Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 250 (Monday, December 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79295-79298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30862]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0407; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-22-AD; 
Amendment 39-17710; AD 2013-26-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM 
International (CFM) S.A. CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B series turbofan engines 
with certain accessory gearboxes (AGBs) not equipped with a 
handcranking pad ``oil dynamic seal'' assembly. This AD was prompted by 
42 events of total loss of engine oil from CFM56 series turbofan 
engines while in flight. This AD requires an independent inspection to 
verify re-installation of the handcranking pad cover after removal of 
the pad cover for maintenance until installation of a handcranking pad 
oil dynamic seal assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of 
engine oil while in flight, which could result in engine failure, loss 
of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective February 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM 
International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 
285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-432-3329; 
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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0407; 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 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: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts, 
01803; phone: 781-238-7751; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2013 (78 FR 
34605). The NPRM proposed to require an independent inspection to 
verify re-installation of the handcranking pad

[[Page 79296]]

cover after removal of the pad cover for maintenance until installation 
of a handcranking pad oil dynamic seal assembly.

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 Make Optional Terminating Action Mandatory

    The National Transportation Safety Board comments that the FAA 
should make the installation of an oil dynamic seal assembly a 
mandatory, rather than an optional, terminating action, as has the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation 
Administration of China.
    The FAA agrees that the loss of engine oil from unsecured 
handcranking pad covers can be addressed with the introduction of a 
dynamic seal. The FAA has structured its approach to achieving that 
goal, however, through a combination of inspections and part 
replacement, which allows each affected operator to manage its own 
maintenance schedule. The FAA believes that this approach will not have 
as great an economic effect on the affected operators as mandating a 
part replacement. The FAA also finds that the level of safety achieved 
with its approach to this unsafe condition is acceptable, and believes 
that operators will eventually incorporate the dynamic seal to 
terminate the required inspections.

Request To Revise Optional Terminating Action

    American Airlines (AAL) requested that we revise paragraph (g) of 
the AD (the Terminating Action paragraph) to minimize the effects of 
differences in the AGB disassembly and assembly procedures between 
those specified in the engine shop manual and current or subsequent 
service bulletins. AAL noted that this method of specifying the 
terminating action would preclude the need for Alternative Method of 
Compliance (AMOC) requests.
    We agree in part. We revised the Terminating Action paragraph by 
removing the requirement to follow specific service bulletins (SBs). 
Guidance on CFM CFM56 SBs and engine manual can now be found in the 
Related Information section of this AD.

Request To Include FAA-Approved Maintenance Program in Compliance

    Airlines for America asked that we include in paragraph (f) of this 
AD, a time period in which an approved maintenance program must be 
revised to include an Independent Inspection. Airlines for America also 
asked that we clarify that documentation for each inspection on every 
airplane need not be made if relying on the insertion of an Independent 
Inspection in the aircraft Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program 
(CAMP).
    We agree in part, and have made paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of 
this AD disjunctive in order to clarify that either an Independent 
Inspection is required after each maintenance involving the 
handcranking pad cover or that operators insert an Independent 
Inspection requirement in their aircraft CAMP. We do point out that if 
an operator relies on paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, a maintenance record 
entry is required to record compliance with this AD after each time the 
handcranking pad cover is removed and re-installed. If an operator 
relies on paragraph (f)(2) of this AD however, only one record entry is 
required to document that the CAMP has been modified as required. After 
the CAMP has been modified, the operator need only document actions as 
required by the CAMP.
    We have not, however, added a time period within which operators 
must make a change to their CAMP. This AD itself states that it will 
become effective 35 days after publication in the Federal Register. 
After that date, operators must comply with either paragraph (f)(1), 
(f)(2), or (g) of this AD.

Request To Clarify Inspection Options

    Delta Airlines (Delta) requested that we clarify that both apparent 
options--an independent inspection or addition of the inspection as a 
Required Inspection Item into the operator's approved CAMP--in 
compliance with paragraph (f) of this AD are indeed options for meeting 
the requirements of this AD.
    We agree that further clarification was needed. As explained with 
the response to the Airlines for America comment, we have made 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD disjunctive to clarify that an 
operator either perform an Independent Inspection each time the 
handcranking pad cover is removed and re-installed, or insert in its 
aircraft CAMP a requirement for an Independent Inspection.

Request To Delay Issuance of This AD

    Delta requested that we delay issuance of this AD until CFM issues 
revisions to CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564, Revision 3, dated May 25, 
2011, and CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 27-0879, Revision 1, dated April 12, 
2012. Delay in publication of this AD would minimize the burden of AMOC 
requests on operators, CFM, and the FAA. It would also allow CFM to 
modify these SBs to correct tooling references and to modify 
impingement test requirements.
    We partially agree. We agree that we need not mandate use of 
specific SB versions to accomplish the terminating action. We have 
therefore, removed those SB references from paragraph (g) of this AD 
and moved those references to paragraph (j), Related Information, of 
this AD. This will eliminate the need for requests for AMOCs should the 
manufacturer modify its SBs. Accordingly, we need not delay issuance of 
this AD until any particular SB version is published.

