[Federal Register: December 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 243)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 75854-75855]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19de06-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26502; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-37-AD;
Amendment 39-14859; AD 2006-26-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. CFM56 Series
Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain CFM International CFM56 Series turbofan engines. This AD
requires replacing certain fuel filters manufactured under parts
manufacturer approvals (PMA). This AD results from 12 reports of failed
fuel filters. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of engine
thrust that could result in loss of control during takeoff or landing.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 3, 2007.
We must receive any comments on this AD by February 20, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 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 20590-0001.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone
(562) 627-5262; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of 12 PMA fuel
filters, fuel filters part numbers WF337661 and WF337017, manufactured
by Western Filter, and part numbers 7595983-101 and 7588133,
manufactured by PTI Technologies, that have failed in service on CFM56-
7B engines since March 2006. These filters use a deeper pleat and are
more susceptible to collapse or deterioration of the filter media than
the original equipment manufacturer filters. A collapsed or
deteriorated fuel filter can allow unfiltered fuel contamination in
fuel components, including fuel nozzles, with no indication of fuel
filter bypass to the flight crew. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in the loss of engine thrust that could result in loss of
control during takeoff or landing.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other CFM International CFM56 series engines of the same
type design. For that reason, we are issuing this AD to prevent the
potential loss of thrust that could result in loss of control during
takeoff or landing.
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.
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 send us any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2006-26502;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-37-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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management
Facility Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800)
647-5227) 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.
[[Page 75855]]
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.
We are 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
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, Safety.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2006-26-01 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-14859. Docket No.
FAA-2006-26502; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-37-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
3, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to CFM International CFM56-2 series, -3
series, -5 series, and -7B series engines with fuel filters, Western
Filter part numbers (P/Ns) WF337661 and WF337017 and PTI
Technologies P/Ns 7595983-101 and 7588133, installed. These engines
are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A320 and A340 series
airplanes, Boeing DC8-71 series, -72 series, and -73 series
airplanes, and Boeing 737 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from 12 reports of failed fuel filters. We
are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of engine thrust that could
result in loss of control during takeoff or landing.
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.
Replacing the Fuel Filters on CFM56-7B Engines
(f) For CFM56-7B engines, within 600 flight hours or 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace
fuel filter, Western Filter P/Ns WF337661 or WF337017 and PTI
Technologies P/Ns 7595983-101 or 7588133, with a filter that has a
P/N not listed in this AD.
Replacing the Fuel Filters on CFM56-2, -3, and -5 Series Engines
(g) For CFM56-2 series, -3 series, and -5 series engines, at the
next filter change or 4,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first,
after the effective date of this AD, replace fuel filter, Western
Filter P/Ns WF337661 or WF337017 and PTI Technologies P/Ns 7595983-
101 or 7588133, with a filter that has a P/N not listed in this AD.
Prohibition Against Installing Fuel Filters with Certain P/Ns
(h) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any fuel
filter, Western Filter P/Ns WF337661 or WF337017 or PTI Technologies
P/Ns 7595983-101 or 7588133.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(i) 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.
Related Information
(j) None.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 12, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-21485 Filed 12-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P