Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 21, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38407-38409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15397]



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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 21, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 38407]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0102; Project Identifier AD-2020-01270-E; 
Amendment 39-21621; AD 2021-13-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67/P, and GEnx-
2B67B model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a 
crack in the lower fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. This AD requires 
an ultrasonic inspection (USI) or a fluorescent penetrant inspection 
(FPI) of the lower fuel manifold. Depending on the results of the USI 
or FPI, this AD requires replacement of the lower fuel manifold with a 
part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 25, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact General Electric Company, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0102.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0102; 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: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7178; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain GE GEnx-2B67, 
GEnx-2B67/P, and GEnx-2B67B model turbofan engines. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11670). The NPRM 
was prompted by a report that a GEnx-2B model turbofan engine installed 
on a Boeing Model 747-8 airplane was removed from service due to 
confirmed fuel leakage from a lower fuel manifold in May 2019. The 
operator observed fuel leakage during a routine borescope inspection of 
the high-pressure turbine and later confirmed, by ultrasonic 
inspection, a crack at brazed block #4 in the pilot secondary fuel 
circuit tube on the lower fuel manifold. The FAA received two similar 
reports, in March 2020 and May 2020, of a fuel leak from the lower fuel 
manifold at brazed block #4. The manufacturer has identified the root 
cause of this cracking as low-cycle fatigue due to the abrupt 
transition created by the brazed support block pad and its inability to 
slide due to thermal loads as intended. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed 
to require an USI or an FPI of the lower fuel manifold. Depending on 
the results of the USI or FPI, the NPRM proposed to require replacement 
of the lower fuel manifold with a part eligible for installation. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from five commenters. The commenters were 
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA); Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes (Boeing); Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (Cathay); GE; and 
United Parcel Service (UPS). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request for Confirmation That Alternate Ultrasonic Probes Are Approved

    UPS requested confirmation of whether the alternate probes listed 
in Appendix--A, paragraph 4.1.1. of GE GEnx-2B Service Bulletin (SB) 
73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021 (SB 73-0089 R01), are approved 
alternate ultrasonic probes to inspect the lower fuel manifold. UPS 
reasoned that Appendix--A, paragraph 4.1.1. of SB 73-0089 R01 indicates 
that ultrasonic probes part number (P/N) 00-010012 and P/N 00-010013 
are approved alternates for ultrasonic probes P/N 389-085-151 and P/N 
389-085-161, respectively. However, the inspection procedure, figures, 
and record log in SB 73-0089 R01 only list ultrasonic probe P/N 389-
085-151 and P/N 389-085-161.
    The FAA confirms that alternate ultrasonic probes, P/N 00-010012 
and P/N 00-010013, are approved alternates, and this AD does not 
prohibit their use.

Request for Allowance of Alternative Probe Application Tool

    UPS requested that the FAA allow alternative, locally manufactured 
probe application tools to aid in the installation of the ultrasonic 
probes on the lower fuel manifold. UPS reasoned that during the 
installation of the ultrasonic probes on the lower fuel manifold using 
probe application tool P/N SGP-156, which is included with the GE 
Aircraft Engines Inspection Kit P/N GE-FQAP-677, maintenance noted that 
in certain locations, modifying the GE probe application tool provides

[[Page 38408]]

easier installation of the ultrasonic probes. UPS commented that all 
locally manufactured probe application tools would be removed before 
the USI, similar to using probe application tool P/N SGP-156.
    This AD does not address requests for specific tool modifications. 
However, the FAA will consider requests for alternative methods of 
compliance requests in accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD that 
include a request for the modifications to the probe application tool.

Request for Add Credit for Previous Action

    Cathay requested that this AD provide credit for previous 
performance of inspections of the fuel manifold before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with both GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, 
dated January 11, 2021, and R00, dated May 8, 2020.
    The FAA agrees. The instructions for accomplishing the on-wing USI 
and FPI have not changed between R00, dated May 8, 2020, and R01, dated 
January 11, 2021, of GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089. The FAA added a Credit for 
Previous Actions paragraph to this AD.

Support for the AD

    ALPA, Boeing, and GE expressed support for the AD as written.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products except for minor editorial changes and any 
other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021. 
The service information specifies procedures for performing an initial 
on-wing visual inspection, a USI, or an FPI of the top main fuel 
manifold and the lower fuel manifold. The service information also 
specifies procedures for performing repetitive in-shop visual 
inspection and FPI for GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. The service 
information also provides instructions for replacing the top main fuel 
manifold and lower fuel manifold if a crack is found that exceeds the 
manufacturer's criteria or if a leak is detected during inspection. 
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 ADDRESSES.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design 
approval holder is currently developing a modification to address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 156 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI or USI of the lower fuel manifold.  16 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,360        $212,160
                                         hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the lower fuel manifold...............  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $47,730         $47,900
                                                 $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals.

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

    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) 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.

[[Page 38409]]

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-13-16 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21621; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0102; Project Identifier AD-2020-01270-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67, 
GEnx-2B67/P, and GEnx-2B67B model turbofan engines with lower fuel 
manifold, part number (P/N) 2619M58G01, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7310, Engine Fuel 
Distribution.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the lower fuel 
manifold. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect cracking of the lower 
fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in failure of the fuel manifold, 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) Within the compliance time specified in Table 1 to paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, perform either an ultrasonic inspection (USI), an 
on-wing spot fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), or an in-shop 
FPI of the lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, in accordance with 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this AD, as applicable.

              Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Compliance Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Lower fuel manifold cycles
       since new (CSN)                      Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1,700 CSN..........  After the lower fuel manifold has
                                accumulated 1,700 CSN, but before it
                                exceeds 2,200 CSN.
1,700 CSN or more............  Within 500 engine flight cycles (FCs)
                                after the effective date of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Perform a USI of the lower fuel manifold at the locations 
adjacent to the five support block pads to detect cracks in 
accordance with paragraph 4. Appendix--A of GEnx-2B Service Bulletin 
(SB) 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021.
    (ii) Perform an on-wing spot FPI of the lower fuel manifold at 
the five brazed block joints to detect cracks. Guidance on 
performing the spot FPI can be found in paragraph 3.B.(6)(a) of 
GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021.
    (iii) Perform an in-shop FPI of the lower fuel manifold at the 
five brazed block joints to detect cracks. Guidance on performing 
the FPI can be found in paragraph 3.C.(4) of GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, 
dated January 11, 2021.
    (2) If a crack or rejectable indication is found during the USI, 
on-wing spot FPI, or in-shop FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i), 
(ii), and (iii) of this AD, before further flight, remove the lower 
fuel manifold from service and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is:
    (1) Any serviceable lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, with 
less than 1,700 CSN, or
    (2) Any lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, with 1,700 CSN or 
more that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(ii), or (iii) of this AD and a crack or rejectable indication was 
not found, or
    (3) Any approved lower fuel manifold with a part number other 
than P/N 2619M58G01.

 (i) No Reporting Requirements

    The reporting requirements specified in paragraph 4. Appendix--A 
of GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021, are not 
required by this AD.

 (j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD if you performed these actions before the effective date 
of this AD using GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R00, dated May 8, 2020.

 (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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Alexei Marqueen, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7178; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

(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 GEnx-2B Service Bulletin 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 
2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For General Electric Company service information identified 
in this AD, contact General Electric Company, 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 June 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15397 Filed 7-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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