[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 4 (Thursday, January 7, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 910-915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30471]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD; 
Amendment 39-16144; AD 2009-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-1A, -3A, 
-3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, 
and -3B1 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires a onetime visual 
and tactile inspection of certain areas of certain P/N and SN fan disks 
for an arc-out defect, within 20 engine flight hours after the 
effective date of that AD. This AD requires inspecting certain fan 
disks for electrical arc-out indications, removing from service fan 
disks with electrical arc-out indications, performing tactile and 
enhanced visual (TEV) inspections, fluorescent penetrant inspections 
(FPI), and eddy current inspections (ECI) on certain disks that have 
already had a shop-level inspection, and repetitive FPI and ECI on 
certain fan disks. This AD results from an updated risk analysis by GE 
that shows we need to take corrective action that is more stringent. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the fan disk, 
which could result in damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 11, 2010. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of February 11, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology Services, 
10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone (513) 
672-8400; fax (513) 672-8422.
    The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
superseding AD 2007-07-07R1, Amendment 39-15179 (72 FR 49183, August 
28, 2007) and AD 2007-05-16, Amendment 39-14977 (72 FR 10054, March 7, 
2007), with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to GE CF34-1A, -3A, 
-3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines. We published the proposed 
AD in the Federal Register on April 17, 2009 (74 FR 17799). That action 
proposed to require:
     Replacing certain fan disks installed on regional jets 
within 15 days after the effective date of the proposed AD, and
     On-wing and shop-level inspections of fan disks for 
electrical arc-out defects on fan disks installed on regional jets, and
     Shop-level inspections of fan disks for electrical arc-out 
defects on fan disks installed on business jets.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is provided in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Change the Compliance Requirements for Previously Inspected 
CF34-3B Tier 3 Disks

    Two commenters, GE and Bombardier Flex, ask us to change the 
compliance requirements for previously inspected CF34-B tier 3 disks 
from ``within 3,500 cycles-since-last inspection (CSLI), but no later 
than March 19, 2012'' to ``at the next shop visit.'' The commenters 
state that requiring ``within 3,500 CSLI, but no later than March 19, 
2012,'' make the requirements more conservative than the tier 1 and 
tier 2 disk reinspection programs.
    We agree. We have changed paragraph (m)(2) of this AD from ``within 
3,500 CSLI, but no later than March 19, 2012'' to ``at the next shop 
visit.''

Request To Include Table 2 of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, 
dated October 27, 2008

    One commenter asks us to include Table 2 of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-
A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, in the AD. The commenter 
states that many owners, lessors, or their respective representatives 
are routinely denied access to the manufacturer's Web site where the 
referenced SBs are archived. The commenter states that this makes it 
very difficult, if not impossible, to evaluate and schedule compliance 
with this AD.
    We don't agree. If operators and others who need the service 
information can't get the service information from the manufacturer, 
they can contact the individual or office identified in

[[Page 911]]

paragraph (p) of this AD. We didn't change the AD.

Request To Allow an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) for the 
Inspection Requirements of This AD

    One commenter, Air Wisconsin, asks us to allow using the 
inspections specified in 72-21-00, Inspection, as specified in AD 2002-
05-02. The commenter states that this is the same requirement as 
specified in the accomplishment instructions of the proposed AD.
    We disagree. AD 2002-05-02 requires adding the specified 
inspections to the airworthiness limitation section of the engine 
manual and to the operators approved maintenance program. We do agree 
that actions performed under one AD may result in credit for actions 
performed in another AD. We didn't change this AD.

Request To Add a Drawdown to Paragraph (g) of the Proposed AD

    The same commenter asks us to change paragraph (g) of the proposed 
AD from ``within 8,000 CSN'' to ``before accumulating 8,000 CSN or 
within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
later.'' Paragraph (g) currently requires replacing the disks before 
accumulating 8,000 CSN. The commenter stated that he would like the 
same 15-day allowance that we provided in paragraph (f) for parts that 
have close to 8,000 CSN on the effective date of this AD.
    We don't agree. The new life limit is 8,000 CSN on the effective 
date of this AD. We removed the 15-day allowance in paragraph (f) so 
that both groups use the new life limit.

