[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 175 (Wednesday, September 9, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55624-55627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19749]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0700; Project Identifier AD-2020-00238-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2019-06-06, which applies to all International Aero Engines AG (IAE) 
V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, 
V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2533-A5 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-06-06 
requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the 
diffuser case M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, replacement of 
the diffuser case with a part eligible for installation. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2019-06-06, the manufacturer performed an updated safety risk 
analysis, which reduced the diffuser case M-flange inspection intervals 
and added the performance of a replacement of the diffuser case M-
flange. This proposed AD would require an initial BSI of the diffuser 
case M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, repetitive BSIs of the 
diffuser case M-flange until replacement of the diffuser case M-flange 
is performed. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 26, 
2020.

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 https://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 NPRM, contact 
International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0700; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7742; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0700; 
Project Identifier AD-2020-00238-E'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the 
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Nicholas Paine,

[[Page 55625]]

Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2019-06-06, Amendment 39-19604 (84 FR 11642, 
March 28, 2019) (``AD 2019-06-06''), for all IAE V2500-A1, V2522-A5, 
V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, 
V2533-A5 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-06-06 requires initial and 
repetitive BSIs of the diffuser case M-flange and, if it fails the 
inspection, replacement of the diffuser case with a part eligible for 
installation. AD 2019-06-06 resulted from a crack found at the diffuser 
case M-flange during overhaul inspection. The FAA issued AD 2019-06-06 
to prevent failure of the diffuser case.

Actions Since AD 2019-06-06 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2019-06-06, the manufacturer performed an 
updated safety risk analysis, which resulted in reducing the diffuser 
case M-flange inspection intervals and adding the performance of a 
replacement of the diffuser case M-flange, which terminates the need 
for repetitive BSIs of the diffuser case M-flange.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM because the agency has determined that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.

Service Information Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed IAE Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin 
(NMASB) V2500-ENG-72-A0706, Revision 2, dated November 7, 2019. IAE 
NMASB V2500-ENG-72-A0706, Revision 2, describes procedures for 
inspecting the diffuser case M-flange. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed IAE Service Bulletin (SB) V2500-ENG-72-0709, dated 
December 13, 2019. IAE SB V2500-ENG-72-0709 describes procedures for 
replacing the diffuser case M-flange.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2019-06-
06. This proposed AD would require an initial BSI of the diffuser case 
M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, repetitive BSIs of the 
diffuser case M-flange until replacement of the diffuser case M-flange 
is performed.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, as proposed, would affect 1,654 
engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSI of diffuser case M-flange.........  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170        $281,180
                                         hour = $170.
Replace the diffuser case M-flange....  40 work-hours x $85 per           20,000          23,400      38,703,600
                                         hour = $3,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in 
its cost estimate.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 
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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-06-06, Amendment 39-19604 
(84 FR 11642, March 28, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

International Aero Engines AG: Docket No. FAA-2020-0700; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-00238-E.

[[Page 55626]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 26, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-06-06, Amendment 39-19604 (84 FR 11642, 
March 28, 2019).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all International Aero Engines AG (IAE) 
V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-
A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a crack found at the diffuser case M-
flange during overhaul inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the diffuser case. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in uncontained diffuser case rupture, damage 
to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

(1) Borescope Inspection of Diffuser Case M-Flange

    For engines with a diffuser case assembly, part number 2A0051, 
2A2081-01, 2A2581-01, 2A2883-01, 2A2885-01, 2A2889-01, 2A2891-01, 
2A2896-01, 2A2897-01, or 2A3132 installed, perform an initial 
borescope inspection (BSI) of zones 1, 2, and 3 of the diffuser case 
M-flange as follows:
    (i) For engines with a diffuser case M-flange that has 19,000 or 
more cycles since new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, 
perform the BSI of the diffuser case M-flange before accumulating 
the ``Inspect within (Cycles)'' in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD. If the CSLFPI is unknown, use the CSN of the diffuser case 
M-flange.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09SE20.006

    (ii) For engines with a diffuser case M-flange that has fewer 
than 19,000 CSN on the effective date of this AD, perform the BSI of 
the diffuser case M-flange before accumulating 20,300 CSN.
    (iii) For engines with a diffuser case M-flange in which the CSN 
is unknown, perform the BSI of the diffuser case M-flange within 250 
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (iv) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A. 
through 2.G. of IAE Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin (NMASB) 
V2500-ENG-72-A0706, Revision 2, dated November 7, 2019 (``the 
NMASB''), to perform the initial BSI.
    (v) If no crack is found as a result of the inspections required 
by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, repeat the BSI of 
zones 1, 2, and 3 of the diffuser case M-flange at intervals not to 
exceed 2,100 cycles since the previous BSI.
    (vi) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required 
by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, replace the 
diffuser case M-flange or repeat the BSI of zones 1, 2, and 3 of the 
diffuser case M-flange as specified by either ``Table 2: Fly on 
Limits'' or ``Table 4: Fly on Limits,'' in paragraph 2, 
Accomplishment Instructions, of the NMASB as appropriate for the 
affected the engine model.

(2) Replacement of the Diffuser Case M-Flange

    (i) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of 
this AD or before the diffuser case M-flange accumulates 20,000 CSN, 
whichever occurs later, replace the diffuser case M-flange.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): Guidance on performing the 
replacement of the diffuser case M-flange can be found in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1.A. and B., of IAE SB 
V2500-ENG-72-0709, dated December 13, 2019.

    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the replacement of the diffuser case M-
flange before accumulating 20,000 cycles since the previous 
replacement.
    (iii) Replacement of the diffuser case M-flange is the 
terminating action for the repetitive BSIs required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a diffuser 
case onto any engine if the diffuser case M-flange has more than 
20,000 CSN.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial BSIs that are required by 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, or the replacement of 
the diffuser case M-flange required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, 
if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD 
using IAE NMASB V2500-ENG-72-A0706, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2019, 
or Original Issue, dated February 14, 2019; IAE V2500 Special 
Instruction (SI) No. 341F-18, dated November 19, 2018; IAE V2500 SI 
No. 350F-18, Rev. 1, dated December 17, 2018; IAE V2500 SI No. 356F-
18, Rev. 1, dated January 9, 2019; IAE V2500 SI No. 372F-18, dated 
January 8, 2019; or IAE V2500 Special SI No. 04F-19, dated January 
14, 2019.

(j) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of the engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges.

(k) 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 (l)(1) 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

[[Page 55627]]

of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7742; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: 
http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7759.

    Issued on September 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-19749 Filed 9-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P