[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 49 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14413-14416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-04997]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1093; Project Identifier AD-2019-00144-E;
Amendment 39-21103; AD 2020-06-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A., 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
CFM International S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21, -1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -1B28, -
1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B2C, -1B28B3, -1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2 model
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of two new unsafe
conditions and the need to supersede corrective actions for two
previously addressed unsafe conditions. This AD supersedes AD 2018-25-
09 and AD 2019-12-01, which apply to the affected LEAP-1B model
turbofan engines. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) of the applicable CFM LEAP-1B Engine Shop
Manual and the operator's approved continuous airworthiness maintenance
program. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe conditions on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For 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; fax: 877-
432-3329; email: [email protected]">aviation.[email protected]. 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for
[[Page 14414]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1093.
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-2019-
1093; 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: Christopher McGuire, Aerospace
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the
Federal Register on January 23, 2020 (85 FR 3871), prompted by reports
of two new unsafe conditions affecting CFM LEAP-1B model turbofan
engines: (1) Increased fuel flow through certain fuel nozzles due to
fuel nozzle coking, potentially causing distress to the static
structures of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) and in-flight shutdown
(IFSD) of one or more engines; and (2) the potential for undetected
subsurface anomalies formed during the manufacturing process that could
result in uncontained failure of the HPT stage 2 disk.
The NPRM also resulted from additional information related to two
unsafe conditions previously addressed by AD 2018-25-09, Amendment 39-
19520 (83 FR 63559, December 11, 2018) (``AD 2018-25-09''), and AD
2019-12-01, Amendment 39-19656 (84 FR 28202, June 18, 2019) (``AD 2019-
12-01''), regarding: (1) Icing in the pressure sensor lines,
potentially causing inaccurate pressure sensor readings and loss of
thrust control; and (2) inadequate oil flow to the radial drive shaft
(RDS) bearing, which can cause failure of the bearing and IFSD of one
or more engines. AD 2018-25-09 applied to all CFM LEAP-1B21, -1B23, -
1B25, -1B27, -1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B2C, -1B28B3, -1B28BBJ1, and
-1B28BBJ2 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-12-01 applied to CFM LEAP-
1B21, -1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B3,-1B28B2C, -
1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2 model turbofan engines with certain RDS
bearings installed. Thus, the FAA also proposed to supersede the two
previously issued ADs addressing icing in the pressure sensor lines and
inadequate oil flow to the RDS bearing.
The NPRM proposed to require revising the ALS of the applicable CFM
LEAP-1B Engine Shop Manual and the operator's approved continuous
airworthiness maintenance program to: (1) Add an ultrasonic inspection
of the HPT stage 2 disk to detect subsurface anomalies formed during
manufacturing; (2) add an inspection of the RDS bearing to address
inadequate oil flow to the RDS bearing; (3) require monitoring and
inspections of the fuel nozzle to address the potential distress to HPT
static structures due to nozzle coking; and (4) update the electronic
engine control (EEC) system software to address potential for icing in
the pressure sensor lines.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe conditions on
these products.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Use CFM Diagnostics for Engine Monitoring To Detect Fuel
Nozzle Coking
A commenter asked whether CFM Diagnostics reporting is an
acceptable method of compliance for CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-
73-00-0030-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated January 8, 2020 (``SB 73-
0030''). The commenter stated that CFM Diagnostics has created a
diagnostic report that includes the limits published in SB 73-0030.
The FAA agrees that use of CFM Diagnostics is an acceptable method
of compliance for the engine monitoring in the ALS revisions required
by this AD. This AD requires revising the ALS to include paragraph
6.B.(1) of CFM Engine Shop Manual (ESM) Data Module LEAP-1B-05-29-00-
01A-281B-C, Issue 001, dated January 9, 2020 (``ESM 05-29''), which
requires either engine monitoring or repetitive borescope inspections
specified in SB 73-0030 to detect fuel nozzle coking. Given that SB 73-
0030 recommends the use of CFM Diagnostics to perform engine
monitoring, no change to this AD is necessary.
The commenter also asked whether switching between the engine
monitoring and borescope inspection requirements is acceptable, because
SB 73-0030 says that ``You must do the trend monitoring or BSI of the
turbine hardware,'' which implies that only one of the two methods must
be used. The commenter indicated that there may be scenarios when a
data interruption occurs and they need to switch from engine condition
monitoring to a borescope inspection.