Request To Use SEI-756, 72-00-00, Special Procedure 60

    The same commenter requests that eddy current inspections (ECIs) 
performed using SEI-756, 72-21-00, Special Procedure 60 or GE ASB CF34-
AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, be acceptable in 
addition to GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72A-0252, Dated October 27, 2008. The 
commenter states that paragraphs (h)(1)(ii), (h)(2)(iii), (l)(1)(ii), 
and (l)(2)(iii) all say ``Use paragraph 3.A. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated October 27, 2008, to 
perform the repetitive ECI.''
    The instructions for performing the repetitive ECI in GE ASB CF34-
AL S/B 72-A0252, dated October 27, 2008, and ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, 
Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, refer to SEI-756, 72-00-00, 
SPECIAL PROCEDURE 60--EDDY CURRENT INSPECTION (ECI) PROCEDURES AND 
REQUIREMENTS OF CRITICAL HARDWARE.''
    The commenter wants to be able to track all the requirements to one 
service bulletin or specific procedure instead of several different 
service bulletins.
    We don't agree. The ECI referenced in the three documents above are 
not the same. The ASBs mandated by this AD provide a more rigorous ECI. 
We didn't change the AD.

Request To Use a Single ASB for Each Set of Engine Models

    The same commenter requests that TEV inspections, FPIs, and ECIs 
performed using GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 
27, 2008, be acceptable to meet the requirements of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 
72A-0253, dated October 27, 2008. The commenter wants to be able to 
track all the requirements to one service bulletin or specific 
procedure instead of several different service bulletins. The commenter 
notes that the instructions for performing the ECI are the same in all 
three documents.
    We partially agree. The procedures for performing the TEV 
inspection, the FPI, and the ECI are the same in the two ASBs 
referenced above. We changed paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (i)(1)(i), (j)(1), 
and (j)(2) of the proposed AD as follows:
     Paragraph (h)(1)(i) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (i)(1)(i) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (j)(1) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (j)(2) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
    Since the accomplishment procedures in GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, 
Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, and the procedures in GE ASB CF34-
BJ S/B 72-0234, dated October 27, 2008, are also the same, we changed 
paragraphs (k)(1)(i), (l)(1)(i), (m)(1), and (m)(2) of the proposed AD 
as follows:
     Paragraph (k)(1)(i) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (l)(1)(i) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (m)(1) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, * 
* *''
     Paragraph (m)(2) from ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, * * *'' to ``Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE

[[Page 912]]

ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, * * *''

Request To Change Paragraph (j)(2) of the Proposed AD

    The same commenter requests that we preface paragraph (j)(2) of the 
proposed AD with ``Unless already done.'' We believe the commenter 
wants to avoid having to perform the same inspection more than once on 
a disk.
    We don't agree that the change is needed. Paragraph (e) of the 
proposed AD states, ``You are responsible for having the actions 
required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified 
unless the actions have already been done.''

Request To Correct a Typographical Error in Paragraph (j)(1) of the 
Proposed AD

    Two commenters, GE and Air Wisconsin, ask us to correct a 
typographical error in paragraph (j)(1) of the proposed AD. The 
commenters inform us that the reference to GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, 
Revision 4, dated October 27, 2008, is not correct. The commenters 
inform us that GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 
27, 2008, is the correct reference.
    We agree. We have changed paragraph (j)(1) of this AD from ``GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, Revision 4, dated October 27, 2008'' to ``GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008.''

Recommendation To Add Removal Requirements to Paragraphs (h), (i), (k), 
and (l) of the Proposed AD

    One commenter, GE, recommends adding an additional, repeat section 
to paragraphs (h), (i), (k), and (l) of the proposed AD. The commenter 
feels adding the removal requirements to the paragraphs will enhance 
clarity of the AD.
    We don't agree. The mandatory terminating actions are already 
specified in paragraph (o) of the proposed AD and don't need to be 
repeated. We didn't change the AD.

