78 FR 151 pgs. 47534-47537 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Type: RULEVolume: 78Number: 151Pages: 47534 - 47537
Pages: 47534, 47535, 47536, 47537Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2013-0447; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-17-AD; Amendment 39-17536; AD 2013-15-20]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2013-18840 Filed 8-5-13; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0447; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-17-AD; Amendment 39-17536; AD 2013-15-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
[top] We are superseding emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-14-51 for General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines with affected transfer gearbox assembly (TGB) radial gearshafts installed. AD 2013-14-51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines. AD 2013-14-51 prohibited operation of an airplane if more than one installed engine has an affected TGB radial
DATES:
This AD is effective August 21, 2013.
We must receive any comments on this AD by September 20, 2013.
ADDRESSES:
You may send comments by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, One Neumann Way, Room 285, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carlos Fernandes, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7189; fax: 781-238-7199; email: carlos.fernandes@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 16, 2013, we issued emergency AD 2013-10-52 (issued on June 16, 2013, as a Final Rule, Request for Comments (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013)), which was immediately effective to owners and operators of GE GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines. That AD resulted from reports of two failures of TGB radial gearshafts that resulted in IFSDs. That AD prohibited operation of an airplane with affected TGBs installed on both engines.
On July 12, 2013, we issued emergency AD 2013-14-51, superseding AD 2013-10-52 (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013). AD 2013-14-51 also prohibits operation of an airplane with affected TGB radial gearshafts installed on both engines. AD 2013-14-51 resulted from a report of an additional failure of a TGB radial gearshaft, outside the population identified in AD 2013-10-52. We issued ADs 2013-10-52 and 2013-14-51 to prevent failure and separation of the TGB radial gearshaft, which could result in IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2013-14-51 Was Issued
Since we issued emergency AD 2013-14-51, dated July 12, 2013, we determined that airplanes with an installed engine with an affected TGB radial gearshaft should not be allowed to operate more than 60 days after the effective date of this new AD. We also revised the Applicability of this new AD since we determined that the affected TGB radial gearshafts are installed on additional GE90 engine models besides the GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B. We also determined the need to add a mandatory terminating action.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed GE GE90-100 Series Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. GE90-100 S/B 72-A0568, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90-100 Series Service Bulletin (SB) No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0569, Revision 0, dated July 19, 2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1091, Revision 0, dated June 11, 2013, which provide additional information regarding the affected TGB radial gearshafts. We also reviewed GE GE90-100 Series SB No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0563, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013, and Revision 1, dated July 10, 2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1066, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013; which provide information regarding the mandatory terminating action.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we 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.
AD Requirements
This AD prohibits operation of an airplane with affected TGB radial gearshafts installed on both engines after the effective date of this AD. This AD also prohibits operation of an airplane with affected TGB radial gearshafts installed on any engine 60 days after the effective date of this AD. This AD also adds a mandatory terminating action, namely, to install a TGB radial gearshaft that is eligible for installation.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of the before further flight compliance time. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 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 we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2013-0447 and directorate identifier 2013-NE-17-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments.
[top] We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 16 GE90 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about eight hours per engine to replace the TGB radial gearshaft. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. The cost of this part is about $16,700. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this AD to U.S. operators to be $278,080.
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
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 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
(4) 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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:
a. Removing AD 2013-10-52 (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013); and
b. Adding the following new AD: 2013-15-20: Amendment 39-17536; Docket No. FAA-2013-0447; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-17-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 21, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes Emergency AD 2013-14-51, Directorate ID 2013-NE-17-AD, dated July 12, 2013. This AD also removes AD 2013-10-52 (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013) from the Code of Federal Regulations.
(c) Applicability
General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, GE90-113B and GE90-115B turbofan engines with a transfer gearbox assembly (TGB) radial gearshaft, part number (P/N) 1995M24P02, serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, installed.
