Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55816-55818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24386]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0934; Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-AD; Amendment 
39-19478; AD 2018-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance 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 
Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277 turbofan engines with a 
certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) case installed. This AD requires 
removal of affected HPT stator cases (HPT 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 HPT cases. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 23, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 23, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 24, 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 
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-
565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: 
www.engineallianceportal.com. You may view this service information at 
the

[[Page 55817]]

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-2018-0934.

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-
0934; 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 EA of a quality escape at one of their suppliers, 
AECC Aero Science and Technology Co., Ltd., which was performing welds 
on newly-manufactured components to correct errors introduced in their 
manufacturing process. These welds were not reviewed or approved by 
either EA or the FAA. EA's review of manufacturing records determined 
that these parts include HPT cases installed on EA GP7270, GP7272, and 
GP7277 turbofan engines. These HPT cases are life limited. The 
unapproved repairs reduced the material capability of these HPT 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 HPT 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 EA Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EAGP7-A72-401, dated 
August 23, 2018; and EA Service Bulletin (SB) EAGP7-72-399, dated June 
4, 2018. EA ASB EAGP7-A72-401 describes procedures for removing and 
replacing the affected HPT case, within the identified cycles. EA SB 
EAGP7-72-399 describes procedures for removing and replacing the 
affected HPT case within the specified part cycles since new or part 
cycles since overhaul. 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 HPT cases from service and 
their replacement with a part eligible for installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary. 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-
0934 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-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 zero 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 HPT case...........  20 work-hours x $85 per         $339,400        $341,100              $0
                                         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.

[[Page 55818]]

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):

2018-22-05 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39-19478; Docket No. FAA-2018-
0934; Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and 
GP7277 turbofan engines, with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) stator 
case (HPT case), part number (P/N) 2060M40G02 or 2137M29G01 
installed, and with HPT case serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in 
Planning Information, Table 1, of EA Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
EAGP7-A72-401, dated August 23, 2018, and in Planning Information, 
Table 1, of EA Service Bulletin (SB) EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4, 
2018.

(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 performing unapproved welds on HPT cases. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 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.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 1, of EA 
ASB EAGP7-A72-401, dated August 23, 2018, remove the affected HPT 
case from service within the cycles identified in Table 1 of EA SB 
EAGP7-A72-401 after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 1, of 
EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4, 2018, remove the affected HPT cases from 
service, using the number of part cycles since new (PCSN) or part 
cycles since overhaul (PCSO), whichever is less, as specified in 
Table 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

        Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(2) of This AD--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Remove from service within
               PCSN or PCSO                    these cycles after the
                                              effective date of this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1000............................  150 cycles.
1001 to 2000..............................  125 cycles.
2001 to 3000..............................  100 cycles.
3001 to 4000..............................  75 cycles.
4001 to 5000..............................  50 cycles.
5001 or more..............................  25 cycles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Replace the removed HPT case with a part eligible for 
installation before further flight.

(h) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is any HPT case not identified in paragraph (c) of this AD or an HPT 
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) Engine Alliance (EA) Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401, 
dated August 23, 2018.
    (ii) EA Service Bulletin EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 
800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: 
www.engineallianceportal.com.
    (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 November 2, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24386 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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