Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63193-63195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22038]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0557; Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E; 
Amendment 39-21269; AD 2020-20-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-15-04 
for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, 
CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, 
CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-
80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-
80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F model 
turbofan engines. AD 2018-15-04 required ultrasonic inspection (UI) of 
high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks. This AD retains 
the required inspections while expanding the population of affected HPT 
disks. This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 
disk and the manufacturer's determination to expand the population of 
affected HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 12, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 12, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: 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]; website: www.ge.com. 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-2020-
0557.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0557; 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, 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: Scott Stevenson, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7132; 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 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 
43739, August 28, 2018) (``AD 2018-15-04''). AD 2018-15-04 applied to 
certain GE CF6-80A, CF6-80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-
80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, 
CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-
80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-
80C2D1F, CF6-80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F model turbofan engines. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2020 (85 FR 35024). The 
NPRM was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 disk and 
the manufacturer's determination to expand the population of affected 
HPT disks. The NPRM proposed to retain the required inspections of AD 
2018-15-04, while expanding the population of affected HPT disks. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Update the No-Reporting Requirements

    Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that the FAA update paragraph (h) 
of this AD to include a no-reporting requirement with respect to 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(3), of GE CF6-80A Service 
Bulletin (SB) 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019 (``GE SB 72-0869 R02''). 
DAL reasoned that paragraph (h) of the NPRM contains a no-reporting 
requirement for the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) 
and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019 (``GE 
SB 72-1562 R04''); but fails to include a no-reporting requirement 
associated with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(3), of 
GE SB 72-0869 R02.
    The FAA disagrees. Paragraph (g)(1) of this AD requires a UI of the 
HPT stage 1 and 2 disks on affected CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines 
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE SB 72-
1562 R04. Within paragraph 3.A.(2) of GE SB 72-1562 R04 are 
instructions that include reporting certain information to GE. 
Therefore, the FAA found it necessary to indicate in this AD that these 
reporting instructions are not required. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD 
requires the use of paragraph 3.A.(2) of GE SB 72-0869 R02, which does 
not include reporting instructions to perform the UI. This AD does not 
require the use of paragraph 3.A.(3) of GE SB 72-0869 R02 and, as such, 
the addition of a no-reporting requirement for that paragraph is 
unnecessary.

Support for the AD

    The Boeing Company, FedEx Express, United Airlines Engineering, and 
the Air Line Pilots Association, International, expressed support for 
the AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, 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:

[[Page 63194]]

    <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 CF6-80C2 SB 72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019. 
The SB describes procedures for UI of CF6-80C2 turbofan engine HPT 
stage 1 and 2 disks. The FAA also reviewed GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, 
dated May 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for UI of CF6-80A 
turbofan engine HPT stage 2 disks. 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 1,512 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UI of HPT disk........................  10 work-hours x $85 per               $0            $850      $1,285,200
                                         hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that are required based on the results of the inspection. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT stage 1 disk.............  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =        $799,700     $799,721.25
                                                 $21.25.
Replace CF6-80C2 HPT stage 2 disk.............  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =         364,600      364,621.25
                                                 $21.25.
Replace CF6-80A HPT stage 2 disk..............  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =         344,000      344,021.25
                                                 $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

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) 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 
(83 FR 43739, August 28, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-20-13 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21269; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0557; Project Identifier AD-2020-00541-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 12, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-15-04, Amendment 39-19336 (83 FR 43739, 
August 28, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A, CF6-
80A1, CF6-80A2, CF6-80A3, CF6-80C2A1, CF6-80C2A2, CF6-80C2A3, CF6-
80C2A5, CF6-80C2A5F, CF6-80C2A8, CF6-80C2B1, CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-
80C2B2, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-
80C2B6, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B6FA, CF6-80C2B7F, CF6-80C2D1F, CF6-
80C2L1F, and CF6-80C2K1F model turbofan engines with high-pressure 
turbine (HPT) disks with serial numbers listed in Tables 1 and 2 of 
Appendix A in GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1562 R04, dated 
May 29, 2019; and Table 1 of Appendix A in GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 
R02, dated May 29, 2019.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of an HPT stage 2 
disk and the manufacturer's determination to expand the population 
of affected HPT disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the HPT stage 1 disk (CF6-80C2 engines) and the HPT stage 2 disk 
(CF6-80C2 and CF6-80A

[[Page 63195]]

engines). The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an 
uncontained HPT disk release, 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) After the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic 
inspection (UI) for cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on the 
CF6-80C2 turbofan engine at each piece-part exposure using the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(2), of GE CF6-80C2 SB 
72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, perform a UI for cracks 
in HPT stage 2 disks on the CF6-80A turbofan engine at each piece-
part exposure using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.A.(2), of GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019.
    (3) If any disk fails the inspection required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD, replace the disk before further flight.

(h) No Reporting Requirements

    The reporting requirements specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(2)(f), of GE CF6-80C2 
SB 72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019, are not required by this AD.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' of the HPT 
stage 1 or stage 2 disk is the separation of that HPT disk from its 
mating rotor parts within the HPT rotor module (thermal shield and 
HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disk, respectively).

(j) 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 (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Scott Stevenson, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7132; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

(l) 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) CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 
72-1562 R04, dated May 29, 2019.
    (ii) GE CF6-80A SB 72-0869 R02, dated May 29, 2019.
    (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]; website: www.ge.com.
    (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 September 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22038 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
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