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| FIA0KCYG | FIA0JETA | FIA0H0VJ | FIA0HL0C |
| FIA0K63F | FIA0J7V2 | FIA0K62R | FIA0HLY9 |
| FIA0K3A3 | FIA0KCYM | FIA0K63C | FIA0HL0E |
| FIA0JVRE | FIA0JJ6E | FIA0K89H | FIA0HL0F |
| FIA0H0VM | FIA0JNJH | FIA0KCYK | FIA0HL0G |
| FIA0K3A4 | FIA0K62W | FIA0K3A5 | FIA0HLY7 |
| FIA0K62T | FIA0K89P | FIA0HWKA | FIA0HJTE |
| FIA0JJ53 | FIA0JJ57 | FIA0KCYR | FIA0HJTJ |
| FIA0K89W | FIA0JJ56 | FIA0HWKE | FIA0HJTG |
| FIA0KCW8 | FIA0KH9Y | FIA0J7WH | FIA0HJTC |
| FIA0K3A6 | FIA0KCYP | FIA0JER9 | FIA0HJTF |
| FIA0HY8C | FIA0JJ55 | FIA0JNJJ | FIA0HJTH |
| FIA0K3AP | FIA0KH9G | FIA0JVRR | FIA0HJTA |
| FIA0J7WG | FIA0KH9H | FIA0JNJM | FIA0HJR9 |
| FIA0JVRL | FIA0KH9K | FIA0KH9R | FIA0HWJ7 |
| FIA0J7V1 | FIA0KH9C | FIA0KH9P | FIA0HY76 |
| FIA0JVRM | FIA0K63H | FIA0K89C | FIA0HY8F |
| FIA0K3AV | FIA0K63M | FIA0JVRH | FIA0H0VK |
| FIA0J7V8 | FIA0K62Y | FIA0K89L | FIA0J7VR |
| FIA0J7WE | FIA0JVP9 | FIA0JER6 | FIA0JJ58 |
| FIA0K3A2 | FIA0K63E | FIA0JETH | FIA0JJ6C |
| FIA0K3A1 | FIA0K3AY | FIA0H0VC | FIA0JNJF |
| FIA0K3AN | FIA0JVRT | FIA0K3AL | FIA0JNJK |
| FIA0JVRP | FIA0HY8E | FIA0J7VV | FIA0JVRC |
| FIA0JJ6F | FIA0HY8N | FIA0J7VP | FIA0J7V4 |
| FIA0JJ6J | FIA0J7V0 | FIA0J7V9 | FIA0JETF |
| FIA0JVRV | FIA0J7V3 | FIA0HWJ8 | FIA0HEG4 |
| FIA0H0VL | FIA0J7V5 | FIA0H0VA | FIA0HWJ9 |
| FIA0K89T | FIA0HY8H | FIA0KCYL | FIA0HWJ5 |
| FIA0K89Y | FIA0HEG2 | FIA0HY79 | FIA0HWJ6 |
| FIA0JETL | FIA0K62V | FIA0KH9J | FIA0J7VW |
| FIA0JER8 | FIA0HEGY | FIA0HY8G | FIA0J7VY |
| FIA0J7WC | FIA0HWKC | FIA0HY8M | FIA0J7VT |
| FIA0JETE | FIA0K3A0 | FIA0HY8A | FIA0J7WF |
| FIA0K3AT | FIA0JVRJ | FIA0H0VG | FIA0J7V6 |
| FIA0JJ59 | FIA0K8AA | FIA0K3AR | FIA0K89G |
| FIA0K3AW | FIA0KCYT | FIA0JETC | FIA0K89K |
| FIA0JVRN | FIA0KH9T | FIA0KH9W | FIA0K89R |
| FIA0JNH8 | FIA0HEG1 | FIA0JNJC | FIA0KCYJ |
| FIA0JETN | FIA0HEG3 | FIA0K63L | FIA0JJ6G |
| FIA0HY78 | FIA0J7WJ | FIA0KCYN | FIA0JJ6A |
| FIA0HY75 | FIA0JER7 | FIA0JVRG | FIA0HY8K |
| FIA0HEG0 | FIA0JVRF | FIA0HY8L | FIA0HLY6 |
| FIA0KH9E | FIA0K63K | FIA0HY8J | FIA0HLY0 |
| FIA0KH9F | FIA0J7WK | FIA0H0VH | FIA0HLY1 |
| FIA0H0T9 | FIA0JER5 | FIA0H0VF | FIA0HLY4 |
| FIA0HLY3 | FIA0JETM |
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of three failures of TGB radial gearshafts which resulted in in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TGB radial gearshaft, which could result in IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
(1) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(2) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, do not operate the airplane if more than one installed engine has a TGB radial gearshaft P/N and S/N listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
(f) Mandatory Terminating Action
No later than 60 days after the effective date of this AD, as terminating action to the requirements of paragraph (e) of this AD, replace all TGB radial gearshafts identified in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD that are installed on an airplane with TGB radial gearshafts that are eligible for installation.
(g) Prohibition on Operation
Sixty days after the effective date of this AD, do not operate any airplane that has an engine installed that has a TGB radial gearshaft P/N and S/N listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
(h) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, a TGB radial gearshaft eligible for installation is:
(1) A TGB radial gearshaft P/N and S/N, not listed in this AD or
(2) A TGB radial gearshaft with an S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD with part number 1995M24P04, 2205M61P01 or 2205M61P02.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Carlos Fernandes, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7189; fax: 781-238-7199; email: carlos.fernandes@faa.gov.
(2) GE GE90-100 Series Alert Service Bulletin No. GE90-100 S/B 72-A0568, Revision 0, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90-100 Series Service Bulletin (SB) No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0569, Revision 0, dated July 19, 2013; GE GE90-100 Series SB No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0563, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013, and Revision 1, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1066, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1091, Revision 0, dated June 11, 2013, can be obtained from GE using the contact information in paragraph (j)(3) of this AD.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, One Neumann Way, Room 285, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 513-552-3272; email: geae.aoc@ge.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 25, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18840 Filed 8-5-13; 8:45 am]
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