[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10796-10799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03571]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0653; Project Identifier AD-2020-00631-E; 
Amendment 39-21390; AD 2021-02-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, -1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -
1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -1B70/P2, 
-1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, and -1B76A/P2 
model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in 
the outer fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. This AD requires initial 
and repetitive visual inspections of the cushioned loop clamp (p-clamp) 
and, depending on the results of the inspection, a spot fluorescent 
penetrant inspection (FPI) of the outer fuel manifold. Depending on the 
results of the FPI, this AD may require replacement of the outer fuel 
manifold. This AD also requires initial and repetitive replacements of 
the p-clamp. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 30, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 30, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: [email protected]; website: 
www.ge.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. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0653.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0653; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7743; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would

[[Page 10797]]

apply to all GE GEnx-1B64, -1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/
P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -
1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, and -1B76A/P2 model 
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 
20, 2020 (85 FR 43752). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a crack in 
the outer fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the p-
clamp and, depending on the results of the inspection, a spot FPI of 
the outer fuel manifold. Depending on the results of the FPI, the NPRM 
proposed to require replacement of the outer fuel manifold. The NPRM 
also proposed to require initial and repetitive replacements of the p-
clamp. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from six commenters. The commenters were 
Air Lines Pilots Association, International (ALPA); American Airlines 
(AAL); Boeing Commercial Airplanes (Boeing); GE Aviation (GE); 
Ethiopian Airlines; and United Airlines (UAL). One commenter requested 
changes to paragraph (g), Required Actions, of this AD and to On-
Condition Costs. Two commenters requested a change to compliance that 
was not implemented. Two commenters requested clarification of the AD 
requirements. Four of the six commenters expressed support for the AD. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Add Affected P-Clamp Significant Item Number (SIN)

    GE requested that the FAA update paragraph (g), Required Actions, 
of this AD to include the affected p-clamp SIN when the p-clamp is 
referenced. GE recognized that the p-clamp SIN is defined in paragraph 
(h), Definition, of this AD. However, GE reasoned that as there are 
multiple p-clamps to be inspected per GEnx-1B Engine Manual, 05-21-00, 
MANDATORY INSPECTION, listing the p-clamp SIN in paragraph (g) of this 
AD avoids confusion.
    The FAA agrees to include the p-clamp SIN in paragraph (g) of this 
AD.

Request To Update On-Condition Cost

    GE requested that the FAA revise the replacement of the outer fuel 
manifold in On-Condition Costs from 250 work hours to 2 work hours. GE 
reasoned that GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0080 R01, dated 
August 29, 2019, references GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0053 for instructions to 
replace the outer fuel manifold. GE noted that GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0053 
estimates that two hours are needed to replace the outer fuel manifold. 
GE stated that the discrepancy between the NPRM and service information 
could cause confusion or lead operators to opt to remove the engine to 
perform the outer fuel manifold replacement.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA changed the estimated labor hours for 
replacing the outer fuel manifold in the On-Condition Costs section of 
this AD from 250 work hours to 2 work hours. The FAA also changed the 
estimated cost per product for replacing the outer fuel manifold in the 
On-Condition Costs section of this AD from $39,650 to $18,570, which 
reflects the reduction in labor hours.

Request To Allow Use of Later Revisions of Service Information

    AAL and UAL requested that the FAA add the phrase ``or later'' when 
referencing the service information in this AD. AAL stated that the 
manufacturer indicated that the service information is intended only to 
be a containment measure. Specifying ``or later'' could prevent 
numerous requests for Alternative Methods of Compliance if the 
manufacturer revises the service information. UAL stated that the 
manufacturer is developing a terminating action and, as a result, a 
revision to the service information is expected.
    The FAA disagrees with adding language that allows the use of later 
revisions of the service information when performing the required 
actions of this AD. Later revisions of the service information have not 
been published by the manufacturer or reviewed by the FAA.

Request To Clarify Sending the Outer Fuel Manifold for Repair

    AAL requested that the FAA clarify if the removed outer fuel 
manifold needs to be sent for repair. AAL cited references within 
paragraph 3.B.(4)(b) of GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 
2019, that instructs operators to send removed outer fuel manifolds for 
repair.
    The FAA agrees that sending a removed outer fuel manifold for 
repair, as stated in paragraph 3.B.(4)(b) of GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, 
dated August 29, 2019, is not mandated by this AD. This AD addresses 
the unsafe condition by requiring the removal of an outer fuel manifold 
if a crack or a sign of leakage is found and replacing it with a part 
eligible for installation. This AD does not require sending an outer 
fuel manifold removed in accordance with paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD 
for repair. The FAA clarified this by adding paragraph (i), No Repair 
Requirement, to this AD.