Request To Allow Acceptable Maintenance Procedures To Install Seal

    Delta requested that we allow operators or maintenance facilities 
to install oil dynamic seal assemblies using the SBs referenced in the 
NPRM (78 FR 34605, June 10, 2013) along with other acceptable 
maintenance procedures rather than mandating that all work be performed 
in accordance with the referenced SBs.
    We agree. We moved the references to the SBs from the compliance 
section of this AD to the Related Information section of this AD.

Request To Define Compliance Time

    Delta asked that we specifically define the compliance time in 
which operators have after the effective date of this AD to put the 
inspection program in place.
    We disagree. As stated earlier, this AD will become effective as 
indicated in the DATES section. As of that date, operators must comply 
with this AD by either following paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for each 
time maintenance is performed to remove and re-install the handcranking 
pad cover, or (f)(2) of this AD to insert an Independent Inspection 
requirement in their aircraft CAMP, or (g) of this AD by replacing the 
AGB that incorporates an oil dynamic seal assembly. No further 
compliance time need be allowed. We did not change this AD.

Request To Harmonize With EASA AD 2012-0209

    RyanAir requested that we harmonize differences between the NPRM 
(78 FR 34605, June 10, 2013) and EASA AD 2012-0209, dated October 8, 
2012. RyanAir identified differences between the EASA AD and the NPRM 
in the areas of applicability, terminating action, service information, 
and compliance language.
    We disagree. We believe that references in the Applicability 
section

[[Page 79297]]

of this AD to specific AGB part numbers not equipped with the oil 
dynamic seal assembly will avoid the need to revise this AD in the 
future should additional approved AGBs be available for installation. 
We did not change this AD.

Support for This AD

    The Boeing Company and United Airlines support this AD as proposed 
(78 FR 34605, June 10, 2013).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2,702 CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B 
engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it will take about 1 hour to perform the independent inspection 
required by this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We 
estimate that normal maintenance will require the AGB handcranking pad 
cover to be removed every 1,300 flights cycles. Based on an average use 
of these model engines of approximately 6,000,000 flight cycles per 
year, we estimate that an independent inspection would be required 
about 4,615 times per year. Therefore, assuming that an operator does 
not already have an Independent Inspection of the AGB handcranking pad 
cover in its approved aircraft maintenance program, we estimate the 
cost of this AD for U.S. operators to be $392,275.

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 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 (AD):

2013-26-01 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-17710; Docket No. 
FAA-2013-0407; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-22-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 3, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to CFM International S.A. CFM56-3 series and 
CFM56-7B series turbofan engines equipped with the following 
accessory gearbox (AGB) part numbers (P/Ns):
    (1) For CFM56-3 engines: 335-300-103-0, 335-300-105-0, 335-300-
106-0, 335-300-107-0, 335-300-108-0, 335-300-109-0, or 335-300-110-
0.
    (2) For CFM56-7B engines (except CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3, and 
CFM56-7B27AE engines): 340-046-503-0, 340-046-504-0, or 340-046-505-
0.
    (3) For CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3, and CFM56-7B27AE engines: 
340-188-601-0 or 340-188-603-0.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by 42 events of total loss of engine oil 
while in flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine 
oil while in flight, which could result in engine failure, loss of 
thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f) or (g) of 
this AD.

(f) Inspection of the AGB Handcranking Pad Cover

    (1) Perform an Independent Inspection to verify re-installation 
of the AGB handcranking pad cover after any maintenance that 
involves the removal and re-installation of the AGB handcranking 
cover, or
    (2) Insert an Independent Inspection as a required inspection 
item in the approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program 
for the aircraft.

(g) Optional Terminating Action

    As an optional terminating action to the inspection requirement 
of paragraph (f) of this AD, install an AGB that is not listed in 
paragraph (c) of this AD that incorporates the oil dynamic seal 
assembly.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an Independent Inspection means a 
second inspection by a qualified individual who was not involved in 
the original re-installation of the AGB handcranking pad cover 
following maintenance to confirm that the cover is installed 
correctly.

(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 Antonio 
Cancelliere, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, Massachusetts, 01803; phone: 781-238-7751; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) CFM International S.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. CFM56-7B S/
B 72-0564, Revision 3, dated May 25, 2011, and SB No. CFM56-7B S/B 
27-0879, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2012, which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD, provide guidance on obtaining 
an AGB that incorporates an oil dynamic seal assembly. The CFM56 
engine manuals, which are also not incorporated by reference in this 
AD, include instructions on assembling and disassembling the AGB.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact CFM 
International Inc.,

[[Page 79298]]

Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, 
OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-432-3329; email: 
[email protected].
    (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 December 16, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-30862 Filed 12-27-13; 8:45 am]
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