[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12806-12809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6044]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-21-AD; Amendment 39-13086; AD 2003-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-3A1, -3B, 
and -3B1 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), that is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1, -
3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines with scavenge screens part numbers (P/Ns) 
4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02 installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system. 
That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections 
and cleaning of the B-sump scavenge screens. This amendment requires 
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump 
scavenge screens until a screenless fitting is installed. This 
amendment is prompted by six reports of B-sump oil scavenge system 
failure causing engine in-flight shutdowns. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to 
coking, which could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary 
air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure.

DATES: Effective April 2, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of April 2, 2003.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 19, 2003.

[[Page 12807]]


ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-21-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
GE Aircraft Engines, 1000 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: 
CF34 Product Support Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 
594-6323; fax (781) 594-0600. This information may be examined, by 
appointment, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7146; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 10, 2001, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 2001-19-02, 
Amendment 39-12441 (66 FR 48789, September 24, 2001), to require 
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump 
scavenge screens. That action was prompted by five reports of B-sump 
oil scavenge system failure causing engine in-flight shutdowns. That 
condition, if not corrected, could result in ignition of B-sump oil in 
the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained 
engine failure. Since that AD was issued, one additional CF34 in-flight 
shutdown event associated with B-sump oil release has occurred within 
the original inspection interval. That engine experienced a fan drive 
shaft separation, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3-4 joint 
separation, and LPT case forward flange separation, resulting in the 
release of the entire LPT from the engine. As a result of this latest 
event, this AD calls out more restrictive repetitive inspection 
intervals and terminating actions.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE 
Aircraft Engines (GE) Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) CF34-AL S/B 79-
A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-
A0015, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; that describe procedures for 
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump 
scavenge screens. The FAA has also reviewed and approved GE ASB CF34-AL 
S/B 79-A0016 and ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017, both dated June 17, 2002, 
that describe the procedures for introducing the screenless B-sump 
scavenge fittings or for reworking to eliminate the screens from the 
existing scavenge screen fittings located at the forward and aft end of 
the lube and scavenge pump assembly thereby terminating the repetitive 
inspections.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003, 
recommends, for engines with more than 4,000 hours time-since new (TSN) 
or more than 1,000 hours time-since-last-shop-visit (TSLSV), initial 
visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump scavenge screens ``by the 
next A-check''. GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated January 
31, 2003, recommends, for engines with more than 4,000 hours TSN or 
more than 1,000 hours TSLSV, initial visual inspections and cleaning of 
the B-sump scavenge screens within 300 hours for the CF34-3A1 engine 
model or within 400 hours for the CF34-3B engine model. However, this 
AD requires initial visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump 
scavenge screens within 500 hours after the effective date of this AD. 
The time intervals have been changed from those cited in the ASBs to 
provide consistency for all engine models and to eliminate the use of 
aircraft maintenance terminology. The times are approximately 
equivalent to the A-check intervals.
    GE ASBs CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016, dated June 17, 2002; and CF34-BJ S/B 
79-A0017, dated June 17, 2002; recommend, for engines with more than 
4,000 hours TSN or more than 1,000 hours TSLSV, replacement of existing 
scavenge screens P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-
sump oil scavenge system, with screenless fittings ``by the next A-
check''. However, this AD requires installation of screenless fittings, 
or fittings that have been reworked to remove the screens, in the B-
sump oil scavenge system within 400 hours after the effective date of 
this AD. The installation requirement has been changed from that cited 
in the ASBs to eliminate the use of aircraft maintenance terminology. 
The time is approximately equivalent to the A-check interval.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other GE CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines 
of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent B-sump 
scavenge screen blockage due to coking, which could result in ignition 
of B-sump oil in the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation, 
and uncontained engine failure. This AD requires:
    [sbull] Initial visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge 
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil 
scavenge system.
    [sbull] Repetitive visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge 
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil 
scavenge system, within 200 hours time-since-last inspection (TSLI) if 
no coking is found.
    [sbull] Repetitive visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge 
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump 
scavenge system, within 100 hours TSLI if any coking is found.
    [sbull] Replacement of existing scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 
and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system, with 
screenless fittings within 400 hours after the effective date of this 
AD.
    The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletins 
described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before

[[Page 12808]]

the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be 
amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that 
supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in 
evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether 
additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NE-21-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 39-12441 (66 FR 
48789, September 24, 2001) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-13086, to read as follows:

2003-05-10 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-13086. Docket No. 
2001-NE-21-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-19-02, Amendment 39-12441.

Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to 
General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines 
with scavenge screens part numbers (P/Ns) 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02 
installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. (Canadair) Model CL-
600-2A12, CL-600-2B16, and CL-600-2B19 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 B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to coking, which 
could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary air system, 
fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure, do the 
following:

Initial Inspection and Cleaning of B-sump Screens

    (a) Perform an initial visual inspection and cleaning of 
scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the 
B-sump oil scavenge system, in accordance with Paragraphs 3A through 
3B of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE Aircraft Engines (GE) 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014, Revision 3, dated 
January 31, 2003; or ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated 
January 31, 2003; and the following table:

                Initial Inspection and Cleaning Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Engine hours time-since-new (TSN) or time-
        since-last-shop-visit (TSLSV)              Inspect and clean
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Fewer than 4,000 hours TSN or fewer than   Before 4,000 hours TSN or
 4,000 hours TSLSV if it can be confirmed       TSLSV.
 that both the B-sump scavenge screens were
 cleaned and the B-sump and combustor frame
 (strut tubes) were removed from the engine
 and cleaned at that prior shop visit.
(2) Fewer than 1,000 hours TSLSV if it can     Before 1,000 hours TSLSV.
 NOT be confirmed that both the B-sump
 scavenge screens were cleaned and the B-sump
 and combustor frame (strut tubes) were
 removed from the engine and cleaned at that
 prior shop visit.
(3) 4,000 hours or greater TSN or 4,000 hours  Within 500 hours time-in-
 or greater TSLSV if it can be confirmed that   service (TIS) after the
 both the B-sump scavenge screens were          effective date of this
 cleaned and the B-sump and combustor frame     AD.
 (strut tubes) were removed from the engine
 and cleaned at that prior shop visit, or
 1,000 hours or greater TSLSV if it can NOT
 be confirmed that both the B-sump scavenge
 screens were cleaned and the B-sump and
 combustor frame (strut tubes) were removed
 from the engine and cleaned at that prior
 shop visit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Repetitive Inspections and Cleaning

    (b) Perform repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of 
scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the 
B-sump oil scavenge system, in accordance with Paragraphs 3A through 
3B of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-
A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and ASB CF34-BJ S/

[[Page 12809]]

B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and the following:
    (1) At intervals not to exceed 200 hours time-since-last-
inspection (TSLI), if no coke is found in screens during initial or 
any prior inspections, or
    (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TSLI, if coke is found 
in screens during initial or any prior inspections.

Terminating Actions

    (c) Within 400 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
install new screenless fittings or fittings that have been reworked 
to remove the screens, in the B-sump oil scavenge system, in 
accordance with GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016, dated June 17, 2002; or 
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017, dated June 17, 2002. This constitutes 
terminating action to the inspections required in paragraph (b) of 
this AD.

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. 
Operators must submit their requests 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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (f) The inspections, rework, or replacements must be done in 
accordance with the following GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) Alert 
Service Bulletins (ASBs):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Document No.                 Pages           Revision                          Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014 Total pages:       All   3.......................  January 31, 2003.
 10.
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015 Total pages:       All   3.......................  January 31, 2003.
 9.
ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016 Total pages:       All   Original................  June 17, 2002.
 12.
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017 Total pages:       All   Original................  June 17, 2002.
 11.
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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 GE Aircraft Engines, 1000 
Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: CF34 Product Support 
Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 594-6323; fax (781) 
594-0600. 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 April 2, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6044 Filed 3-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P