[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4158-4160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1704]



[[Page 4158]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 89-ANE-05; Amendment 39-10290; AD 89-23-06 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International CFM56-2, -3, -3B, -
3C, and -5 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-2, -3, -3B, -3C, and 
-5 series turbofan engines, that currently requires repetitive magnetic 
chip detector (MCD) inspections and removal from service of certain No. 
3 bearings. This amendment removes the requirement for MCD inspections 
for certain No. 3 bearings if the bearing has 6,000 or more hours time 
in service since new, extends the removal from service date for certain 
No. 3 bearings, changes the inspection interval for certain No. 3 
bearings, deletes a specific No. 3 bearing part number, and replaces 
reference to specific maintenance manuals with service bulletins. Other 
requirements of the current AD remain unchanged and are carried over 
into this revised AD. This amendment is prompted by additional data 
that demonstrates a reduced bearing failure rate after a period of time 
in service; therefore, an acceptable level of safety can be maintained 
with a relaxation of some of the current AD requirements. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent a No. 3 bearing failure, 
and a subsequent inflight engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective January 28, 1998. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of January 28, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from CFM International, Technical Publications Department, 1 
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 Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 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 (781) 238-7132, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 89-23-06, 
Amendment 39-6370 (54 FR 43581, October 26, 1989), which is applicable 
to CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-2, -3, -3B, -3C, and -5 series 
turbofan engines, was published in the Federal Register on September 
19, 1997 (62 FR 49177). That action proposed to require removing the 
requirement for magnetic chip detector (MCD) inspections for certain 
No. 3 bearings if the bearing has 6,000 or more hours time in service 
since new, extending the removal from service date for certain No. 3 
bearings, changing the inspection interval for certain No. 3 bearings, 
deleting a specific No. 3 bearing part number, and replacing reference 
to specific maintenance manuals with service bulletins. Other 
requirements of the current AD remain unchanged and are carried over 
into this revised AD.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Two comments were received from air 
carriers, both of which support the rule as proposed. No comments were 
received on the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    The FAA has revised paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2) of this AD in 
order to more accurately define an ``affected No. 3 bearing.'' In 
addition, the FAA has revised paragraph (h) of this AD in order to more 
accurately define a ``shop visit''. Lastly, the FAA has added paragraph 
(g) in the AD to clarify what constitutes terminating action to the 
inspections required by the AD.
    The FAA has also revised the calendar end-date in paragraphs (a)(2) 
and (b)(2) of this AD to January 31, 1998, based upon the anticipated 
effective date of this AD.
    All changes introduced in this revised AD are relaxatory in nature 
except for the new inspection interval in paragraph (d). The 
manufacturer has advised the FAA that there is only one engine, not 
installed on a U.S. registered aircraft, that is affected by this new 
inspection interval. Therefore, no additional cost to U.S. operators is 
expected to result from this relaxatory action. In addition, since no 
U.S. operators will be affected by the new inspection interval a 
situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation. 
Therefore, it is found that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days following publication.
    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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-6370 (54 FR 
43581, October 26, 1989) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-10290, to read as follows:

89-23-06 R1 CFM International: Amendment 39-10290. Docket 89-ANE-05. 
Revises AD 89-23-06, Amendment 39-6370.

    Applicability: CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-2, -3, -3B, -3C, 
and -5 series turbofan engines, installed on but not limited

[[Page 4159]]