Request To Clarify if Need To Comply Again

    Ethiopian Airlines asked if operators who inspected and replaced 
the affected p-clamp using GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 
2019, before the effective date of this AD, need to comply again.
    If operators performed the initial visual inspection and 
replacement of the p-clamp as required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of 
this AD before the effective date of this AD, then these actions meet 
the initial visual inspection and replacement requirements of this AD. 
Paragraph (f), Compliance, of this AD requires compliance with this AD 
within the times specified, unless already done. If the initial visual 
inspection and replacement of the p-clamp was already performed prior 
to the effective date of this AD, operators must perform the repetitive 
inspections, follow-on-actions, and replacements of the p-clamp 
required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (2), and (3) of this AD using the 
stated compliance intervals.

Support for the AD

    AAL, ALPA, Boeing, and UAL expressed support for the AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and any 
other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019. 
This SB describes procedures for replacing the p-clamp located at the 
signal fuel tube hose, SIN 34200, and instructions for removing the 
signal fuel tube hose when a p-clamp is found damaged or missing. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course

[[Page 10798]]

of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The manufacturer is still 
reviewing this unsafe condition and may develop a terminating action.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 190 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visually inspect the p-clamp..........  0.25 work-hours x $85                 $0          $21.25       $4,037.50
                                         per hour = $21.25.
Replace the p-clamp...................  0.25 work-hours x $85 =              102          123.25       23,417.50
                                         $21.25.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary FPIs and 
replacements that are required based on the results of the visual 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that require FPI or replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI the outer fuel manifold...................  2.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0         $212.50
                                                 $212.50.
Replace the outer fuel manifold...............  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =             18,400          18,570
                                                 $170.
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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.
    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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-02-07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21390; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0653; Project Identifier AD-2020-00631-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, 
-1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -
1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -
1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, and -1B76A/P2 model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7310, Engine Fuel 
Distribution.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the outer fuel 
manifold causing fuel leakage. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the outer fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, 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) Within 500 flight cycles (FCs) after the effective date of 
this AD, perform a visual inspection of the cushioned loop clamp (p-
clamp), significant item number (SIN) 34282, to verify the p-clamp 
is undamaged and installed.
    (i) Thereafter, perform the visual inspection required by (g)(1) 
of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 FCs since the last 
inspection.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) If, during any visual inspection required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) or (g)(1)(i) of this AD, the p-clamp (SIN 34282) is outside 
of the limits in paragraph 3.B.(4) of GE GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 
(SB) 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019, or if the p-clamp (SIN

[[Page 10799]]

34282) is missing, perform a spot fluorescent penetrant inspection 
of the outer fuel manifold, part number (P/N) 2403M46G01, SIN 34302, 
using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(4)(b), of GE GEnx-
1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019.
    (i) If a crack or a sign of fuel leakage is found, before 
further flight, remove the outer fuel manifold, P/N 2403M46G01, SIN 
34302, from service and replace with a part eligible for 
installation.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Within 500 FCs after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 FCs from the last p-clamp 
replacement, replace the p-clamp (SIN 34282) with a new p-clamp (SIN 
34282). Complete this required action after performing the visual 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(1)(i) of this AD.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a p-clamp is a clamp, P/N J1432P12, 
with SIN 34282, located at the signal fuel tube hose, SIN 34200, as 
shown in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3, Figure 1, ``Outer 
Fuel Manifold and Clamp Location,'' of GE GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, 
dated August 29, 2019.

(i) No Repair Requirement

    Sending a removed outer fuel manifold for repair, as set forth 
in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(4)(b), of GE 
GEnx-1B SB 73-0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019, is not required by 
this AD.

(j) 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 Related Information. 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7743; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

(l) 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.
    (i) General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B Service Bulletin 73-
0080 R01, dated August 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact 
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 
phone: (513) 552-3272; email: [email protected]; 
website: www.ge.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03571 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P