 20, 2004.
(m) For the purposes of this AD, the definition of piece-part
exposure for the stage 5 LPT disk is when the disk is separated from
the forward and aft bolted joints.
(n) For the purpose of this AD, the definition of piece-part
exposure for the stage 6 LPT disk is when the disk is separated from
the forward bolted joint.
(o) For the purposes of this AD, the definition of a replacement
engine or replacement LPT module is an engine or LPT module that is
not installed on an operational airplane on the effective date of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(p) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(q) You must use GE ASB No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0173, Revision 3,
dated July 20, 2004, to perform the visual inspections, ECIs, and
disk replacements required by this AD. The incorporation by
reference of this publication was approved previously by the
Director of the Federal Register as of August 16, 2004 (69 FR 45562;
July 30, 2004), in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. You can get a copy from GE Aircraft Engines, 1000 Western
Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: CF34 Product Support Engineering,
Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 594-6323; fax (781) 594-0600, or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Related Information
(r) GE Alert Service Bulletin No. CF34-AL S/B 72-A0178 pertains
to the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 9, 2004.
Ann Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-18635 Filed 8-13-04; 8:45 am]
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