Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50814-50816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21863]



[[Page 50814]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0863; Product Identifier 2018-NE-30-AD; Amendment 
39-19423; AD 2018-19-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10A16, CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E5, CF34-
10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, and CF34-10E7-B turbofan 
engines with certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) front rotating air 
seals. This AD requires replacement of the affected HPT front rotating 
air seal. This AD was prompted by cracks found in the HPT front 
rotating air seal. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 25, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 25, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 final rule, contact 
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
telephone 513-552-3272; email: [email protected]. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0863.

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-2018-
0863; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Richardson-Bach, Aerospace 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We received a report that multiple cracks were found in the HPT 
front rotating air seal during a scheduled shop visit. After further 
investigation, GE determined that a rabbet surface on certain parts was 
not shot-peened after machining during the original manufacturing. The 
lack of shot-peening caused the parts to be more susceptible to crack 
initiation. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
uncontained HPT front rotating air seal release, damage to the engine, 
and damage to the airplane. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed GE CF34-10E Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0347 R00, dated 
August 3, 2018. The SB describes procedures for inspection and repair 
or replacement of the affected HPT front rotating air seals. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

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 requires replacement of the affected HPT front rotating air 
seal.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018, recommends 
inspecting affected HPT front rotating air seal and repairing parts 
that do not have linear indications. This AD does not require 
inspecting or repairing the affected HPT front rotating air seal but 
allows installation of parts that have been inspected and repaired.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the compliance time for the required action is shorter than the 
time necessary for the public to comment and for us to publish the 
final rule. The highest risk HPT front rotating air seals must be 
removed within approximately one month to ensure that they are replaced 
before cracks develop that could result in the failure of these seals. 
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated 
above, we find 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 was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0863 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-30-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any

[[Page 50815]]

personal information you provide. We will also post a report 
summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this final 
rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects three engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the HPT front rotating air   2 work-hours x $85 per hour        $243,700        $243,870        $731,610
 seal.                                = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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, 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):

2018-19-22 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-19423; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0863; Product Identifier 2018-NE-30-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 25, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10A16, 
CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-
10E7, and CF34-10E7-B turbofan engines with high-pressure turbine 
(HPT) front rotating air seals listed in Appendices A and B, of GE 
CF34-10E Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018, 
that were not inspected and repaired using GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 
R00, dated August 3, 2018.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Engine 
Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by cracks found in the HPT front rotating 
air seal. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT front 
rotating air seal. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in an uncontained release of the HPT front rotating air seal, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Remove the HPT front rotating air seal listed in Appendix A, 
of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018, and replace 
with a part eligible for installation within the following cycles:
    (i) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 17,499 cycles since 
new (CSN) or more on the effective date of this AD, remove within 
250 cycles in service (CIS).
    (ii) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 16,500 to 17,498 CSN 
on the effective date of this AD, remove within 500 CIS but not to 
exceed 17,750 CSN.
    (iii) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 15,500 to 16,499 
CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove within 750 CIS but not 
to exceed 17,000 CSN.
    (iv) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 14,500 to 15,499 on 
the effective date of this AD, remove within 1,000 CIS but not to 
exceed 16,250 CSN.
    (v) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 12,800 to 14,499 on 
the effective date of this AD, remove within 1,500 CIS but not to 
exceed 15,500 CSN.
    (vi) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 10,800 to 12,799 CSN 
on the effective date of this AD, remove within 2,000 CIS but not to 
exceed 14,300 CSN.
    (vii) If the HPT front rotating air seal has 8,450 to 10,799 CSN 
on the effective date of this AD, remove within 2,500 CIS but not to 
exceed 12,800 CSN.
    (viii) If the HPT front rotating air seal has fewer than 8,450 
CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove at next piece-part 
exposure or before accumulating 10,950 CSN, whichever comes first.
    (2) Remove the HPT front rotating air seal, listed in Appendix 
B, of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018, from

[[Page 50816]]

service and replace with a part eligible for installation before 
exceeding the CSN listed in Appendix B, of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 
R00, dated August 3, 2018.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a part that is ``eligible for 
installation'' is defined as:
    (i) An HPT front rotating air seal with a part number (P/N) and 
serial number (S/N) that is not listed in Appendix A or B, of GE 
CF34-10E SB 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018; or,
    (ii) an HPT front rotating air seal with a P/N and S/N listed in 
Appendix A or B, of GE CF34-10E SB 72-0347 R00, dated August 3, 
2018, that was inspected and repaired using GE SB CF34-10E SB 72-
0347 R00, dated August 3, 2018.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' is 
defined as the separation of the HPT front rotating air seal from 
the disk.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit will not be issued.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. You may email your request 
to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Michael Richardson-
Bach, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) General Electric Company CF34-10E Service Bulletin 72-0347 
R00, dated August 3, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
telephone 513-552-3272; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 28, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21863 Filed 10-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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