[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25192]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 25, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-02; Amendment 39-9034; AD 94-20-06]

 

Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-80C2 
Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 series turbofan 
engines, that requires a repetitive oil quantity check after engine 
start-up but prior to taxi, and installation of a flame arrestor plug 
support (FAPS) in the aft end of the center vent tube as a terminating 
action to the repetitive oil quantity checks. This amendment is 
prompted by three reports of uncontained engine failure due to 
separation of the fan mid shaft. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent an uncontained engine failure and inflight engine 
shutdown due to fuel contamination of the oil system.

DATES: Effective December 27, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 27, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from General Electric Aircraft Engines, CF6 Distribution 
Clerk, Room 132, 111 Merchant Street, Cincinnati, OH 45246. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glorianne Messemer, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone (617) 238-7132, fax (617) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-
80C2 series turbofan engines was published in the Federal Register on 
May 2, 1994 (59 FR 22565). That action proposed to require a repetitive 
oil quantity check after engine start-up but prior to taxi, and 
installation of a flame arrestor plug support (FAPS) in the aft end of 
the center vent tube (CVT) as a terminating action to the repetitive 
oil quantity checks. The installation would be accomplished in 
accordance with GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-648, Revision 
1, dated January 11, 1993, and GE CF6-80C2 SB No. 72-095, Revision 2, 
dated January 11, 1993.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the rule as proposed.
    One commenter (the engine manufacturer) states that in the Summary 
and Discussion sections the word ``and'' should be replaced with 
``but'' to read ``* * * require a repetitive oil quantity check after 
engine start up but prior to taxi.'' The commenter adds that the word 
``and'' may cause some confusion and lead an operator to believe there 
may be two checks. The FAA concurs and has revised this final rule 
accordingly.
    The commenter further states that in the Discussion section and 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of the compliance section the phrase ``* * * if 
the oil quantity indicates 5 gallons (20 quarts) or more'' should be 
changed to ``* * * if the oil quantity indicates 5.5 gallons or more on 
Boeing 747-200/300 aircraft or 22 units or more on all other 
applications.'' The commenter notes that this change would avoid 
unnecessary maintenance action. Operator feedback shows that there were 
too many aircraft making unnecessary trips back to the gate. The 
additional margin of 0.5 gallons and 2 units was established because 
there was no contamination when the previous limit of 5 gallons (20 
quarts) was exceeded. Both quarts and liters are used by different 
operators, and in this situation the difference between quarts and 
liters is negligible. The FAA concurs and has revised this final rule 
accordingly.
    The commenter further states that in paragraph (d) of the 
compliance section the clause ``* * * replace the fan mid shaft 
assembly, the mid fan duct assembly'' should be changed to ``* * * 
replace the small diameter mid fan duct assembly (CVT).'' The commenter 
notes that GE CF6-80C2 SB No. 72-095, Revision 2, dated January 11, 
1993, introduces into production a new fan mid shaft assembly, mid fan 
duct assembly (CVT), No. 6 bearing plug, preformed packing, and new 
retaining ring. That SB also provides accomplishment instructions to 
remove the small diameter CVT and replace it with a larger diameter CVT 
that will accommodate the flame arrestor. The SB does not require 
replacement of the fan mid shaft. The FAA concurs and has revised this 
final rule accordingly.
    The commenter further states that 14 center vent tube extension 
hardware kits have been provided to the fleet. Installation of the CVT 
extension in accordance with GE CF6-80C2 Service Evaluation Bulletin 
(SEB) No. 72-628, dated July 15, 1993, should be an acceptable means of 
compliance for this AD. The FAA concurs and has revised this final rule 
accordingly by adding a new paragraph (f).
    One commenter states that the oil quantity to initiate inspection 
action should be 22 quarts instead of 20. The commenter notes that 
operating experience on Boeing aircraft led to a revision in the Boeing 
Operations Bulletin to use the 22 quart figure. The FAA concurs in 
part. This final rule has been revised to refer to 22 units rather than 
quarts, as described in a previous response.
    The economic analysis in the proposed rule included all 1,570 
engines in the fleet. The manufacturer has advised the FAA that this 
number is overly conservative and that there are only approximately 300 
engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry. Out of the 300 engines, 
an estimated 96% have accomplished the requirements of this AD. The 
economic analysis of this final rule has been revised accordingly.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 300 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 
work hours per engine to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $2,316 per engine. Out of the 300 engines, the 
manufacturer has advised the FAA that 96% of the fleet have 
accomplished the requirements of this AD. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$33,072.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air Transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-20-06 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-9034. Docket 94-ANE-
02.

