[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 6, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47534-47537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18840]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0447; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-17-AD; 
Amendment 39-17536; AD 2013-15-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 
2013-14-51 for General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B 
turbofan engines with affected transfer gearbox assembly (TGB) radial 
gearshafts installed. AD 2013-14-51 was sent previously to all known 
U.S. owners and operators of GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines. 
AD 2013-14-51 prohibited operation of an airplane if more than one 
installed engine has an affected TGB radial

[[Page 47535]]

gearshaft. This AD contains the same prohibition as AD 2013-14-51 and 
also prohibits operation of any airplane 60 days after the effective 
date of this new AD if any installed engine has an affected TGB radial 
gearshaft. This new AD also revises the applicability by adding GE90-
76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, GE90-94B, and GE90-113B turbofan 
engine models and adds a mandatory terminating action. This new AD was 
prompted by reports of three failures of TGB radial gearshafts which 
resulted in in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this new AD to 
prevent failure of the TGB radial gearshaft, which could result in IFSD 
of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective August 21, 2013.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by September 20, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact General 
Electric Company, One Neumann Way, Room 285, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 
513-552-3272; email: [email protected]. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carlos Fernandes, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7189; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 16, 2013, we issued emergency AD 2013-10-52 (issued on June 
16, 2013, as a Final Rule, Request for Comments (78 FR 38195, June 26, 
2013)), which was immediately effective to owners and operators of GE 
GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B turbofan engines. That AD resulted from 
reports of two failures of TGB radial gearshafts that resulted in 
IFSDs. That AD prohibited operation of an airplane with affected TGBs 
installed on both engines.
    On July 12, 2013, we issued emergency AD 2013-14-51, superseding AD 
2013-10-52 (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013). AD 2013-14-51 also prohibits 
operation of an airplane with affected TGB radial gearshafts installed 
on both engines. AD 2013-14-51 resulted from a report of an additional 
failure of a TGB radial gearshaft, outside the population identified in 
AD 2013-10-52. We issued ADs 2013-10-52 and 2013-14-51 to prevent 
failure and separation of the TGB radial gearshaft, which could result 
in IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to 
the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2013-14-51 Was Issued

    Since we issued emergency AD 2013-14-51, dated July 12, 2013, we 
determined that airplanes with an installed engine with an affected TGB 
radial gearshaft should not be allowed to operate more than 60 days 
after the effective date of this new AD. We also revised the 
Applicability of this new AD since we determined that the affected TGB 
radial gearshafts are installed on additional GE90 engine models 
besides the GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B. We also determined the need to 
add a mandatory terminating action.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed GE GE90-100 Series Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
GE90-100 S/B 72-A0568, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90-100 Series Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0569, Revision 0, dated July 19, 
2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1091, Revision 0, dated June 11, 
2013, which provide additional information regarding the affected TGB 
radial gearshafts. We also reviewed GE GE90-100 Series SB No. GE90-100 
S/B 72-0563, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013, and Revision 1, dated 
July 10, 2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 S/B 72-1066, Revision 0, dated 
June 21, 2013; which provide information regarding the mandatory 
terminating action.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD prohibits operation of an airplane with affected TGB radial 
gearshafts installed on both engines after the effective date of this 
AD. This AD also prohibits operation of an airplane with affected TGB 
radial gearshafts installed on any engine 60 days after the effective 
date of this AD. This AD also adds a mandatory terminating action, 
namely, to install a TGB radial gearshaft that is eligible for 
installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of 
the before further flight compliance time. Therefore, we find that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2013-0447 and directorate identifier 2013-NE-17-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each

[[Page 47536]]

substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 16 GE90 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will 
take about eight hours per engine to replace the TGB radial gearshaft. 
The average labor rate is $85 per hour. The cost of this part is about 
$16,700. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this AD 
to U.S. operators to be $278,080.

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.
    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

    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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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:
0
a. Removing AD 2013-10-52 (78 FR 38195, June 26, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD: 2013-15-20: Amendment 39-17536; Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0447; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-17-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 21, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes Emergency AD 2013-14-51, Directorate ID 2013-NE-
17-AD, dated July 12, 2013. This AD also removes AD 2013-10-52 (78 FR 
38195, June 26, 2013) from the Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) Applicability

    General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, GE90-77B, GE90-85B, GE90-
90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, GE90-113B and GE90-115B turbofan engines 
with a transfer gearbox assembly (TGB) radial gearshaft, part number 
(P/N) 1995M24P02, serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph 
(c) of this AD, installed.

