[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27909-27911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10048]
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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. 85, No. 92 / Tuesday, May 12, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 27909]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0469; Project Identifier AD-2020-00258-E;
Amendment 39-21122; AD 2020-10-04]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan
engines with a certain interstage high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor
seal installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic
inspections (USIs) of the interstage HPT rotor seal and, depending on
the results of the inspection, replacement of the interstage HPT rotor
seal with a part eligible for installation. This AD also requires the
removal of the interstage HPT rotor seal at the next engine shop visit.
This AD was prompted by investigative findings from an event involving
an uncontained interstage HPT rotor seal failure that resulted in
debris penetrating the fuselage and the other engine. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 27, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 27,
2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by June 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: 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 final rule, contact
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; 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 781-238-7759. It is also
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0469.
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-
0469; 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
street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA received a report of an event that occurred on October 20,
2019, in which a Boeing Model 777-300ER airplane, powered by GE GE90-
115B model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained interstage HPT
rotor seal failure resulting in an aborted takeoff. The FAA has
determined that an unusual flight profile is a contributing factor in
the failure of the interstage HPT rotor seal. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in an uncontained interstage HPT rotor seal
release, release of high-energy debris, damage to the engine, and
damage to the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GE GE90-100 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 72-A0841
R00, dated February 26, 2020. The ASB describes procedures for
performing USIs of the interstage HPT rotor seal and removing it from
service. 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 GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0830 R00,
dated January 17, 2020. The SB describes procedures for performing a
USI at the air holes of the interstage HPT rotor seal on wing.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the Agency 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 initial and repetitive USIs of the interstage HPT
rotor seal and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement
of the interstage HPT rotor seal with a part eligible for installation.
This AD also requires the removal of the interstage HPT rotor seal at
the next engine shop visit.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. The root cause of the
interstage HPT rotor seal failure is still being investigated, and the
FAA will consider further rulemaking depending on the results of the
investigation.
[[Page 27910]]
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking. Similarly, Section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to
make rules effective in less than 30 days, upon a finding of good
cause.
The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies waiving
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no domestic
operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive
any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from U.S.
operators. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. In addition, for
this same reason, the FAA finds 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, the FAA invites 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-2020-
0469 and Project Identifier AD-2020-00258-E at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be
sent to Stephen Elwin, 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 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
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Replace interstage HPT rotor seal..... 100 work-hours x $85 per $540,000 $548,500 $0
hour = $8,500.
USI of interstage HPT rotor seal...... 2 work-hours x $85 per 0 170 0
hour = $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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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.
[[Page 27911]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2020-10-04 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-21122; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0469; Project Identifier AD-2020-00258-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 27, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1
and GE90-115B model turbofan engines with an interstage high-
pressure turbine (HPT) rotor seal with a part number and serial
number listed in Table 1 of GE GE90-100 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
72-A0841 R00, dated February 26, 2020 (``the ASB'').
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by investigative findings from an event
involving an uncontained interstage HPT rotor seal failure,
resulting in debris penetrating the fuselage and the other engine.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the interstage HPT
rotor seal. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
uncontained interstage HPT rotor seal release, release of high-
energy debris, 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) Perform an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the interstage HPT
rotor seal in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.(1), of the ASB, as follows:
(i) After the effective date of this AD, perform an initial USI
of the interstage HPT rotor seal before reaching the additional
cycles listed in Table 1 of the ASB. When computing the additional
cycles, use the effective date of this AD instead of the issue date
of the ASB.
(ii) Thereafter, repeat the USI of the interstage HPT rotor seal
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) within every 100 cycles since the
last inspection.
(2) If, during any USI required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii)
of this AD, a non-serviceable indication is found, as defined in
paragraph 3.B.(2)(b) of the ASB, before further flight, remove the
interstage HPT rotor seal from service.
(h) Mandatory Terminating Action
As a terminating action to the repetitive USI required by
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, at the next engine shop visit after
the effective date of this AD, remove the affected interstage HPT
rotor seal from service and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(i) Definition
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
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance does not
constitute an engine shop visit.
(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. 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 Stephen Elwin,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7236; 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) GE90-100 Alert Service
Bulletin 72-A0841 R00, dated February 26, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email:
[email protected].
(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 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 May 6, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-10048 Filed 5-11-20; 8:45 am]
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