to Airbus A319 and A320 series, McDonnell Douglas DC-8 series, and 
Boeing 737 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 (i) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a No. 3 bearing failure and subsequent inflight 
engine shutdown, accomplish the following:
    (a) For CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C series engines equipped with No. 3 
bearings, Part Number (P/N) 9732M10P12 (Serial Number (S/N) series 
FAFDxxxx or FAFExxxx); 9732M10P18; or 1362M76P02 accomplish the 
following:
    (1) Inspect the forward sump magnetic chip detector (MCD) in 
accordance with CFM56-3/-3B/-3C Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-530, 
Revision 3, dated November 17, 1995, within the next 50 hours time 
in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. Thereafter, 
inspect the forward sump MCD at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS 
since the last inspection (SLI) in accordance with CFM56-3/-3B/-3C 
SB No. 72-530, Revision 3, dated November 17, 1995, until 
accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2) below, or, for bearing P/N 
9732M10P12, until the TIS since new is 6,000 hours or more. Remove 
from service, prior to further flight, engines which exhibit MCD 
metallic debris defined as not serviceable in accordance with CFM56-
3/-3B/-3C SB No. 72-530, Revision 3, dated November 17, 1995.
    (2) Remove from service No. 3 bearings, P/N 9732M10P18 and 
1362M76P02, at the next shop visit, or before January 31, 1998, 
whichever occurs first. Removal of No. 3 bearings in accordance with 
this paragraph constitutes terminating action to the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
    (b) For CFM56-2 series engines equipped with No. 3 bearings, P/N 
9732M10P12 (S/N series FAFDxxxx or FAFExxxx) or 9732M10P18, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Inspect the forward sump MCD in accordance with CFM56-2 SB 
No. 72-620, Revision 4, dated November 17, 1995, within the next 50 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. Thereafter, inspect 
the forward sump MCD at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS SLI in 
accordance with CFM56-2 SB No. 72-620, Revision 4, dated November 
17, 1995, until accomplishment of paragraph (b)(2) below, or, for 
bearing P/N 9732M10P12, until the TIS since new is 6,000 hours or 
more. Remove from service, prior to further flight, engines which 
exhibit MCD metallic debris defined as not serviceable in accordance 
with CFM56-2 SB No. 72-620, Revision 4, dated November 17, 1995.
    (2) Remove from service No. 3 bearings, P/N 9732M10P18, at the 
next engine shop visit, or before January 31, 1998, whichever occurs 
first. Removal of No. 3 bearings in accordance with this paragraph 
constitutes terminating action to the inspection requirements of 
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.
    (c) For CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C series engines equipped with No. 3 
bearings, P/N 9732M10P10; 9732M10P17; or 9732M10P12 (S/N series 
other than FAFDxxxx or FAFExxxx), inspect the forward sump MCD in 
accordance with CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB No. 72-530, Revision 3, dated 
November 17, 1995, within the next 75 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD. Thereafter, inspect the forward sump MCD at 
intervals not to exceed 75 hours TIS SLI in accordance with CFM56-3/
-3B/-3C SB No. 72-530, Revision 3, dated November 17, 1995, until 
the bearing TIS since new is 6,000 hours or more. Remove from 
service, prior to further flight, engines which exhibit MCD metallic 
debris defined as not serviceable in accordance with CFM56-3/-3B/-3C 
SB No. 72-530, Revision 3, dated November 17, 1995.
    (d) For CFM56-2 series engines equipped with No. 3 bearings, P/N 
9732M10P10; 9732M10P17; or 9732M10P12 (S/N series other than 
FAFDxxxx or FAFExxxx), inspect the forward sump MCD in accordance 
with CFM56-2 SB No. 72-620, Revision 4, dated November 17, 1995, 
within the next 75 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. 
Thereafter, inspect the forward sump MCD at intervals not to exceed 
75 hours TIS SLI in accordance with CFM56-2 SB No. 72-620, Revision 
4, dated November 17, 1995, until the bearing TIS since new is 6,000 
hours or more. Remove from service, prior to further flight, engines 
which exhibit MCD metallic debris defined as not serviceable in 
accordance with CFM56-2 SB No. 72-620, Revision 4, dated November 
17, 1995.
    (e) For CFM56-5 series engines equipped with No. 3 bearing, P/N 
9542M60P01, inspect the forward sump MCD in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of CFM56-5 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. 72-A118, Revision 1, dated August 1, 1997, within the next 50 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. Thereafter, inspect 
the forward sump MCD at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS SLI in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of CFM56-5 ASB No. 
72-A118, Revision 1, dated August 1, 1997. Remove from service, 
prior to further flight, engines which exhibit MCD metallic debris 
defined as not serviceable in accordance with CFM56-5 ASB No. 72-
A118, Revision 1, dated August 1, 1997.
    (f) Bearing inspections accomplished in accordance with AD 89-
17-04 or AD 89-23-06 satisfy the corresponding requirements of this 
AD.
    (g) No. 3 bearing, P/N 9732M10P12 (S/N series FAFDxxxx or 
FAFExxxx), identified in paragraphs (a) or (b); or No. 3 bearing, P/
N 9732M10P10, 9732M10P17, or 9732M10P12 (S/N series other than 
FAFDxxxx or FAFExxxx), identified in paragraphs (c) or (d); with a 
TIS since new of 6,000 hours or more constitutes terminating action 
to the applicable inspection requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), 
(b)(1), (c), or (d) of this AD.
    (h) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance resulting in 
exposure of the inlet gearbox.
    (i) 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. 
Operators shall submit their requests 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.

    (j) 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.
    (k) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following CFMI SBs:

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                   Document No.                      Pages     Revision                    Date                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CFM56-2) SB 72-620..............................   1-3                4  November 17, 1995.                    
                                                    4-9                3  November 22, 1993.                    
                                                     10                4  November 17, 1995.                    
                                                  ----------                                                    
    Total pages..................................    10                                                         
(CFM56-3/3B/3C) SB 72-530........................   1-3                3  November 17, 1995.                    
                                                   4-11                2  November 22, 1993.                    
                                                     12                3  November 17, 1995.                    
                                                  ----------                                                    
    Total pages..................................    12                                                         
(CFM56-5) SB 72-A118.............................   1-7                1  August 1, 1997.                       

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    Total pages..................................     7                                                         
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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 CFM International, Technical 
Publications Department, 1 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.

    (l) This amendment becomes effective on January 28, 1998.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 15, 1998.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1704 Filed 1-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U