Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 144 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45069-45072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16121]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1021; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00120-E; 
Amendment 39-21166; AD 2020-15-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-13 
and AD 2018-03-22 which apply to certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. 
M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model 
turboprop engines. AD 2016-07-13 required inspection of the engine 
power turbine (PT) disk and, if found damaged, its replacement with a 
part eligible for installation. AD 2018-03-22 required the removal of 
certain engine PT disks identified by part number (P/N) installed on 
the affected engines. This AD requires an inspection of the engine PT 
disk and, if found damaged, its replacement with a part eligible for 
installation. This AD also requires the removal of certain engine PT 
disks identified by P/N installed on the affected engines. This AD was 
prompted by the discovery of damage to certain engine PT disks and a 
review by the manufacturer that determined that certain engine PT 
rotors have less overspeed margin than originally declared during 
product certification. This AD was also prompted by the manufacturer 
identifying additional P/Ns and serial numbers (S/Ns) of engine PT 
disks affected by damage or non-conformity since publishing AD 2016-07-
13 and AD 2018-03-22. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 31, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 
9--Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111; fax +420 
222 538 222; email: [email protected]. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1021.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1021; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2016-07-13, Amendment 39-18458 (81 FR 
20222, April 7, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-13''), and AD 2018-03-22, Amendment 
39-19195 (83 FR 6455, February 14, 2018) (``AD 2018-03-22''). AD 2016-
07-13 and AD 2018-03-22 applied to certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. 
M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model 
turboprop engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 21, 2020 (85 FR 10099). The NPRM was prompted by the discovery 
of damage to certain engine PT disks and a review by the manufacturer 
that determined that certain engine PT rotors have less overspeed 
margin than originally declared during product certification. The NPRM 
was also prompted by the manufacturer

[[Page 45070]]

identifying additional P/Ns and S/Ns of engine PT disks affected by 
damage or non-conformity since publishing AD 2016-07-13 and AD 2018-03-
22. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the engine PT disk 
and, if found damaged, its replacement with a part eligible for 
installation. The NPRM also proposed to require the removal of certain 
engine PT disks identified by P/N installed on the affected engines. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2019-0143, dated June 13, 2019 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    During engine shop visits or overhauls, certain PT discs may 
have been damaged in the area of the balance weights. Additional PT 
discs with non-conforming geometry of the slot radius may also have 
been released to service as a result of incorrect machining of the 
PT disc slot.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to PT 
disc failure, with subsequent release of high-energy debris, 
possibly resulting in damage to, and/or reduced control of, the 
aeroplane.
    After [EASA] ADs [2016-0025-E and 2017-0100] were issued, GEAC 
identified additional P/N and s/n of PT discs affected by damage or 
non-conformity. For those, as well as for the PT discs affected by 
the reduction of the declared theoretical PT rotor overspeed limit, 
an update of the risk assessment was performed, and GEAC issued the 
original issue of the ASB, later revised, providing applicable 
instructions.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2019-0061, retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0025-E and EASA AD 2017-0100, which 
were superseded, and requiring a one-time inspection and, depending 
on findings, replacement of certain PT discs identified by P/N and 
s/n. That [EASA] AD also required replacement of certain PT discs 
identified by P/N, and prohibited (re)installation of affected 
parts.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it has been determined that the 
compliance time for replacement of affected part on Group 2 engines 
has to be amended, and GEAC published the ASB (now at Revision 02).
    For the reason stated above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2019-0061, which is superseded, introducing 
amended compliance times for Group 2 engines.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1021.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes.
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-
M601E-72-50-00-0069[02], ASB-M601D-72-50-00-0052[02], ASB-M601T-72-50-
00-0028[02], ASB-M601F-72-50-00-0035[02], and ASB-M601Z-72-50-00-
0038[02] (single document; formatted as service bulletin 
identifier[revision number]), dated June 11, 2019. The ASB provides 
procedures for replacing the engine PT disk. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 24 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. 
M601 turboprop engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA 
estimates that 12 affected turboprop engines are ``Group 1'' engines 
and 12 are ``Group 2'' engines.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the engine PT disk (Group 1     52 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $4,420         $53,040
 engines).                               hour = $4,420.
Replace the engine PT disk (Group 2     56 work-hours x $85 per            6,989          11,749         140,988
 and 3 engines).                         hour = $4,760.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
required inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
engines that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the engine PT disk (Group 1 engines)..  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $6,989          $7,669
                                                 $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in its cost 
estimate.

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

[[Page 45071]]

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.

