[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16066-16067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7977]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-ANE-63; Amendment 39-9957; AD 97-05-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International CFM56-5 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 CFM International CFM56-5 series turbofan engines, that 
requires rework of the air turbine engine starter. This amendment is 
prompted by three reports of air turbine engine starter failures. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent an air turbine 
engine starter failure, which could result in damage to the engine 
electrical harnesses.

DATES: Effective June 3, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from CFM International, Technical Publications Department, One 
Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513) 552-2981, fax (513) 
552-2816. 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 CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-5 
series turbofan engines was published in the Federal Register on April 
15, 1996 (61 FR 16420). That action proposed to require rework of the 
air turbine engine starter.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Two commenters support the rule as proposed.
    Although no comments were received regarding the compliance end-
date stated in the compliance section of the proposed rule, the FAA has 
revised the calendar end-date to July 31, 1997, based upon the 
anticipated effective date of this AD.
    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 change described 
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 190 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 
work hours per engine to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $2,400 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $478,800.
    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

[[Page 16067]]

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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

97-05-13  CFM International: Amendment 39-9957. Docket 95-ANE-63.

    Applicability: CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-5 series turbofan 
engines, installed with air turbine engine starter, Part Number 301-
781-201-0, installed on but not limited to Airbus A320 series 
aircraft.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required on or before July 31, 1997, unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent an air turbine engine starter failure, which could 
result in damage to the engine electrical harnesses, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For air turbine engine starters, Part Number 301-781-201-0, 
that have not been previously reworked in accordance with any 
revision level of CFMI CFM56-5 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 80-003, 
rework the air turbine engine starter in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of CFMI CFM56-5 SB No. 80-003, Revision 
5, dated October 25, 1994.
    (b) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following CFMI SB:

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               Document No.                 Pages            Revision                         Date              
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CFM56-5 SB No. 80-003....................     1-3  5..........................  October 25, 1994.               
                                             4-13  Original...................  July 16, 1991.                  
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    Total Pages: 13.
    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 CFM International, Technical Publications 
Department, One Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513)552-
2981, fax (513)552-2816. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 3, 1997.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 24, 1997.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service. 
[FR Doc. 97-7977 Filed 4-3-97; 8:45 am]
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