    Applicability: General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 series 
turbofan engines installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A300 and 
A310 series, Boeing 747 and 767 series, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 
series aircraft.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent an uncontained engine failure and inflight engine 
shutdown due to fuel contamination of the oil system, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Before each flight, perform an oil quantity inspection for 
fuel contamination at least 30 seconds after the engine reaches 
stabilized idle but prior to taxi. If the oil quantity indicates 5.5 
gallons or more on Boeing 747-200/300 aircraft or 22 units or more 
on all other applications, maintenance investigation is required 
prior to takeoff.
    (b) If the oil quantity indicates 5.5 gallons or more on Boeing 
747-200/300 aircraft or 22 units or more on all other applications, 
flush and troubleshoot the oil system for fuel contamination prior 
to further flight.
    (c) For engines with No. 6 bearing plug, Part Number (P/N) 
1375M78G01, replace the No. 6 bearing plug with center vent tube 
(CVT) flame arrestor plug support (FAPS) in accordance with GE CF6-
80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-648, Revision 1, dated January 11, 
1993, prior to January 23, 1995.
    (d) For engines with No. 6 bearing plug, P/N 9362M36G01, replace 
the small diameter mid fan duct assembly CVT and the retaining ring, 
in accordance with GE CF6-80C2 SB No. 72-095, Revision 2, dated 
January 11, 1993, and replace the No. 6 bearing plug with CVT FAPS 
in accordance with GE CF6-80C2 SB No. 72-648, Revision 1, dated 
January 11, 1993, prior to January 23, 1995.
    (e) Installation of the CVT FAPS in accordance with paragraphs 
(c) or (d) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of this AD.
    (f) Installation of the center vent tube extension in accordance 
with GE CF6-80C2 Service Evaluation Bulletin (SEB) No. 72-628, dated 
July 15, 1993, constitutes an acceptable means of compliance with 
this AD.
    (g) The oil quantity inspection required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD may be performed by the pilot. The checks must be recorded 
in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Section 43.9, 
and records maintained by the owner/operator as required by FAR 
Section 121.380(a)(2)(v), or 91.417(a)(2)(v), as applicable.
    (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. The 
request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Engine Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

    (i) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (j) The replacement of the CVT FAPS shall be done in accordance 
with the following service bulletins: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Document No.         Pages     Revision              Date         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GE CF6-80C2, SB No. 72-      1-15  2              January 11, 1993.     
 095.                                                                   
                         ---------                                      
    Total pages.........       15                                       
                         =========                                      
GE CF6-80C2, SB No. 72-      1-16  1              January 11, 1993.     
 648.                                                                   
                         ---------                                      
    Total pages.........       16                                       
                         =========                                      
GE CF6-80C2, SEB No. 72-     1-13  Original       July 15, 1993.        
 628.                                                                   
                         ---------                                      
    Total pages.........       13                                       
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    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from General Electric Aircraft 
Engines, CF6 Distribution Clerk, Room 132, 111 Merchant Street, 
Cincinnati, OH 45246. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (k) This amendment becomes effective on December 27, 1994.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 23, 1994.
Mark C. Fulmer,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-25192 Filed 10-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P