Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Aircraft Engines CT7 Series Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 6, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17921-17924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7233]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-48-AD; Amendment 39-13553; AD 2004-07-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Aircraft Engines CT7 
Series Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CT7 series 
turboprop engines. That AD currently requires propeller gearbox (PGB) 
oil filter impending bypass button (IBB) inspections, oil filter 
inspections, replacement of left-hand and right-hand idler gears at 
time of PGB overhaul, and replacement of certain serial number (SN) 
PGBs before accumulating 2,000 flight hours. This AD requires the same 
actions, and adds additional SNs of affected PGBs. This AD results from 
reports of PGBs equipped with certain gears that do not meet design 
specifications, resulting in the same failure addressed in the existing 
AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of PGB left-hand and 
right-hand idler gears, which could result in uncontained PGB failure 
and internal bulkhead damage, possibly prohibiting the auxiliary 
feathering system from fully feathering the propeller on certain PGBs.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 11, 2004. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of May 11, 2004. The Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
certain other publications listed in the regulations as of April 24, 
2003 (68 FR 13618, March 20, 2003).

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from General Electric Aircraft Engines, CT7 Series Turboprop Engines, 
1000 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01910; telephone (781) 594-3140, fax (781) 
594-4805.
    You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service 
information, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Triozzi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7148; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to certain GEAE CT7 series 
turboprop engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register 
on

[[Page 17922]]

March 20, 2003 (68 FR 13618). That action proposed to require PGB oil 
filter IBB inspections, oil filter inspections, replacement of left-
hand and right-hand idler gears at time of PGB overhaul, and 
replacement of certain SN PGBs before accumulating 2,000 flight hours.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Clarification of Applicability for AD Inspection Requirements

    One commenter requests that we clarify paragraph (c), the 
applicability paragraph, to state that the inspection applies to all 
listed PGB serial numbers regardless of whether or not the propeller 
gearbox is mated to a Hamilton Standard propeller. The commenter states 
that making this clarification will prevent the AD from being 
misinterpreted as excluding inspections for PGBs mated to Hamilton 
Standard propellers.
    We agree with the commenter that the AD applies to all CT7 engines 
with the identified PGBs installed. We do not agree, however, that 
additional changes to the applicability paragraph are needed or 
necessary. The applicability paragraph incorporates by reference a 
Table of affected PGB serial numbers contained in the General Electric 
Service Bulletins. The AD applies to any engine with a PGB listed in 
the Table regardless of whether the propeller gearbox is mated to a 
Hamilton Standard propeller or some other make of propeller. If the PGB 
is mated to a Hamilton Standard propeller, however, then the AD 
requires additional actions. These further actions do not imply that 
the AD is only applicable to engines with PGBs mated to Hamilton 
Standard propellers. The compliance section is written to be consistent 
with AD 2003-06-03, which this AD is superseding.

Clarification of the Term Operational Day

    The same commenter requests that in paragraph (f)(2), the term 
``operational day'' be replaced with ``flight day''. The commenter 
states that the daily inspection of the IBB should not be required on 
an airplane unless the airplane has been used for flight that day.
    We agree that clarification is needed. A definition for 
``operational day'' has been added to the compliance section, which 
states that an operational day is a day during which the airplane has 
flown for any reason.

Give Flight Crews Permission To Inspect the IBB

    The same commenter requests that we give flight crews permission to 
inspect the IBB for extension at remote stations where maintenance 
personnel are not available. This would relieve the burden of sending 
maintenance personnel to a remote station to do an inspection of the 
IBB, when the airplane is at that remote station longer than one day. 
The commenter understands that if the IBB is found extended, 
maintenance personnel would have to perform the other AD requirements.
    We agree that flight crews should be allowed to perform the IBB 
inspection if the maintenance personnel are not available. If the IBB 
is found extended, however, maintenance personnel would have to perform 
the other AD requirements. Paragraph (f)(2) has been rewritten to allow 
flight crews to inspect the IBB.