                      Figure 1 to Paragraph (c)--TGB Radial Gearshaft P/N 1995M24P02 S/N's
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FIA0KCYG                     FIA0JETA                     FIA0H0VJ                    FIA0HL0C
FIA0K63F                     FIA0J7V2                     FIA0K62R                    FIA0HLY9
FIA0K3A3                     FIA0KCYM                     FIA0K63C                    FIA0HL0E
FIA0JVRE                     FIA0JJ6E                     FIA0K89H                    FIA0HL0F
FIA0H0VM                     FIA0JNJH                     FIA0KCYK                    FIA0HL0G
FIA0K3A4                     FIA0K62W                     FIA0K3A5                    FIA0HLY7
FIA0K62T                     FIA0K89P                     FIA0HWKA                    FIA0HJTE
FIA0JJ53                     FIA0JJ57                     FIA0KCYR                    FIA0HJTJ
FIA0K89W                     FIA0JJ56                     FIA0HWKE                    FIA0HJTG
FIA0KCW8                     FIA0KH9Y                     FIA0J7WH                    FIA0HJTC
FIA0K3A6                     FIA0KCYP                     FIA0JER9                    FIA0HJTF
FIA0HY8C                     FIA0JJ55                     FIA0JNJJ                    FIA0HJTH
FIA0K3AP                     FIA0KH9G                     FIA0JVRR                    FIA0HJTA
FIA0J7WG                     FIA0KH9H                     FIA0JNJM                    FIA0HJR9
FIA0JVRL                     FIA0KH9K                     FIA0KH9R                    FIA0HWJ7
FIA0J7V1                     FIA0KH9C                     FIA0KH9P                    FIA0HY76
FIA0JVRM                     FIA0K63H                     FIA0K89C                    FIA0HY8F
FIA0K3AV                     FIA0K63M                     FIA0JVRH                    FIA0H0VK
FIA0J7V8                     FIA0K62Y                     FIA0K89L                    FIA0J7VR
FIA0J7WE                     FIA0JVP9                     FIA0JER6                    FIA0JJ58
FIA0K3A2                     FIA0K63E                     FIA0JETH                    FIA0JJ6C
FIA0K3A1                     FIA0K3AY                     FIA0H0VC                    FIA0JNJF
FIA0K3AN                     FIA0JVRT                     FIA0K3AL                    FIA0JNJK
FIA0JVRP                     FIA0HY8E                     FIA0J7VV                    FIA0JVRC
FIA0JJ6F                     FIA0HY8N                     FIA0J7VP                    FIA0J7V4
FIA0JJ6J                     FIA0J7V0                     FIA0J7V9                    FIA0JETF
FIA0JVRV                     FIA0J7V3                     FIA0HWJ8                    FIA0HEG4
FIA0H0VL                     FIA0J7V5                     FIA0H0VA                    FIA0HWJ9
FIA0K89T                     FIA0HY8H                     FIA0KCYL                    FIA0HWJ5
FIA0K89Y                     FIA0HEG2                     FIA0HY79                    FIA0HWJ6

[[Page 47537]]

 
FIA0JETL                     FIA0K62V                     FIA0KH9J                    FIA0J7VW
FIA0JER8                     FIA0HEGY                     FIA0HY8G                    FIA0J7VY
FIA0J7WC                     FIA0HWKC                     FIA0HY8M                    FIA0J7VT
FIA0JETE                     FIA0K3A0                     FIA0HY8A                    FIA0J7WF
FIA0K3AT                     FIA0JVRJ                     FIA0H0VG                    FIA0J7V6
FIA0JJ59                     FIA0K8AA                     FIA0K3AR                    FIA0K89G
FIA0K3AW                     FIA0KCYT                     FIA0JETC                    FIA0K89K
FIA0JVRN                     FIA0KH9T                     FIA0KH9W                    FIA0K89R
FIA0JNH8                     FIA0HEG1                     FIA0JNJC                    FIA0KCYJ
FIA0JETN                     FIA0HEG3                     FIA0K63L                    FIA0JJ6G
FIA0HY78                     FIA0J7WJ                     FIA0KCYN                    FIA0JJ6A
FIA0HY75                     FIA0JER7                     FIA0JVRG                    FIA0HY8K
FIA0HEG0                     FIA0JVRF                     FIA0HY8L                    FIA0HLY6
FIA0KH9E                     FIA0K63K                     FIA0HY8J                    FIA0HLY0
FIA0KH9F                     FIA0J7WK                     FIA0H0VH                    FIA0HLY1
FIA0H0T9                     FIA0JER5                     FIA0H0VF                    FIA0HLY4
FIA0HLY3                     FIA0JETM
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(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of three failures of TGB radial 
gearshafts which resulted in in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TGB radial gearshaft, which 
could result in IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, 
and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    (1) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (2) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, do 
not operate the airplane if more than one installed engine has a TGB 
radial gearshaft P/N and S/N listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of 
this AD.

(f) Mandatory Terminating Action

    No later than 60 days after the effective date of this AD, as 
terminating action to the requirements of paragraph (e) of this AD, 
replace all TGB radial gearshafts identified in Figure 1 to paragraph 
(c) of this AD that are installed on an airplane with TGB radial 
gearshafts that are eligible for installation.

(g) Prohibition on Operation

    Sixty days after the effective date of this AD, do not operate any 
airplane that has an engine installed that has a TGB radial gearshaft 
P/N and S/N listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.

(h) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a TGB radial gearshaft eligible for 
installation is:
    (1) A TGB radial gearshaft P/N and S/N, not listed in this AD or
    (2) A TGB radial gearshaft with an S/N listed in paragraph (c) of 
this AD with part number 1995M24P04, 2205M61P01 or 2205M61P02.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Carlos Fernandes, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7189; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) GE GE90-100 Series Alert Service Bulletin No. GE90-100 S/B 72-
A0568, Revision 0, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90-100 Series Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0569, Revision 0, dated July 19, 
2013; GE GE90-100 Series SB No. GE90-100 S/B 72-0563, Revision 0, dated 
June 21, 2013, and Revision 1, dated July 10, 2013; GE GE90 SB No. GE90 
S/B 72-1066, Revision 0, dated June 21, 2013; and GE GE90 SB No. GE90 
S/B 72-1091, Revision 0, dated June 11, 2013, can be obtained from GE 
using the contact information in paragraph (j)(3) of this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact General 
Electric Company, One Neumann Way, Room 285, Cincinnati, OH; phone: 
513-552-3272; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 25, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18840 Filed 8-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P