[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 5, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20059-20062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07003]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 5, 2023 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 20059]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1405; Project Identifier AD-2022-01070-E;
Amendment 39-22374; AD 2023-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-10-09
for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B model
turbofan engines with a certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) inner
stationary seal installed. AD 2021-10-09 required removal, inspection,
and replacement of the affected HPT inner stationary seal and,
depending on the findings, replacement of the rotating air HPT front
seal, HPT rotor blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. This AD was prompted by
cracks found in the rotating air HPT front seal. After the FAA issued
AD 2021-10-09, the manufacturer notified the FAA that the service
information incorrectly lists the year of certain honeycomb repairs and
that affected HPT inner stationary seals could potentially be installed
on CFM CFM56-5C model turbofan engines. This AD requires removal,
inspection, and replacement of the affected HPT inner stationary seal
and, depending on the findings, replacement of the rotating air HPT
front seal, HPT rotor blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. This AD also
revises the applicability to add CFM CFM56-5C model turbofan engines.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 10, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 10, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1405; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For CFM service information identified in this final rule,
contact CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann
Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
[email protected].
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 (817) 222-5110. It is
also available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2022-1405.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7088; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-10-09, Amendment 39-21542 (86 FR
27264, May 20, 2021) (AD 2021-10-09). AD 2021-10-09 applied to certain
CFM CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with an HPT inner
stationary seal, part number 1808M56G01, installed. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 1, 2022 (87 FR 73683). The NPRM was
prompted by cracks found in the rotating air HPT front seal. After the
FAA issued AD 2021-10-09, the manufacturer notified the FAA that the
service information referenced in AD 2021-10-09 incorrectly listed the
year of certain honeycomb repairs. Additionally, the manufacturer
notified the FAA that affected HPT inner stationary seals could
potentially be installed on CFM CFM56-5C model turbofan engines. In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removal, inspection, and replacement
of the affected HPT inner stationary seal and, depending on the
findings, replacement of the rotating air HPT front seal, HPT rotor
blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to
revise the applicability to add CFM CFM56-5C model turbofan engines.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. The commenters
were Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), American
Airlines (AA), and The Boeing Company (Boeing). The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each
comment.
Support for the AD
ALPA and Boeing supported the NPRM without change.
Request To Specify Service Bulletins and Revision Numbers
AA requested that the FAA specify service bulletins and their
respective revision numbers throughout this AD. AA stated that
paragraph (c), Applicability, references the service bulletins as
follows, CFM Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952, Revision 02,
dated August 10, 2022 (CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952); CFM SB CFM56-5C S/
B 72-0796, Revision 02, dated August 10, 2022 (CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-
0796); CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054, Revision 02, dated August 10, 2022
(CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054). AA noted that the SB format within the
parentheses abridges the complete description of the service bulletins
and is used in proposed paragraphs (g)(2), (h)(2)(i), and (2)(ii). AA
reasoned that this SB format could be interpreted as the original
(basic) service bulletin, which provides outdated accomplishment
instructions and could contribute to errors during the accomplishment
of this AD.
The FAA established a shorthand notation in paragraph (c),
Applicability,
[[Page 20060]]
of the NPRM for each service bulletin, which contained the full
citation, including the manufacturer name, SB number, revision number,
and date, followed by the shorthand notation. The FAA then used the
established shorthand notation to reference the service bulletins in
paragraphs (g)(2), (h)(2)(i), and (2)(ii), as applicable, of the NPRM.
Avoiding the use of the shorthand notation and including the revision
numbers and dates for each SB reference is unnecessary, as the
referenced service information is defined in both the preamble and the
AD body. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Revise Paragraph (c) of This AD
AA requested that the FAA revise paragraph (c), Applicability, of
this AD to include the following, ``This AD does not apply to affected
CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with the affected HPT
inner stationary seal installed if the seal has been repaired as
specified in CFM56 Engine Shop Manual (ESM), 72-41-03, REPAIR 003 after
December 31, 2012 and prior to the effective date, June 24, 2021, of
FAA AD 2021-10-09.'' AA reasoned that this language was part of AD
2021-10-09, paragraph (c), Applicability. The exclusion of this text
from the final rule would make the population of HPT inner stationary
seals, within the previously identified time frame, applicable to the
proposed AD.
