Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28202-28205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13022]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0414; Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD; Amendment 
39-19656; AD 2019-12-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain CFM International S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21, -1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -
1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B3, -1B28B2C, -1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2 
model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive 
inspections of the transfer gearbox (TGB) scavenge screens and, 
depending on the results of the inspection, possible removal of the 
engine from service. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-
flight shutdowns (IFSDs) due to radial drive shaft (RDS) bearing 
failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 3, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 3, 
2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 2, 2019.

[[Page 28203]]


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 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 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-2019-0414.

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-2019-
0414; 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 is 
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McGuire, Aerospace 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA learned of five commanded IFSD events that occurred on 
certain CFM LEAP-1B model turbofan engines beginning in August 2018. 
CFM's investigations identified debris on the TGB scavenge screen, A-
sump screen, and other screens. Subsequently, CFM determined that these 
IFSD events were the result of inadequate oil flow to the RDS bearing, 
which caused the RDS bearing cage to fail. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of 
thrust control, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

    The FAA reviewed CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-
930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019. The SB describes procedures for 
inspections of TGB scavenge screens and borescope inspection (BSI) of 
the RDS bearing. 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

    The FAA reviewed CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0256-01A-930A-D, Issue 003, 
dated May 17, 2019. The SB describes procedures for an optional BSI of 
the RDS bearing. CFM has cancelled this SB and transferred its content 
to CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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 initial and repetitive inspections of the TGB 
scavenge screens and, depending on the results of the inspection, 
possible removal of the engine from service.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe 
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.

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. 
The affected CFM LEAP-1B model turbofan engines experienced multiple 
RDS bearing cage failures in the last five months resulting in five 
IFSDs. The TGB scavenge screens must be inspected before accumulating 
between 100-250 flight hours since new on the RDS bearing or within 50 
FHs after the effective date of this AD to prevent the failure of the 
RDS bearing, which could lead to in-flight shutdown of both engines, 
loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane. Therefore, the FAA 
finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, the FAA 
finds 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, the FAA invites 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-
0414 and Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final 
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 136 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 28204]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect TGB scavenge screens..........  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $11,560
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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):

2019-12-01 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-19656; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0414; Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 3, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all CFM International S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21, -
1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B3, -1B28B2C, -
1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2 model turbofan engines with radial drive 
shaft (RDS) bearing, part number (P/N) 92D08200 or P/N 92D08201, 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7260, Turbine Engine 
Accessory Drive.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-flight shutdowns 
(IFSDs) due to RDS bearing cage failure. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the RDS bearing. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of 
thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Inspect the transfer gearbox (TGB) 1 and TGB2 scavenge 
screens in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 5.A.(1), of CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-
01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, as follows:
    (i) For affected engines with engine serial number (ESN) 602499 
and lower:
    (A) After the RDS bearing accumulates 50 flight hours (FHs) 
since new but before accumulating 250 FHs since new, or within 50 
FHs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
perform an initial inspection of the TGB1 and TGB2 scavenge screens.
    (B) Thereafter, perform repetitive inspections of the TGB1 and 
TGB2 scavenge screens at intervals not exceeding 250 FHs since the 
last inspection.
    (ii) For affected engines with ESN 602500 and higher:
    (A) After the RDS accumulates 50 FHs since new but before 
accumulating 100 FHs since new, or within 50 FHs after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an initial 
inspection of the TGB1 and TGB2 scavenge screens.
    (B) Thereafter, perform repetitive inspections of the TGB1 and 
TGB2 scavenge screens at intervals not exceeding 100 FHs since the 
last inspection.
    (iii) Based on the results of these inspections, remove the 
engine from service or return the engine to service using the 
criteria in the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraphs 5.A.(2) 
through 5.A.(5), of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, 
dated May 17, 2019.
    (2) [Reserved]

(h) Optional Borescope Inspection (BSI)

    (1) Once the RDS bearing has accumulated 1,000 FHs since new, 
you may perform a BSI of the RDS bearing in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.B.(1) through 5.B.(8), of 
CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D dated May 17, 2019. If the 
results of this BSI are ``satisfactory'' according to the criteria 
in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.B.(6)(g), of CFM SB 
LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, then 
you are not required to perform the repetitive inspections in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) or (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD until the RDS 
bearing accumulates 4,250 FHs since new.
    (2) [Reserved]

(i) Optional Terminating Action

    (1) As an optional terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii)(B) of 
this AD, you may perform a BSI of the RDS bearing in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraphs 5.B.(1) through 5.B.(8), 
of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 
2019 after the RDS bearing accumulates 3,750 FHs since new.
    (i) If the results of the BSI are ``satisfactory'' using the 
criteria in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.B.(6)(g), of 
CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, 
then you have met the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD 
and no further action is required.

[[Page 28205]]

    (ii) If the results of the BSI are ''unsatisfactory'' using the 
criteria in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.B.(6)(g), of 
CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, 
then you must continue the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) or (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.
    (2) [Reserved]

(j) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, ``flight hours (FHs) since new'' are 
the FHs accumulated on the RDS bearings on new engines delivered 
from production and on engines that have had the RDS bearing 
replaced during an engine shop visit.

(k) No Reporting Requirement

    The reporting requirement in paragraph 5.A.(6) in CFM SB LEAP-
1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, is not 
required by this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the inspections that are required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if you performed those actions before 
the effective date of this AD using CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-
930A-D, Issue 006, dated March 22, 2019, or an earlier revision. You 
may also take credit for the optional BSI in paragraphs (h)(1) or 
the optional terminating inspection in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, 
if you performed that action before the effective date of this AD 
using CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0256-01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated May 6, 
2019, or an earlier revision.

(m) 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 (n) 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.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Christopher McGuire, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

(o) 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) CFM Service Bulletin LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 
007, dated May 17, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For CFM 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].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
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 June 14, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13022 Filed 6-17-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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