[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2713-2715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01614]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0050; Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-AD; Amendment
39-19551; AD 2019-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-22-05,
which applied to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277
turbofan engines with a certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) case
installed. AD 2018-22-05 required removal of affected HPT stator cases
(HPT cases) from service and their replacement with a part eligible for
installation. This AD retains these requirements, reduces the
compliance times for the removal and replacement of certain HPT cases,
and identifies additional affected parts that must be removed and
replaced. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a quality escape at
a manufacturing facility involving unapproved welds on HPT cases.
Subsequent additional findings suggested the need for an updated risk
analysis, resulting in reduced compliance times for those parts and the
identification of additional affected parts. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 25, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 25,
2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
November 23, 2018 (83 FR 55816, November 8, 2018).
We must receive any comments on this AD by March 25, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-
565-0140; email: [email protected]; website:
www.engineallianceportal.com. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0050.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0050; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone:
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Smith, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued AD 2018-22-05, Amendment 39-19478 (83 FR 55816, November
8, 2018) (``AD 2018-22-05''), for EA GP7270, GP7272, and GP7277
turbofan engines with a certain HPT case installed. AD 2018-22-05
required removal of affected HPT cases from service and their
replacement with a part eligible for installation. AD 2018-22-05 was
prompted by the discovery of a quality escape at a manufacturing
facility involving unapproved welds on HPT cases. We issued AD 2018-22-
05 to address failure of the HPT case, which could result in engine
fire and damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2018-22-05 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2018-22-05, another undocumented weld has been
found on a part that was previously considered to have enough
manufacturing data to perform an updated life analysis. The new
findings created more uncertainty about the manufacturing data,
creating the need for an updated risk analysis with the new
information. As a result, we have determined that the remaining cycles
allowed on the affected HPT cases must be reduced and additional
affected parts were identified that must be removed and replaced.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Engine Alliance Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401,
Revision No. 1, dated December 13, 2018, which describes procedures for
removing and replacing the affected HPT case within the identified
cycles.
We also reviewed Engine Alliance Service Bulletin EAGP7-72-399,
dated June 4, 2018, which describes procedures for removing and
replacing the affected HPT case within the specified part cycles since
new or part cycles since overhaul.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 requires removal of the affected HPT cases from service and
their replacement with a part eligible for installation.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because failure of the HPT case
[[Page 2714]]
could result in engine fire and damage to the airplane, and the
compliance time for the required action is shorter than the time
necessary for public comment and publication of the final rule.
Additionally, no domestic operators currently use this product. We find
good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and unnecessary. In addition, for the reasons stated
above, we find 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 was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0050 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
final rule 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 substantive verbal contact we
receive about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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HPT case replacement.................. 20 work-hours x $85 per $339,400 $341,100 $0
hour = $1,700.
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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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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 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 Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2018-22-05, Amendment 39-19478 (83 FR 55816, November 8, 2018), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-02-04 Engine Alliance: Amendment 39-19551; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0050; Product Identifier 2018-NE-35-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 25, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-22-05, Amendment 39-19478 (83 FR 55816,
November 8, 2018) (``AD 2018-22-05'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272, and
GP7277 turbofan engines, with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) stator
case (HPT case), part number (P/N) 2060M40G02 or 2137M29G01
installed, and with HPT case serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in
Planning Information, Table 1, of Engine Alliance Alert Service
Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2018, and in
Planning Information, Table 1, of Engine Alliance Service Bulletin
EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4, 2018.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery of a quality escape at a
manufacturing facility involving unapproved welds on HPT cases. We
are issuing this AD to address failure of the HPT case, which could
result in engine fire and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 1, of
Engine Alliance Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401,
[[Page 2715]]
Revision No. 1, dated December 13, 2018, remove the affected HPT
case from service within the cycles identified in Table 1 of Engine
Alliance Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401, Revision No. 1, dated
December 13, 2018, after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For HPT cases listed in Planning Information, Table 1, of
Engine Alliance Service Bulletin EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4, 2018,
remove the affected HPT cases from service, using the number of part
cycles since new (PCSN) or part cycles since overhaul (PCSO),
whichever is less, as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE19.000
(3) Replace the removed HPT case with a part eligible for
installation before further flight.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is any HPT case not identified in paragraph (c) of this AD or an HPT
case listed in this AD that has been inspected and repaired by a
method approved by the Manager, ECO Branch, FAA.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. You may email your request
to [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Smith,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 25, 2019.
(i) Engine Alliance Alert Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-401,
Revision No. 1, dated December 13, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 23, 2018 (83 FR 55816, November 8, 2018).
(i) Engine Alliance Service Bulletin EAGP7-72-399, dated June 4,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Engine Alliance, 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; website:
www.engineallianceportal.com.
(6) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 5, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-01614 Filed 2-7-19; 8:45 am]
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