[Federal Register: September 11, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 175)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51697-51699]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11se07-1]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
[[Page 51697]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28726; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-32-AD;
Amendment 39-15190; AD 2007-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-80E1
Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines with
certain part number (P/N) compressor rear frames (CRFs) installed. This
AD requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of
the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and
air carrier's approved Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Programs
(CAMP) to include initial and repetitive eddy current inspections
(ECIs) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the affected
CRFs. This AD results from the need to require enhanced inspections of
the CF6-80E1 series engine CRFs for cracks. We are issuing this AD to
prevent rupture of the CRF, which could result in an under-cowl engine
fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 26, 2007.
We must receive any comments on this AD by November 13, 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: 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.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Contact General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology
Services, 10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215,
telephone (513) 672-8400, fax (513) 672-8422, for the service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
Robert.green@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7754; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GE recently reassessed the original basis
for certification of the CF6-80E1 series turbofan engine CRFs, using
updated techniques and materials. The data revealed that the stresses
in critical areas of the CRF are higher than originally calculated.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in rupture of the CRF,
possibly resulting in an under-cowl engine fire.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Although no airplanes that are currently registered in the United
States use these CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines, the possibility
exists that the engines could be used on airplanes that are registered
in the United States in the future. The unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same
type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the CRF,
which could result in an under-cowl engine fire. This AD requires
revisions to the ALS of the manufacturer's ICA and air carrier's
approved CAMP to include required ECIs or FPIs of those certain P/N
CRFs, for cracks in critical areas.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine
model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD
are unnecessary. A situation exists that allows the immediate adoption
of this regulation.
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-2007-28726;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-32-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 AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is provided in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
[[Page 51698]]
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 this AD:
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
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:
2007-18-10 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-15190. Docket No.
FAA-2007-28726; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-32-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 26, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80E1A1,
CF6-80E1A2, CF6-80E1A3, CF6-80E1A4, and CF6-80E1A4/B model turbofan
engines with compressor rear frame (CRF) part numbers (P/Ns)
1520M26G03/G06/G08/G11/G12 installed. These engines are installed
on, but not limited to, Airbus Industrie A330 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from the need to require enhanced
inspections of the CF6-80E1 series turbofan engine CRFs, for cracks.
We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the CRF, which could
result in an under-cowl engine fire.
Compliance
(e) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
revise GE's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness ALS, and for
air carrier operations, revise the approved continuous airworthiness
maintenance program, by adding the information in Table 1 and in
paragraphs (f) through (i) of this AD.
Table 1.--Inspection Compliance Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If CRF P/Ns 1520M26G03/G06/G08/ Then initially And repetitively
G11/G12 are: inspect: inspect:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Operated at a CF6-80E1A3 Before 12,200 Within every 6,300
or CF6-80E1A4/B engine rating. cycles-since-new cycles-since-last-
(CSN). inspection (CSLI),
except that igniter
pad holes on CRFs
with P/Ns 1520M26G03/
G06/G08, must be
inspected within
every 4,800 CSLI.
(2) Operated at a CF6-80E1A4 Before 13,700 CSN Within every 6,300
engine rating. CSLI, except that
igniter pad holes on
CRFs with P/Ns
1520M26G03/G06/G08,
must be inspected
within every 6,100
CSLI.
(3) Operated at a CF6-80E1A1 Before 14,200 CSN Within every 6,300
or CF6-80E1A2 engine rating. CSLI.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Module-Level Inspection of CRFs
(f) For CRF P/Ns 1520M26G03/G06/G08/G11/G12, at module level:
(1) Clean and eddy current inspect (ECI) the locations numbered
3 through 8.
(2) Information on these locations can be found in figure 801,
sheets 2, 3, and 4, of CF6-80E1 Engine Manual No. GEK 99376, Section
05-21-01. The remaining engine manual references in this AD are to
No. GEK 99376.
(3) Information on cleaning and ECI can be found in CF6-80E1
Engine Manual, Section 72-00-34, COMPRESSOR REAR FRAME ASSEMBLY--
INSPECTION 001, Subtask 72-00-34-250-001.
(4) For CRF P/Ns 1520M26G03/G06/G08, clean and fluorescent
penetrant inspect (FPI) the locations numbered 1 and 2.
(5) Information on these locations can be found in figure 801,
sheet 1, of CF6-80E1 Engine Manual, Section 05-21-01.
(6) Information on cleaning and FPI can be found in CF6-80E1
Engine Manual, Section 72-00-34, COMPRESSOR REAR FRAME ASSEMBLY--
INSPECTION 001, Subtask 72-00-34-230-051.
Piece-Part Level Inspection of CRFs
(g) For CRF P/Ns 1520M26G03/G06/G08/G11/G12, at piece-part
level:
(1) Clean and FPI the locations numbered 3 through 8.
(2) Information on these locations can be found in figure 801,
sheets 2, 3, and 4, of CF6-80E1 Engine Manual, Section 05-21-01.
(3) Information on cleaning and FPI can be found in CF6-80E1
Engine Manual, Section 72-34-01, COMPRESSOR REAR FRAME--INSPECTION
001, Subtask 72-34-01-200-003.
(4) For CRF P/Ns 1520M26G03/G06/G08, clean and FPI the locations
numbered 1 and 2.
(5) Information on these locations can be found in figure 801,
sheet 1, of CF6-80E1 Engine Manual, Section 05-21-01.
(6) Information on cleaning and FPI can be found in CF6-80E1
Engine Manual, Section 72-34-01, COMPRESSOR REAR FRAME--
[[Page 51699]]
INSPECTION 001, Subtask 72-34-01-200-003.
Determining CSN of the Compressor Rear Frame
(h) Air carriers and operators must use engine operating records
to determine the CSN of the compressor rear frame. If the number of
cycles accumulated since new cannot be established, inspect the CRF
within 300 cycles-in-service after the effective date of this AD.
(i) For compressor rear frames that have operated in multiple
engine models or thrust ratings, information on correct cycle
counting can be found in Method 1 or Method 2 of CF6-80E1 Engine
Manual No. GEK 99376, Section 05-11-00, LIFE LIMITS OF ENGINE
ROTATING PARTS.
Definition
(j) For the purposes of this AD, piece-part level means that the
CRF is removed and disassembled using the disassembly instructions
in GE's engine manual.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) You must perform these mandatory inspections using the ALS
of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness and the applicable
Engine Manual unless you receive approval to use an alternative
method of compliance under paragraph (l) of this AD. Section 43.16
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.16) may not be used
to approve alternative methods of compliance or adjustments to the
times in which these inspections must be performed.
(l) 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
(m) GE CF6-80E1 Engine Manual Temporary Revision (TR) 05-0055,
dated July 3, 2007, and CF6-80E1 Engine Manual TR 72-0088, dated
July 3, 2007, pertain to the subject of this AD. TR 05-055 adds CRF
inspection references to the CRF inspection tables and TR 0088 adds
an ECI for the CRF.
(n) Contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
Robert.green@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7754; fax (781) 238-7199,
for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 29, 2007.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-17678 Filed 9-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P