Request To Correct an Engine Model Reference in Paragraphs (k), (l), 
and (m) of the Proposed AD

    One commenter, GE, informs us that paragraphs (k), (l), and (m) in 
the proposed AD omit reference to the CF34-3A1 application and that the 
fan drive shaft life limit is incorrectly applied to the CF34-1A 
application. The commenter states that this is the same requirement as 
specified in the accomplishment instructions of the proposed AD.
    We agree. We changed paragraphs (k), (l), and (m) of the proposed 
AD from ``For CF34-1A turbofan engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 
6036T78P02, and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 15,000 
CSN, CF34-3A, CF34-3A2, and CF34-3B turbofan engines * * *'' to ``For 
CF34-3A1 turbofan engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 6036T78P02, and 
airworthiness limitation section life limit of 15,000 CSN, CF34-1A, 
CF34-3A, CF34-3A2, and CF34-3B turbofan engines * * *''

Request To Reference to FPI and ECI in Paragraphs (k)(1)(i) of the 
Proposed AD

    The same commenter asks us to change paragraphs (k)(1)(i) to add a 
reference to the FPI and ECI. The commenter states that the paragraph 
currently requires TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI, but the last sentence 
says only ``to perform the TEV inspection.'' The commenter feels the 
paragraph will be more clear by saying ``To perform the TEV inspection, 
FPI, and ECI.''
    We agree. We changed paragraph (k)(1)(i) of the proposed AD from 
``Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-
AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, 
dated October 27, 2008, to perform the TEV inspection'' to ``Use 
paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 
72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.''

Request To Correct a Typographical Error in Paragraphs (l)(1)(i) of the 
Proposed AD

    The same commenter asks us to correct the typographical error of 
``CIS'' in paragraph (l)(1)(i) to ``CSN''. The commenter states that 
the paragraph should be changed to be consistent with the risk 
assessment.
    We agree. We changed paragraph (l)(1)(i) of the proposed AD from 
``or within 3,500 CIS after September 12, 2007,'' to ``or within 3,500 
CSN after September 12, 2007,''.

Request To Change Paragraphs (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), and (m) of the 
Proposed AD to Specify RJ and BJ Model Engines

    The same commenter asks us to revise paragraphs (h), (i), (j), (l), 
and (m) to clarify the instructions related to operators who fly a 
regional jet (RJ) with the CF34-3A1 engine as a business jet (BJ) 
application. The commenter states that GE ASBs CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, 
Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated 
October 27, 2008; CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008; apply 
to both RJ operators and also to a small number of BJ operators who fly 
under the RJ manual. These BJ applications may include both CF34-3B1 
and CF34-3A1 models. The proposed AD distinguishes between RJ and BJ 
applications based on engine model, and in the case of the CF34-3A1 
model, the life limit of the fan drive shaft, P/N 6036T78P02. Modifying 
the proposed AD to identify the applications as RJ and BJ, and defining 
the RJ and BJ designations, would more clearly identify affected 
populations and still meet the FAA's purpose in issuing ADs.
    We don't agree. The CF34-1A is used on both the RJ airplane and the 
BJ airplane. The engine is modified by service bulletins to allow it to 
be used on one configuration or the other. There is nothing to prevent 
an engine that was installed on a BJ airplane from being modified and 
installed on an RJ airplane: By designating the inspection criteria 
based on the life limit of the fan drive shaft, we are making the 
regulatory requirements of the proposed AD specific to the engine 
configuration instead of the operational configuration. We didn't 
change the proposed AD.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 18 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 
work-hours per engine to perform the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. No parts are required, so 
parts would cost about $0. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $2,880.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

[[Page 913]]

    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15179 (72 FR 
49183, August 28, 2007), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-16144, to read as follows:

2009-26-09 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-16144. Docket No. 
FAA-2007-27687; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
11, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-05-16, Amendment 39-14977 and AD 
2007-07-07R1, Amendment 39-15179.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -
3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines, with fan disks part 
numbers (P/Ns) 5921T18G01, 5921T18G09, 5921T18G10, 5921T54G01, 
5922T01G02, 5922T01G04, 5922T01G05, 6020T62G04, 6020T62G05, 
6078T00G01, 6078T57G01, 6078T57G02, 6078T57G03, 6078T57G04, 
6078T57G05, and 6078T57G06 installed. These engines are installed 
on, but not limited to, Bombardier Canadair airplane models CL-600-
2A12, -2B16, and -2B19.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from an updated risk analysis by GE that 
shows we need to take corrective action that is more stringent. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the fan 
disk, which could result in damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Removing Certain Fan Disks From Service

    (f) For fan disks listed by P/N and serial number (SN) in Table 
2 of GE Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008; or in Table 2 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, that have 8,000 CSN or 
more on the effective date of this AD, remove fan disks from 
service.
    (g) For fan disks listed by P/N and serial number (SN) in Table 
2 of GE Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008; or in Table 2 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, that have fewer than 
8,000 CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove fan disks from 
service before accumulating 8,000 CSN.