No Terminating Action for Paragraphs (h) and (i)

    One commenter requests that paragraphs (h) and (i) be revised, as 
there is no terminating action in these paragraphs for PGBs listed in 
Table 1 of Service Bulletin (SB) 72-466. The commenter further states 
that SB 72-452 provides terminating action only for PGBs listed in SB 
72-452 and not PGBs listed in SB 72-466.
    We do not agree. The terminating action paragraph specifically 
requires replacement of idler gears using the Accomplishment 
Instructions of SB 72-452 and does not limit this terminating action to 
the serial numbers listed in the effectivity of that SB. The 
accomplishment instructions for replacement of idler gears are the same 
regardless of the gear serial numbers being replaced. Based on this, 
replacing the gears using the accomplishment instructions of SB 72-452 
is an acceptable terminating action.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47998, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. That 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. The 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since the 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

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 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 by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 99-NE-48-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 39-13090 (68 FR 
13618, March 20, 2003) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-13553, to read as follows:

2004-07-09 General Electric Aircraft Engines: Amendment 39-13553. 
Docket No. 99-NE-48-AD. Supersedes AD 2003-06-03, Amendment 39-
13090.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 11, 2004.

[[Page 17923]]

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-06-03, Amendment 39-13090.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) 
CT7 series turboprop engines, with propeller gearboxes (PGBs) 
identified by serial number (SN) in Table 1 of GEAE CT7 Turboprop 
Service Bulletin (SB) CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, and 
Table 1 of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CT7-TP S/
B 72-A0466, dated April 17, 2003. These engines are installed on but 
not limited to SAAB 340 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of PGBs equipped with certain 
gears that do not meet design specifications, resulting in the same 
failure addressed in the AD being superseded. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent separation of PGB left-hand and right-hand idler gears, 
which could result in uncontained PGB failure and internal bulkhead 
damage, possibly prohibiting the auxiliary feathering system from 
fully feathering the propeller on certain PGBs.

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.
    (f) Inspect the PGB oil filter impending bypass button (IBB) for 
extension using the following schedule:
    (1) Initially inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Thereafter, inspect each operational day. The flight crew 
may inspect the PGB oil filter IBB for extension if maintenance 
personnel are not available.
    (g) If the PGB oil filter IBB is extended, replace the oil 
filter and perform follow-on inspections, using paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-
0453, dated July 27, 2001.
    (h) At the next return of the PGB to a CT7 turboprop overhaul 
facility after the effective date of this AD, replace left-hand and 
right-hand idler gears. Use the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE 
CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001 to replace 
the gears.
    (i) If the PGB is mated to a Hamilton Standard propeller and the 
left-hand and right-hand idler gears have not been replaced using 
the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 
72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, replace the PGB before accumulating an 
additional 2,000 engine flight hours after April 24, 2003, the 
effective date of AD 2003-06-03.

PGB Oil Filter IBB Inspection, Authorization

    (j) For GEAE CT7 series turboprop engines, in exception to the 
limitations imposed by Sec.  43.3 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.3), a flight crew member holding at least a 
private pilot certificate may perform the inspections required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD. You must record completion of the 
inspections in the airplane records to show compliance with this AD, 
in accordance with Sec. Sec.  43.9 and 91.417(a)(2)(v) of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR 43.9 and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). 
You must also maintain the records as required by the applicable 
Federal Aviation Regulation.

Terminating Action

    (k) Replacement of left-hand and right-hand idler gears using 
paragraph (h) of this AD, or replacement of the PGB using paragraph 
(i) of this AD constitutes terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.

Definition

    (l) For the purpose of this AD, an operational day is defined as 
a day during which the airplane has flown for any reason.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (n) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD by allowing the operation of an airplane that 
does not have more than one engine with a PGB oil filter IBB 
extended to a location where the requirements of this AD can be 
done.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 to 
perform the inspections and replacements required by this AD. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 
27, 2001, and GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0453, dated July 
27, 2001, as of April 24, 2003 (68 FR 13618, March 20, 2003). The 
Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by 
reference of GEAE CT7 Turboprop ASB CT7-TP S/B 72-A0466, dated April 
17, 2003 in accordance with 5 U.S.C.552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You 
can get copies from General Electric Aircraft Engines, CT7 Series 
Turboprop Engines, 1000 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01910; telephone (781) 
594-3140, fax (781) 594-4805. You may review copies at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. 
Table 1 follows:

                                      Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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         Service bulletin No.                    Page                   Revision                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452................  ALL....................  Original...............  July 27, 2001.
    Total Pages: 12..................
SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0453................  ALL....................  Original...............  July 27, 2001.
    Total Pages: 5...................
ASB CT7-TP S/B 72-A0466..............  ALL....................  Original...............  April 17, 2003.
    Total Pages: 7...................
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[[Page 17924]]

Related Information

    (p) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 24, 2004.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7233 Filed 4-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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