[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 15 (Thursday, January 23, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3171-3173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1181]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 15 / Thursday, January 23, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 3171]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-49-AD; Amendment 39-13020; AD 2003-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International CFM56-5 and -5B 
Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), that 
is applicable to CFM International CFM56-5 and -5B series turbofan 
engines. This amendment requires the establishment of an exhaust gas 
temperature (EGT) baseline and trend monitoring using the System for 
Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines (SAGE), or equivalent, as an option to 
EGT harness replacement, and if necessary, replacement of certain EGT 
harnesses and EGT couplings as soon as a slow and continuous EGT drift 
downward is noticed after the effective date of this AD. This amendment 
is prompted by reports of erroneous EGT readings. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent unexpected deterioration of critical 
rotating engine parts due to higher than desired engine operating 
EGT's.

DATES: Effective February 27, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of February 27, 2003.

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) 552-2800; fax (513) 
552-2816. This information may be examined, by appointment, at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of 
the Regional 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: James Rosa, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7152; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is 
applicable to CFM International CFM56-5, -5A, and -5B series turbofan 
engines was published in the Federal Register on June 13, 2002 (67 FR 
40626). That action proposed to require establishment of an exhaust gas 
temperature (EGT) baseline and trend monitoring using the System for 
Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines (SAGE), or equivalent, as an option to 
EGT harness and coupling replacement, and if necessary, replacement of 
certain EGT harnesses and EGT couplings as soon as a slow and 
continuous EGT drift downward is noticed after the effective date of 
this AD. These actions must be done in accordance with CFM 
International service bulletins CFM56-5 S/B 77-0020, dated March 4, 
2002, and CFM56-5B S/B 77-0008, dated March 4, 2002.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Add a Compliance Time

    Four commenters request that 100 to 250 flight hours be allowed to 
replace the EGT harness after it has been determined that EGT harness 
hardware is defective. The commenters state that the NPRM implies that 
compliance is required immediately because it does not prescribe a set 
compliance time.
    The FAA agrees. Immediate compliance is unnecessary. The FAA has 
determined that two to three weeks, or 100 flight hours are the maximum 
reasonable compliance times after it has been determined that the EGT 
harness components are faulty. The final rule is revised to reflect 
this change.

Change Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions 
Statement

    One commenter requests a change to the FAA's Determination of an 
Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions statement. The commenter requests 
that `` * * * EGT harnesses manufactured between September 1998 and 
July 2000 * * *'' be replaced with ``* * * EGT harnesses manufactured 
between September 1998 and December 2001 * * *''. The requested change 
is the result of updated information from the manufacturer.
    The FAA agrees. The change includes manufacturing dates for the 
entire population of parts. However, the FAA's Determination of an 
Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions section in the NRPM preamble does 
not appear in the final rule.

Remove -5A Model

    One commenter requests the removal of the -5A model from the AD, 
the FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions, 
and the Compliance section. The -5A model should not be listed as an 
engine model type certificate configuration.
    The FAA agrees. The -5A model is removed from the final rule.

Increase Replacement Time

    The same commenter requests an increase in replacement time of 
parts not being trend monitored from 250 hours to 500 hours. The 
commenter states that this would follow the manufacturer's recommended 
replacement time and be consistent with current Airbus documentation (A 
check).
    The FAA agrees.The final rule reflects this change.

Increase Amount of Allowable Temperature Change

    Four commenters request an increase in the amount of allowable 
temperature change during trend monitoring from 10[deg]C to 20[deg]C or 
30[deg]C. Based on experience reported from several operators who use 
SAGE trend monitoring, a 10[deg]C shift from baseline may not be enough 
to detect a fault by EGT readings.
    The FAA agrees. The final rule reflects this change.

[[Page 3172]]

Economic Analysis Recommendations

    One commenter requests that the Economic Analysis be changed to 
more accurately reflect the number of engines affected and associated 
cost. The commenter states that the NPRM did not accurately account for 
the number of affected engines per the service bulletins.
    The FAA agrees that the service document and NPRM do not agree. The 
service bulletins did not account for the entire population of suspect 
parts. However, the spare parts listed in CFM International service 
bulletins CFM56-5 S/B 77-0020, dated March 4, 2002, and CFM56-5B S/B 
77-0008, dated March 4, 2002, are more critical than the remaining 
population because they will be installed on engines with lower EGT 
margins. The number of affected engines worldwide remains the same as 
the NPRM. The number of U.S. operated engines requires a change in the 
final rule.
    Another commenter requests that the economic analysis be changed to 
reflect work required to determine the serial numbers of the parts. The 
commenter states that an additional two hours per engine or a total of 
520 person-hours of work, will be required for one operator to 
determine the serial numbers of EGT harnesses and couplings.
    The FAA does not agree. Research of logbooks and paperwork are not 
used to determine the economic analysis figure.
    Another commenter requests a change to the economic analysis to 
reflect an additional 3 person hours for replacement time. The 
commenter states that it will take more time to accomplish replacment 
than stated in the NPRM.
    The FAA partially agrees. Most of the work could be done during 
scheduled maintenance (the FAA has attempted to facilitate this in the 
AD), which would provide an opportunity to remove and replace hardware, 
when it is already exposed. Some operators indicate that their current 
system will not allow this advantage consistently; however, per 
accepted FAA practice, the figure is based on replacement of accessible 
hardware. No change is required in the final rule.

