Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 81 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24671-24673]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09650]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0817; Directorate Identifier 99-NE-24-AD; 
Amendment 39-17438; AD 2013-08-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 series turbofan 
engines. That AD currently requires replacement of the fuel tube 
connecting the flowmeter to the integrated drive generator (IDG) fuel-
oil cooler and the fuel tube(s) connecting the main engine control 
(MEC) or hydromechanical (HMU) to the flowmeter, with improved fuel 
tubes. This new AD requires the same actions, requires installation of 
a new simplified one-piece supporting bracket, adds an engine model, 
alters the list of affected part numbers (P/Ns), changes the 
replacement schedule, and revises our estimated cost of compliance. 
This AD was prompted by several additional reports of fuel leaks and 
two reports of engine fire due to improper assembly of supporting 
brackets on the fuel tube connecting the flowmeter to the IDG fuel-oil 
cooler. We are issuing this AD to prevent high-pressure fuel leaks 
caused by improper seating of fuel tube flanges, which could result in 
an engine fire and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, 
Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513-552-3272; email: [email protected]. You 
may view the referenced 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

[[Page 24672]]

evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address 
for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kasra Sharifi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7773; 
fax: 781-238 7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On February 29, 2000, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) 
published AD 2000-04-14, Amendment 39-11597 (65 FR 10698). That AD 
applies to the specified products, and required replacement of the fuel 
tube connecting the flowmeter to the IDG fuel-oil cooler and the fuel 
tube(s) connecting the MEC or HMU to the flowmeter with improved fuel 
tubes.
    On August 13, 2012, the OFR published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) (77 FR 48110) to supersede AD 2000-04-14 (65 FR 
10698, February 29, 2000). The NPRM proposed to require replacement of 
the fuel tubes connected to the fuel flowmeter and to install a new 
simplified one-piece bracket to eliminate improper assembly. 
Thereafter, based on comments received in response to the NPRM, we 
issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to change the proposed AD further. The SNPRM published in 
the Federal Register on December 31, 2012 (77 FR 76977).
    The SNPRM proposed to require the same actions as the original AD, 
to add an engine model, alter the list of affected P/Ns, change the 
replacement schedule, and revise our estimated cost of compliance.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Identify Spray Shield Part Numbers (P/Ns)

    Lufthansa Technik and Air France Industries requested that we 
identify which P/Ns are the spray shield P/Ns. As-written, the 
applicability does not distinguish between the tube P/Ns and the spray 
shield P/Ns.
    We agree. We changed the AD to identify the spray shield P/Ns in 
the AD.

Request To Add Engine Shop Visit Definition

    Atlas Air requested that we add a definition for engine shop visit 
to clarify the compliance.
    We agree. We changed the AD to add a definition for shop visit. The 
definition states ``For the purpose of this AD, an engine shop visit is 
the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges (lettered flanges), 
except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transporting the engine without subsequent engine maintenance does not 
constitute an engine shop visit.''

Request To Provide Instructions for Installation

    American Airlines requested that we provide instructions for 
installation of the mandated P/Ns to prevent the unsafe condition, or, 
require corrections to the Boeing and GE guidance documents before the 
AD is issued. They cite discrepancies in the guidance documents.
    We do not agree. An operator may use any method, technique, or 
practice acceptable to the Administrator when performing maintenance. 
We did not change the AD.
    We recognize that discrepancies may exist in manufacturers' service 
information. However, correcting errors in manufacturers' service 
information is not within the scope of this AD. We did not change the 
AD.

Request To Address Another Possible Unsafe Condition

    American Airlines requested that we also address another possible 
unsafe condition caused by improper assembly of the two-piece spray 
shield bracket on the forward end of the flowmeter transmitter. The 
commenter states that this bracket has the same potential to be 
improperly assembled as the subject bracket of this AD.
    We do not agree. To-date, we have received no reports of improper 
assembly or fuel leaks occurring at that location. We did not change 
the AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered 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 minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (77 FR 76977, December 31, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (77 FR 76977, December 31, 2012).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 926 GE CF6-80C2 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that one hour 
will be required per engine to accomplish the actions required by this 
AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We also estimate that the 
required parts will cost about $370 per engine. We estimate that the 
cost of the idle leak check is $1,000 per engine. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators is 
$3,275,231.

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,

[[Page 24673]]

    (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 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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
2000-04-14, Amendment 39-11597 (65 FR 10698, February 29, 2000), and 
adding the following new AD:

2013-08-20 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-17438; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-0817; Directorate Identifier 99-NE-24-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 31, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2000-04-14, Amendment 39-11597 (65 FR 
10698, February 29, 2000).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 
A1/A2/A3/A5/A8/A5F/B1/B2/B4/B5F/B6/B1F/B2F/B4F/B6F/B7F/D1F turbofan 
engines with any of the following installed:
    (1) Fuel tube, part number (P/N) 1321M42G01, 1334M88G01, 
1374M30G01, or 1383M12G01.
    (2) Spray shield, P/N 1606M57G01, 1606M57G03, or 1775M61G01.
    (3) Supporting bracket, P/N 1321M88P001A.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several additional reports of fuel leaks 
and two reports of engine fire due to improper assembly of 
supporting brackets on the fuel tube connecting the flowmeter to the 
integrated drive generator (IDG) fuel-oil cooler. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent high-pressure fuel leaks caused by improper 
seating of fuel tube flanges, which could result in an engine fire 
and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Replacement

    After the effective date of this AD, if the fuel tubes are 
disconnected for any reason, or at the next engine shop visit, 
whichever occurs first, replace the fuel tubes and brackets with 
improved tubes and brackets eligible for installation. For on-wing 
maintenance, replace only tubes and brackets that have been 
disconnected. Do the following:
    (1) Replace the fuel flowmeter to IDG fuel-oil cooler fuel tube, 
P/N 1321M42G01, with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) For engines with Power Management Controls, replace the main 
engine control to fuel flowmeter fuel tube, P/N 1334M88G01, with a 
part eligible for installation.
    (3) For engines with full authority digital electronic controls, 
replace the hydromechanical unit to fuel flowmeter fuel tubes, P/Ns 
1383M12G01 and 1374M30G01, with a part eligible for installation.
    (4) Replace supporting bracket, P/N 1321M88P001A, and spray 
shields, P/Ns 1606M57G01, 1606M57G03, and 1775M61G01 with one-piece 
supporting bracket, P/N 2021M83G01.
    (5) Perform an idle leak check after accomplishing paragraphs 
(f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), or (f)(4), or any combination thereof.

(g) Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any of the 
following parts into any GE CF6-80C2 series turbofan engines: fuel 
tubes P/Ns 1321M42G01, 1334M88G01, 1374M30G01, and 1383M12G01, 
supporting bracket P/N 1321M88P001A, and spray shields P/Ns 
1606M57G01, 1606M57G03, and 1775M61G01.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an engine shop visit is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges (lettered 
flanges), except that the separation of engine flanges solely for 
the purposes of transporting the engine without subsequent engine 
maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kasra Sharifi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7773; fax: 781-238 7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For guidance on the replacements, refer to GE Alert Service 
Bulletins CF6-80C2 SB 73-A0224, CF6-80C2 SB 73-A0231, CF6-80C2 SB 
73-A0401, and CF6-80C2 SB 73-0242.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, 
Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513-552-3272; email: [email protected]. 
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 April 16, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-09650 Filed 4-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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