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-13, Amendment 39-18458 
(81 FR 20222, April 7, 2016), and AD 2018-03-22, Amendment 39-19195 (83 
FR 6455, February 14, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-15-03 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o.: Amendment 39-21166; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-1021; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00120-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 31, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-07-13, Amendment 39-18458 (81 FR 20222, 
April 7, 2016) (``2016-07-13''), and AD 2018-03-22, Amendment 39-
19195 (83 FR 6455, February 14, 2018) (``2018-03-22'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. M601D-11, M601E-
11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model turboprop 
engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of damage to certain 
engine power turbine (PT) disks and a review by the manufacturer 
that determined that certain engine PT rotors have less overspeed 
margin than originally declared during product certification. This 
AD was also prompted by the manufacturer identifying additional part 
numbers (P/Ns) and serial numbers (S/Ns) of engine PT disks affected 
by damage or non-conformity since publishing AD 2016-07-13 and AD 
2018-03-22. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
engine PT disk and rotor. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in uncontained release of the engine PT disk and rotor, 
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) For Group 1 engines: Before the affected engine PT disk 
accumulates the number of cycles since new as specified in 
Attachment B of GE Aviation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-M601E-
72-50-00-0069[02], ASB-M601D-72-50-00-0052[02], ASB-M601T-72-50-00-
0028[02], ASB-M601F-72-50-00-0035[02], and ASB-M601Z-72-50-00-
0038[02] (single document; formatted as service bulletin 
identifier[revision number]), dated June 11, 2019 (``the ASB''), or 
at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first after the 
effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection, dimensional 
inspection, and fluorescent penetrant inspection on the affected 
engine PT disk using Attachment G, Inspection Instruction, of the 
ASB.
    (2) If, during the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any damage is detected, or a non-conforming slot radius is 
found that exceeds the acceptability criteria as defined in Table 
1--PT Disc P/N M601-3220.5 inspection limits of the ASB, before 
further flight, remove the affected engine PT disk from service and 
replace it with a part eligible for installation using Attachment F, 
Replacement Instruction, of the ASB.
    (3) For Group 2 engines: Within the compliance time identified 
in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, modify the engine by 
removing the affected engine PT disk from service and replacing it 
with a part eligible for installation using Attachment F, 
Replacement Instruction, of the ASB.

[[Page 45072]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27JY20.000

    (4) For Group 3 engines: Within five years after March 21, 2018 
(the effective date of AD 2018-03-22), or during the next engine 
shop visit after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, remove the affected engine PT disk from service and replace 
it with a part eligible for installation using Attachment F, 
Replacement Instruction, of the ASB.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a Group 1 engine is a GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o. turboprop engine that has an engine PT disk 
having P/N M601-3220.5 and S/N 407560-158, 407560-164, 406380-196 or 
407560-190, installed.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a Group 2 engine is a GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o. turboprop engine that has an engine PT disk 
having P/N M601-3220.6 or P/N M601-3220.7, and a S/N listed in 
Attachment C of the ASB, installed.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, a Group 3 engine is a GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o. turboprop engine that has an engine PT disk 
having P/N M601-3220.6 or P/N M601-3220.7, and any S/N not listed in 
Attachment C of the ASB, installed.
    (4) For the purpose of this AD, an ``affected engine PT disk'' 
is an engine PT disk having P/N M601-3220.5 and S/N 407560-158, 
407560-164, 406380-196 or 407560-190, except those that passed an 
inspection (no defects detected) using Attachment G, Inspection 
Instruction, of the ASB. An ``affected engine PT disk'' is also an 
engine PT disk having P/N M601-3220.6 or M601-3220.7.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the inspections and replacement of the 
affected engine PT disk that are required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD if you performed the inspections and replacement before the 
effective date of this AD using the ASB, Revision 01 or the original 
issue.

(j) No Reporting Requirement

    The reporting requirements in the Attachment G, Inspection 
Instruction, of the ASB, are not required by this AD.

(k) 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 
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (l)(1) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0143, dated June 13, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-1021.

(m) 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) GE Aviation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-M601E-72-50-00-
0069[02], ASB-M601D-72-50-00-0052[02], ASB-M601T-72-50-00-0028[02], 
ASB-M601F-72-50-00-0035[02], and ASB-M601Z-72-50-00-0038[02] (single 
document; formatted as service bulletin identifier[revision 
number]), dated June 11, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For GE Aviation Czech service information identified in this 
AD, contact GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 
Praha 9--Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111; 
fax +420 222 538 222; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16121 Filed 7-24-20; 8:45 am]
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