Engines Which Have Accumulated More Than 3,000 Flight Hours

    One commenter states that engines which have accumulated more than 
3,000 flight hours since part installation are not defective. The 
commenter believes that this problem exhibits infant mortality. If 
false readings are not registered after 3,000 hours, parts are not 
defective. The commenter asks that the rule be changed accordingly.
    The FAA agrees. The final rule reflects this change.

Allow Two Week Waiting Period for Failure Confirmation

    One commenter requests that the AD provide for a two week waiting 
period after the temperature shift of 20[deg]C in order to confirm that 
an EGT harness failure is the cause and not some other anomaly.
    The FAA partially agrees. Sufficient evidence must be provided to 
assure that a shift in EGT reading is caused by defective EGT hardware/
harnesses, and not some anomaly. However, a 30[deg]C shift will be the 
criteria, not 10[deg]C or 20[deg]C. This should provide sufficient 
margin to assure that the reading does not indicate some other cause.

AD Not Needed

    One commenter states that an AD is not needed for this problem. The 
commenter feels that current industry practice will suffice.
    The FAA does not agree. Industry practice is not mandatory; 
therefore, there is no requirement for all operators to comply.

Specify Terminating Action

    Two commenters state that the NPRM does not specify any terminating 
action and request that the FAA specify a terminating action.
    The FAA agrees. Terminating action is included in the final rule.

Reidentify Reworked Harnesses

    One commenter requests that the manufacturer reidentify reworked 
harnesses for traceability.
    The FAA agrees. The manufacturer has added the letter ``W'' 
following the part serial number to reidentify reworked harnesses and 
couplings. The addition of the letter ``W'' following the part serial 
number is addressed in the final rule in (a)(3).

Monitoring Shifts From the Current EGT Trend

    One commenter requests monitoring shifts from the current EGT trend 
rather than an arbitrary baseline. As engines degrade, there may not be 
an appreciable change in other parameters but normal (within 10[deg]C) 
degradation in EGT, forcing unnecessary removal.
    The FAA agrees. The final rule reflects this change.
    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.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 886 CFM International CFM56-5 and -5B 
series turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. 
The FAA estimates that 562 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this AD. The FAA also estimates that it 
would take approximately one work hour per engine to do the actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost approximately $15,645 per engine. Based on these figures, 
the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$8,826,210. CFMI has indicated that this figure may be reduced 
depending upon warranty agreements.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined 
in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this final rule.
    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 the 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 
by contacting 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:

[[Page 3173]]

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 a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

2003-02-04 CFM International: Amendment 39-13020. Docket No. 2001-
NE-49-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to CFM 
International CFM56-5 and -5B series turbofan engines that have an 
EGT upper harness part number (P/N) CA170-00, with a serial number 
(SN) of YC021674 or lower, or an EGT lower harness P/N CA171-00, 
with a SN of YC026641 or lower, or an EGT coupling P/N CA172-02 with 
a SN of YC166736 or lower. These engines are installed on, but not 
limited to Airbus Industrie A318, A319, A320 and A321 airplanes.

    Note 1: This 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 (d) 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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To prevent unexpected deterioration of critical rotating engine 
parts due to higher than desired engine operating exhaust gas 
temperatures (EGT's), do the following:
    (a) If you have an EGT upper harness, part number (P/N) CA170-
00, with serial number (SN) YC021675 or higher, an EGT lower 
harness, P/N CA171-00, with SN YC026642 or higher, and an EGT 
coupling, P/N CA172-02, with S/N YC166737 or higher, no further 
action is required.
    (b) For affected EGT harnesses and EGT couplings, with less than 
3,000 engine flight hours since installation, do the following:
    (1) Replace affected EGT harnesses and EGT couplings, not being 
trend monitored, with serviceable parts within 500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, or,
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, review the smooth data 
EGT trend via the System for Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines (SAGE), 
or equivalent, since the affected components were first installed on 
the current engine. This trend monitoring must continue for the 
affected EGT harnesses and couplings to ensure that the system does 
not show a minimum of 30[deg]C downward (i.e. cooler) indication, or 
more, without a corresponding change in other associated engine 
parameters such as N1 (LPT rotor speed), N2 (HPT rotor speed), and 
fuel flow. Provided that there is sufficient, actual EGT margin to 
do so, replace the EGT harnesses and couplings within 100 flight 
hours after they have been determined to be defective. Continue to 
monitor the EGT indications for 3,000 engine flight hours since the 
first installation on the current engine.
    (3) If a harness or coupling has a serial number that is 
followed by the letter ``W'', no further action is required.

Terminating Action

    (c) Any of the following three conditions constitute terminating 
action for the trend monitoring requirements specified in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Replacing a harness and coupling with a serviceable part, or
    (2) Replacing a harness and coupling with a harness and coupling 
that has a letter ``W'' following the SN, or
    (3) Accumulating 3,000 engine flight hours on a harness and 
coupling.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 (ECO). 
Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, ECO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (f) The actions must be done in accordance with the following 
CFM International service bulletins:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document No.                       Pages                   Revision                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFM56-5 S/B 77-0020.................  All....................  Original...............  Mar. 4, 2002.
    Total pages: 9
CFM56-5B S/B 77-0008................  All....................  Original...............  Mar. 4, 2002.
    Total pages: 9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) 552-2800; fax (513) 552-2816. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 27, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 13, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1181 Filed 1-22-03; 8:45 am]
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