In response to this comment, the FAA has revised paragraph (c),
Applicability, of this AD to include: ``This AD does not apply to
affected CFM CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines
with the affected HPT inner stationary seal installed if the seal has
been repaired as specified in CFM56-5B ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003;
CFM56-5C ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003; or CFM56-7B ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR
003, after December 31, 2012.''
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the 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 the following service information:
CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796, Revision 02, dated August 10,
2022.
CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952, Revision 02, dated August 10,
2022.
CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054, Revision 02, dated August 10,
2022.
This service information, differentiated by engine model, specifies
procedures for inspecting the HPT inner stationary seal honeycomb. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 210 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. Operators have the option to replace or
repair the affected HPT inner stationary seal. The parts cost includes
the estimated costs for replacement with a repaired HPT inner
stationary seal.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace HPT inner stationary seal..... 1 work-hour x $85 per $7,910 $7,995 $1,678,950
hour = $85.
Inspect HPT inner stationary seal..... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 17,850
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace rotating air HPT front seal........ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... $344,600 $344,685
Replace HPT rotor blades (pair)............ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... 31,000 31,085
Replace No. 3 ball bearing................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... 30,000 30,085
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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
The FAA has 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:
[[Page 20061]]
(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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-10-09, Amendment 39-21542 (86
FR 27264, May 20, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-05-05 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-22374; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1405; Project Identifier AD-2022-01070-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 10, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-10-09, Amendment 39-21542 (86 FR 27264,
May 20, 2021) (AD 2021-10-09).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. (CFM) model turbofan
engines identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD with an
installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) inner stationary seal, part
number (P/N) 1808M56G01, that has a serial number (S/N) listed in
Table 1 of CFM Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952, Revision
02, dated August 10, 2022 (CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952); Table 1 of
CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796, Revision 02, dated August 10, 2022 (CFM
SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796); or Table 1 of CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054,
Revision 02, dated August 10, 2022 (CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054).
This AD does not apply to affected CFM CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and
CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with the affected HPT inner
stationary seal installed if the seal has been repaired as specified
in CFM56-5B Engine Shop Manual (ESM), 72-41-03, REPAIR 003; CFM56-5C
ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003; or CFM56-7B ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003,
after December 31, 2012.
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--CFM Model Turbofan Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFM.......................... CFM56-5B1, CFM56-5B1/2P, CFM56-5B1/3,
CFM56-5B1/P, CFM56-5B2, CFM56-5B2/2P,
CFM56-5B2/3, CFM56-5B2/P, CFM56-5B3/2P,
CFM56-5B3/2P1, CFM56-5B3/3, CFM56-5B3/
3B1, CFM56-5B3/P, CFM56-5B3/P1, CFM56-
5B4, CFM56-5B4/2P, CFM56-5B4/2P1, CFM56-
5B4/3, CFM56-5B4/3B1, CFM56-5B4/P, CFM56-
5B4/P1, CFM56-5B5, CFM56-5B5/3, CFM56-
5B5/P, CFM56-5B6, CFM56-5B6/2P, CFM56-
5B6/3, CFM56-5B6/P, CFM56-5B7, CFM56-5B7/
3, CFM56-5B7/P, CFM56-5B8/3, CFM56-5B8/
P, CFM56-5B9/2P, CFM56-5B9/3, CFM56-5B9/
P.
CFM.......................... CFM56-5C2, CFM56-5C2/4, CFM56-5C2/F,
CFM56-5C2/F4, CFM56-5C2/G, CFM56-5C2/G4,
CFM56-5C2/P, CFM56-5C3/F, CFM56-5C3/F4,
CFM56-5C3/G, CFM56-5C3/G4, CFM56-5C3/P,
CFM56-5C4, CFM56-5C4/1, CFM56-5C4/1P,
CFM56-5C4/P.
