Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2709-2713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01589]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0042; Product Identifier 2018-NE-25-AD; Amendment 
39-19548; AD 2019-02-01]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-16-07, 
which applied to certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx turbofan 
engines. AD 2018-16-07 required removal and replacement of affected 
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stator cases (HPT cases). This AD retains 
those requirements, but reduces certain compliance times. This AD was 
prompted by the discovery of a quality escape at a manufacturing 
facility and a determination that the compliance time for the removal 
and replacement of certain HPT cases must be reduced. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 25, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 25, 
2019.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by March 25, 2019.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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, 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 and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA. 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-2019-0042.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 2710]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0042; 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 Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7147; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-16-07, Amendment 39-19347 (83 FR 36724, July 31, 
2018) (``AD 2018-16-07''), for certain GE GEnx-1B54, -1B58, -1B64, -
1B67, -1B70, -1B54/P1, -1B58/P1, -1B64/P1, -1B67/P1, -1B70/P1, -1B54/
P2, -1B58/P2, -1B64/P2, -1B67/P2, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70/72/P1, -
1B70/75/P1, -1B74/75/P1, -1B75/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B70/72/P2, -1B70/75/P2, 
-1B74/75/P2, -1B75/P2, -1B76/P2, -1B76A/P2, -1B78/P2, -2B67, -2B67B, 
and -2B67/P turbofan engines. AD 2018-16-07 required removal of 
affected HPT cases from service and their replacement with a part 
eligible for installation. AD 2018-16-07 was prompted by the discovery 
of a quality escape at a manufacturing facility involving unapproved 
reworks on HPT cases. We issued AD 2018-16-07 to address failure of the 
HPT case, which could result in engine fire and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2018-16-07 was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2018-16-07, we have received new data from the 
manufacturer and have determined that certain HPT cases may have a 
reduced fatigue life than previously determined. Because of this 
reduced fatigue life, the HPT cases must be removed and replaced at 
reduced compliance times. Failure to remove and replace the HPT cases 
within the reduced compliance times could result in failure of the HPT 
case resulting in the unsafe condition identified above.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed GE Service Bulletin (SB) GEnx-2B S/B 72-0360, Revision 
04, dated December 4, 2018, and GE SB GEnx-1B S/B 72-0424, Revision 04, 
dated December 3, 2018. This service information describes procedures 
for removing the affected HPT cases from the engine. GE SB GEnx-1B S/B 
72-0424 is effective for GEnx-1B engines with the serial numbers of HPT 
cases listed therein. GE SB GEnx-2B S/B 72-0360 is effective for GEnx-
2B engines with the serial numbers of HPT cases listed therein. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Inspection 001, Subtask 72-52-01-230-001, of GEnx-1B 
Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair Manual GEK112862, Rev 27, dated April 
30, 2018, and GEnx-2B Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair Manual 
GEK114120, Rev 20, dated April 30, 2018. These manuals provide guidance 
for conducting Class A fluorescent penetrant inspections.

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

    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 of a quality escape at a manufacturing facility involving 
unapproved rework on HPT cases, which could result in failure of the 
HPT case and subsequent engine fire and damage to the airplane. 
Additionally, the compliance time for the required action is shorter 
than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication 
of the final rule. 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-2019-
0042 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-25-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 7 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal and replacement of HPT cases  0 work-hours x $85 per         $362,400         $362,400       $2,536,800
                                       hour = $0.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 2711]]

    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

    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,
    (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-16-07, Amendment 39-19347 (83 FR 36724, July 31, 2018), and adding 
the following new AD:

2019-02-01 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-19548; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0042; Product Identifier 2018-NE-25-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 25, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-16-07, Amendment 39-19347 (83 FR 36724, 
July 31, 2018) (``AD 2018-16-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B54, -
1B58, -1B64, -1B67, -1B70, -1B54/P1, -1B58/P1, -1B64/P1, -1B67/P1, -
1B70/P1, -1B54/P2, -1B58/P2, -1B64/P2, -1B67/P2, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/
P1, -1B70/72/P1, -1B70/75/P1, -1B74/75/P1, -1B75/P1, -1B70C/P2, -
1B70/72/P2, -1B70/75/P2, -1B74/75/P2, -1B75/P2, -1B76/P2, -1B76A/P2, 
-1B78/P2, -2B67, -2B67B, and -2B67/P turbofan engines with a high-
pressure turbine (HPT) stator case (HPT case), part number (P/N) 
2302M90G04 installed, and with any serial number (S/N) listed in 
Table 1, 2, or 3, in the Planning Information section of GE Service 
Bulletin (SB) GEnx-2B S/B 72-0360, Revision 04, dated December 4, 
2018, or GE SB GEnx-1B S/B 72-0424, Revision 04, dated December 3, 
2018, installed.

(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 rework on HPT cases. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT case and 
subsequent 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 or 2, 
of GE SB GEnx-2B S/B 72-0360, Revision 04, dated December 4, 2018, 
or GE SB GEnx-1B S/B 72-0424, Revision 04, dated December 3, 2018, 
determine the lesser of the following: Cycles since new (CSN) or 
cycles since Class A fluorescent penetrant inspection (CSFPI) of the 
entire HPT case.
    (2) Using the determination made in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
remove from service the HPT case before exceeding the applicable 
cycles in service accrued after August 15, 2018, the effective date 
of AD 2018-16-07, as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD. Replace the removed HPT case with a part eligible for 
installation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE19.001


[[Page 2712]]


    (3) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 3, of GE 
SB GEnx-2B S/B 72-0360, Revision 04, dated December 4, 2018, 
determine the lesser of the following: CSN or CSFPI of the entire 
HPT case.
    (4) Using the determination made in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, 
remove from service the HPT case before exceeding the cycles in 
service specified in Table 2 to paragraph (g)(4) of this AD. Replace 
the removed HPT case with a part eligible for installation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE19.002

    (5) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 3, of GE 
SB GEnx-1B S/B 72-0424, Revision 04, dated December 3, 2018, 
determine the lesser of the following: CSN or CSFPI of the entire 
HPT case.
    (6) Using the determination made in paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, 
remove from service the HPT case before exceeding the cycles in 
service specified in Table 3 to paragraph (g)(6) of this AD. Replace 
the removed HPT case with a part eligible for installation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE19.003

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any affected 
HPT case onto any engine if the HPT case has been disassembled to 
piece-part level. Affected HPT cases are identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(3), and (g)(5) of this AD. Piece-part level is defined 
as when the part is completely disassembled.

(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 Herman Mak, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7147; 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) Service Bulletin (SB) GEnx-2B 
S/B 72-0360, Revision 04, dated December 4, 2018.
    (ii) GE SB GEnx-1B S/B 72-0424, Revision 04, dated December 3, 
2018.
    (3) For GE 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].
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. 
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.


[[Page 2713]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 1, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-01589 Filed 2-7-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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