Inspections of Tier 1 Fan Disks

    (h) For CF34-3A1 engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 6036T78P02, 
and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 22,000 CSN, and 
CF34-3B1 turbofan engines with Tier 1 fan disks listed by P/N, SN, 
and Tier in Table 1 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, 
dated October 27, 2008, do the following:

Tactile and Enhanced Visual (TEV) Inspections, Fluorescent Penetrant 
Inspections (FPI), and Eddy Current Inspections (ECI)

    (1) For Tier 1 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue, do the following:
    (i) Perform a TEV inspection, an FPI, and an ECI on the Tier 1 
fan disks within 650 cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective 
date of this AD. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated 
October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 cycles-since-last inspection (CSLI). Use 
paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL 
S/B 72-A0252, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.
    (2) For Tier 1 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; 
already inspected using GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, 
dated June 27, 2007, or earlier issue, do the following:
    (i) For Tier 1 fan disks with 2,500 or more CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within 500 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0252, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the ECI.
    (ii) For Tier 1 fan disks with fewer than 2,500 CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the ECI.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.

Inspections of Tier 2 Fan Disks

    (i) For CF34-3A1 engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 6036T78P02, 
and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 22,000 CSN, and 
CF34-3B1 turbofan engines with Tier 2 fan disks listed by P/N, SN, 
and Tier in Table 1 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, 
dated October 27, 2008, do the following:

TEV Inspections, FPI, and ECI

    (1) For Tier 2 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue, do the following:
    (i) Perform a TEV inspection, an FPI, and an ECI on the Tier 2 
fan disks within 2,000 CIS after the effective date of this AD, or 
within 5,000 CIS after September 12, 2007, or by March 19, 2012, 
whichever occurs first. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated 
October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.

[[Page 914]]

    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive eddy current inspections on 
the Tier 2 fan disks within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0252, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.
    (2) For Tier 2 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; 
already inspected using GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, 
dated June 27, 2007, or earlier issue, do the following:
    (i) For Tier 2 fan disks with 2,500 or more CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within 500 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0252, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the ECI.
    (ii) For Tier 2 fan disks with fewer than 2,500 CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the ECI.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.

Inspections of Tier 3 Fan Disks

    (j) For CF34-3A1 engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 6036T78P02, 
and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 22,000 CSN, and 
CF34-3B1 turbofan engines with Tier 3 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, 
and Tier in Table 1 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, 
dated October 27, 2008, do the following:

TEV Inspections, FPI, and ECI

    (1) For Tier 3 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue, perform a TEV inspection, an FPI, and an ECI on the Tier 3 
fan disks within 5,000 CIS after September 12, 2007, or by March 19, 
2012, whichever is earlier. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated 
October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.
    (2) For Tier 3 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; 
already inspected using GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, Revision 03, 
dated June 27, 2007, or earlier issue, perform a TEV inspection and 
an ECI on the Tier 3 fan disks at the next shop visit. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0233, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253, 
dated October 27, 2008, to perform the TEV inspection and ECI.
    (3) Repetitive ECI on the Tier 3 fan disks are not required.

Inspections of Tier 1 Fan Disks

    (k) For CF34-3A1 turbofan engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 
6036T78P02, and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 
15,000 CSN, CF34-1A, CF34-3A, CF34-3A2, and CF34-3B turbofan engines 
with Tier 1 fan disks listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 of GE 
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, do 
the following:

TEV Inspections, FPI, and ECI

    (1) For Tier 1 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue:
    (i) Perform a TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI on the Tier 1 fan 
disks within 350 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Use 
paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL 
S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-
A0234, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, 
and ECI.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0235, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.
    (2) For Tier 1 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; 
already inspected using GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, 
dated June 27, 2007, or earlier issue, do the following:
    (i) For Tier 1 fan disks with 2,500 or more CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within 500 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-
A0235, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the ECI.
    (ii) For Tier 1 fan disks with fewer than 2,500 CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within 3,000 CSLI after the effective date of this AD. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-
A0235, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the ECI.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 1 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0235, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.