CFM.......................... CFM56-7B20, CFM56-7B20/2, CFM56-7B20/3,
CFM56-7B20E, CFM56-7B22, CFM56-7B22/2,
CFM56-7B22/3, CFM56-7B22/3B1, CFM56-7B22/
B1, CFM56-7B22E, CFM56-7B22E/B1, CFM56-
7B24, CFM56-7B24/2, CFM56-7B24/3, CFM56-
7B24/3B1, CFM56-7B24/B1, CFM56-7B24E,
CFM56-7B24E/B1, CFM56-7B26, CFM56-7B26/
2, CFM56-7B26/3, CFM56-7B26/3B1, CFM56-
7B26/3B2, CFM56-7B26/3B2F, CFM56-7B26/
3F, CFM56-7B26/B1, CFM56-7B26/B2, CFM56-
7B26E, CFM56-7B26E/B1, CFM56-7B26E/B2,
CFM56-7B26E/B2F, CFM56-7B26E/F, CFM56-
7B27, CFM56-7B27/2, CFM56-7B27/3, CFM56-
7B27/3B1, CFM56-7B27/3B1F, CFM56-7B27/
3B3, CFM56-7B27/3F, CFM56-7B27/B1, CFM56-
B27/B3, CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3,
CFM56-7B27AE, CFM56-7B27E, CFM56-7B27E/
B1, CFM56-7B27E/B1F, CFM56-7B27E/B3,
CFM56-7B27E/F.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by cracks found in the rotating air HPT
front seal. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT
inner stationary seal and the rotating air HPT front seal. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained
release of the rotating air HPT front seal, 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) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of
this AD, remove the affected HPT inner stationary seal and replace
with an HPT inner stationary seal that is eligible for installation.
(2) After removing the affected HPT inner stationary seal
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, inspect the removed HPT
inner stationary seal for honeycomb separation in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1), of CFM SB CFM56-
5B S/B 72-0952; CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796; or CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B
72-1054, as applicable by engine model.
(3) If honeycomb separation is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight:
(i) Remove the rotating air HPT front seal from service and
replace with a rotating air HPT front seal that is eligible for
installation.
(ii) Remove the HPT rotor blades and replace with HPT rotor
blades eligible for installation.
(iii) Remove the No. 3 ball bearing from service and replace
with a No. 3 ball bearing eligible for installation.
(h) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine case flanges, except for
the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop
visit.
(i) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purpose of
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance.
(ii) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purpose of
replacing the fan or propulsor without subsequent maintenance.
[[Page 20062]]
(2) For the purpose of this AD, an ``HPT inner stationary seal
that is eligible for installation'' is an HPT inner stationary seal:
(i) That is not listed in Table 1 of CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-
0952; Table 1 of CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796; or Table 1 CFM SB
CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054; or
(ii) With a P/N 1808M56G01 and an S/N listed in Table 1 of CFM
SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952; Table 1 of CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796; or
Table 1 of CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054, that has been repaired as
specified in CFM56-5B ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003; CFM56-5C ESM, 72-
41-03, REPAIR 003; or CFM56-7B ESM, 72-41-03, REPAIR 003, as
applicable by engine model, after December 31, 2012.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``rotating air HPT front seal
that is eligible for installation'' is any rotating air HPT front
seal that was not removed from service as a result of the inspection
of the HPT inner stationary seal required by paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD in which there was a finding of honeycomb separation.
(4) For the purpose of this AD, ``HPT rotor blades eligible for
installation'' are new HPT rotor blades with zero flight hours since
new or HPT rotor blades that have been inspected and returned to a
serviceable condition using FAA-approved maintenance procedures.
(5) For the purpose of this AD, a ``No. 3 ball bearing eligible
for installation'' is any No. 3 ball bearing that was not removed
from service as a result of the inspection of the HPT inner
stationary seal required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD in which
there was a finding of honeycomb separation.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) through (3) of this AD, if you performed those actions before
the effective date of this AD using CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952,
Revision 01, dated January 15, 2020, CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054,
Revision 01, dated January 15, 2020, or CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796
Revision 01, dated January 15, 2020.
(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 paragraph (k) of this AD and email 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.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2021-10-09 (86 FR 27264, May 20, 2021)
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; email:
[email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) CFM Service Bulletin CFM56-5C S/B 72-0796, Revision 02,
dated August 10, 2022.
(ii) CFM Service Bulletin CFM56-5B S/B 72-0952, Revision 02,
dated August 10, 2022.
(iii) CFM Service Bulletin CFM56-7B S/B 72-1054, Revision 02,
dated August 10, 2022.
(3) For CFM service information identified in this AD, contact
CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way,
M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) 432-3272; email:
[email protected].
(4) 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 (817) 222-5110.
(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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 5, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07003 Filed 4-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P