Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53974-53976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23468]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0898; Product Identifier 2018-NE-29-AD; Amendment 
39-19456; AD 2018-20-22]
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) GE90-110B1, GE90-113B, and GE90-115B 
turbofan engines with a certain case combustor assembly (combustion 
case) installed. This AD requires removal of affected combustion cases 
from service and their replacement with a part eligible for 
installation. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a quality escape 
at a manufacturing facility involving unapproved welds on combustion 
cases. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 13, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 13, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 10, 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, GE Aviation, 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-
0898.

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-
0898; 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: Matthew Smith, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We learned from GE of a quality escape that one of their suppliers, 
AECC Aero Science and Technology Co., Ltd., was performing welds on 
newly-manufactured components to correct errors introduced in their 
manufacturing process. These welds were not reviewed or approved by 
either GE or the FAA. GE's review of manufacturing records determined 
that these parts include combustion cases installed on GE GE90-100 
turbofan engines. These combustion cases are life limited. The 
unapproved repairs reduced the material capability of these cases, 
which requires their removal prior to reaching their published 
Airworthiness Limitation Section life limit. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of the combustion case, engine fire, 
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 GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) SB 72-0784 R00, dated 
May 4, 2018; GE SB GE90-100 S/B 72-0788, Revision 4, dated July 30, 
2018; and GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0793 R00, dated August 10, 2018. The SBs 
describe procedures for removing the affected combustion cases from the 
engine. GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0784 R00 is effective for GE90-100 
turbofan engines with the combustion case S/Ns listed in that SB. GE SB 
GE90-100 S/B 72-0788 is effective for GE90-100 turbofan engines with 
the combustion case S/Ns listed in that SB. GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0793 
R00 is effective for GE90-100 turbofan engines with the combustion case 
S/Ns listed in that SB. 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 removal of the affected combustion cases from 
service and their replacement with a part eligible for installation.

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

[[Page 53975]]

and comment prior to the 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. Certain 
combustion cases must be removed within 10 cycles after the effective 
date of this AD to ensure they do not fail. Therefore, we find good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable. In addition, for the reason 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-
0898 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-29-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 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 six 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the combustion case....  20 work-hours x $85 per         $623,700        $625,400      $3,752,400
                                         hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2018-20-22 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-19456; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0898; Product Identifier 2018-NE-29-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1, 
GE90-113B, and GE90-115B turbofan engines with a case combustor 
assembly (combustion case), part number (P/N) 2063M37G01 or 
2082M19G04, installed with combustion case serial number (S/N) 
listed in:
    (i) Table 1 in paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, of GE GE90-
100 Service Bulletin (SB) S/B 72-0788, Revision 4, dated July 30, 
2018; or
    (ii) Paragraph 1.A, Table 1 of GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0793 R00, 
dated August 10, 2018; or
    (iii) Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, of GE SB GE90-100 SB 
72-0784 R00, dated May 4, 2018.
    (2) [Reserved.]

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of a quality escape at a 
manufacturing facility involving unapproved welds on combustion 
cases. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the combustion 
case. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine 
fire and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 53976]]

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For combustion cases listed in Planning Information, Table 
1, paragraph 1.A. of GE SB GE90-100 S/B 72-0788, Revision 4, dated 
July 30, 2018, except combustion cases with S/Ns FDBK3717, FDBK3872, 
or FDBK4849, remove the affected cases from service, using the 
cycles specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR26OC18.001

    (2) For combustion cases with S/Ns listed in Table 3, paragraph 
1.C., Planning Information, of GE SB GE90-100 S/B 72-0788, Revision 
4, dated July 30, 2018, remove the affected cases from service 
before exceeding the Maximum In-Service CSN listed in Table 3, of GE 
SB GE90-100 S/B 72-0788, Revision 4, dated July 30, 2018.
    (3) For combustion cases with S/Ns listed in paragraph 1.A., 
Planning Information, of GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0784 R00, dated May 4, 
2018, remove the affected cases from service within 10 cycles in 
service from the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For combustion cases with S/Ns listed in Table 1, paragraph 
1.A., Planning Information, of GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0793 R00, dated 
August 10, 2018, remove the affected cases from service at the next 
engine shop visit.
    (5) Replace the removed combustion case with a part eligible for 
installation before further flight.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine, without subsequent engine maintenance, 
does not constitute an engine shop visit.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is any combustion case not identified in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this AD or a combustion case listed in this AD that has 
been inspected and repaired by a method approved by the Manager, ECO 
Branch, FAA.

(i) 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 (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Smith, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

(k) 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 (GE) GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 
SB 72-0784 R00, dated May 4, 2018.
    (ii) GE SB GE90-100 S/B 72-0788, Revision 4, dated July 30, 
2018.
    (iii) GE SB GE90-100 SB 72-0793 R00, dated August 10, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 
45215; telephone 513-552-3272; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at 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 October 18, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-23468 Filed 10-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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