Inspections of Tier 2 Fan Disks

    (l) For CF34-3A1 turbofan engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 
6036T78P02, and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 
15,000 CSN, CF34-1A, CF34-3A, CF34-3A2, and CF34-3B turbofan engines 
with Tier 2 fan disks listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 of GE 
ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, do 
the following:

TEV Inspections, FPI, and ECI

    (1) For Tier 2 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue, do the following:
    (i) Perform a TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI on the Tier 2 fan 
disks within 2,000 CIS after the effective date of this AD, or 
within 3,500 CSN after September 12, 2007, or by March 19, 2012, 
whichever occurs first. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated 
October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0235, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.
    (2) For Tier 2 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; 
already inspected using GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, 
dated June 27, 2007, or earlier issue, do the following:
    (i) For Tier 2 fan disks with 2,500 or more CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within 500 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Use paragraph 
3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-
A0235, dated October 27, 2008, to perform the ECI.
    (ii) For Tier 2 fan disks with fewer than 2,500 CSLI on the 
effective date of this AD, perform an ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0235, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the ECI.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive ECI on the Tier 2 fan disks 
within intervals of 3,000 CSLI. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0235, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the repetitive ECI.

Inspections of Tier 3 Fan Disks

    (m) For CF34-3A1 turbofan engines with fan drive shaft, P/N 
6036T78P02, and airworthiness limitation section life limit of 
15,000 CSN, CF34-1A, CF34-3A, CF34-3A2, and CF34-3B turbofan engines 
with Tier 3 fan disks listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 of GE 
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, do 
the following:

TEV Inspections, FPI, and ECI

    (1) For Tier 3 fan disks not already inspected using GE ASB 
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, or earlier 
issue, perform a TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI on the Tier 3 fan 
disks within 3,500 CIS after September 12, 2007, or by March 19, 
2012, whichever is earlier. Use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated 
October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0234, dated October 27, 2008, 
to perform the TEV inspection, FPI, and ECI.
    (2) For Tier 3 fan disks, listed by P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 
of GE ASB CF34-BJ

[[Page 915]]

S/B 72-A0212, Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; already inspected 
using GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 03, dated June 27, 2007, 
or earlier issue, perform a TEV inspection and an ECI on the Tier 3 
fan disks at the next shop visit. Use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212, Revision 
04, dated October 27, 2008, or use paragraph 3.A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0234, dated 
October 27, 2008, to perform the TEV inspection and ECI.
    (3) Repetitive ECI on the Tier 3 fan disks are not required.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (n) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Mandatory Terminating Action

    (o) Remove from service, Tier 1 and Tier 2 fan disks listed by 
P/N, SN, and Tier in Table 1 of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233, 
Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008; or CF34-BJ S/B 72-0212, 
Revision 04, dated October 27, 2008, before they exceed their 
limited life cycles or September 30, 2018, whichever occurs first.

Related Information

    (p) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199, 
for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (q) You must use the service information specified in the 
following Table 1 to perform the inspections required by this AD. 
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of the documents listed in the following Table 1 in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact General 
Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology Services, 10525 
Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone (513) 672-
8400; fax (513) 672-8422, for a copy of this service information. 
You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

                                       Table 1--Incorporation by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service Bulletin No.                  Page                Revision                      Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0233. Total Pages-- ALL..................  04..................  October 27, 2008.
 107.
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0252. Total Pages-- ALL..................  Original............  October 27, 2008.
 22.
CF34-AL S/B 72-A0253. Total Pages-- ALL..................  Original............  October 27, 2008.
 77.
CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0212. Total Pages-- ALL..................  04..................  October 27, 2008.
 111.
CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0234. Total Pages-- ALL..................  Original............  October 27, 2008.
 82.
CF34-BJ S/B 72-A0235. Total Pages-- ALL..................  Original............  October 27, 2008.
 20.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 11, 2009.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-30471 Filed 1-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P