The FAA agrees that switching between the engine monitoring and
borescope inspection requirements is acceptable because the FAA has
previously approved SB 73-0030, which allows operators to use either
option. Based on the foregoing, no change to this AD is necessary.
Request for Credit for Inspections of Transfer Gearbox (TGB) Related to
Inadequate Oil Flow to RDS Bearing
A commenter requested that the AD provide credit for inspections of
the TGB performed in accordance with CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-
930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019 (``SB 72-0222''). The commenter
indicated that, although the service bulletins refer to different
maintenance manual tasks, both SB 72-0222 and CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-
0317-01A-930A-D, Issue 001, dated January 9, 2020 (``SB 72-0317''),
require inspections meeting the same criteria.
The FAA agrees. This AD requires revising the ALS to include
paragraph 6.B.(2) of ESM 05-29, which requires inspections of the RDS
bearing as specified in SB 72-0317. SB 72-0317 provides the conditions
for taking credit for inspections accomplished before the issuance of
SB 72-0317, including inspections accomplished using SB 72-0222.
Operators who meet the conditions specified in SB 72-0317 may take
credit for previous inspections as part of their maintenance program.
However, no change to this AD is necessary. Once an operator revises
the ALS as required by this AD, the operator has fully complied with
this AD. Compliance with the inspections remains mandatory as part of
the ALS.
Support for the AD
The Boeing Company and the Air Line Pilots Association expressed
support for the AD as written.
No Comments on the AD
United Airlines Engineering commented that it reviewed the NPRM and
had no comments.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the
[[Page 14415]]
public interest require adopting this AD as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed CFM ESM Data Module LEAP-1B-05-21-03-01A-281B-C,
Issue 002, dated January 9, 2020 (``ESM 05-21''); and ESM 05-29. ESM
05-21 contains procedures for an ultrasonic inspection of the HPT stage
2 disk. ESM 05-29 contains procedures for inspection of the RDS
bearing, monitoring and inspections of the fuel nozzle, and the
required version of EEC system software. 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 162 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates 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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Update ALS............................ 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $55,080
hour = $340.
TGB Screen Inspection................. 1 work-hour x 85 per 0 85 13,770
hour = 85.
HPT stage 2 Disk Inspection........... 6 work-hours x 85 per 0 510 82,620
hour = 510.
Fuel Nozzle Inspection................ 6 work-hours x 85 per 0 510 82,620
hour = 510.
Pressure Sub-system Software Upgrade.. 0.5 work-hours x 85 per 0 42.50 6,885
hour = 42.50.
RDS Borescope Inspection.............. 2 work-hours x 85 per 0 170 27,540
hour = 170.
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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 FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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RDS Replacement............................... 200 work-hours x $85 per hour = $30,500 $47,500
$17,000.
HPT stage 2 Disk Replacement.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 225,000 225,085
Replace Set of Fuel Nozzles................... 40 work-hours x $85 per hour = 120,000 123,400
$3,400.
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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:
(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.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-25-09, Amendment 39-19520
(FAA-2018-1023, December 11, 2018), and AD 2019-12-01, Amendment 39-
19656 (84 FR 28202, June 18, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2020-06-01 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-21103; Docket No.
FAA-2019-1093; Project Identifier AD-2019-00144-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 16, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-25-09, Amendment 39-19520 (83 FR 63559,
December 11, 2018), and AD 2019-12-01, Amendment 39-19656 (84 FR
28202, June 18, 2019).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all CFM International S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21, -
1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B3, -1B28B2C, -
1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2 model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code, 7200 (Turbine/
Turboprop).
[[Page 14416]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
(1) This AD was prompted by multiple reports of engine in-flight
shutdowns (IFSDs) and defects in the related applicable systems and
one report of a melt-related defect of the high-pressure turbine
(HPT) stage 2 disk material. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent:
(i) Increased fuel flow through certain fuel nozzles leading to
distress of the HPT static structures and IFSD of one or more
engines;
(ii) Undetected subsurface anomalies formed during the
manufacturing process that could lead to uncontained HPT disk
failure;
(iii) Icing in the pressure sensor lines, inaccurate pressure
sensor readings and loss of thrust control; and
(iv) Inadequate oil flow to the radial drive shaft (RDS)
bearing, failure of the bearing, and IFSD of one or more engines.
(2) These unsafe conditions, if not addressed, could result in
IFSD or failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control and
loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the applicable CFM LEAP-
1B Engine Shop Manual and the operator's existing approved
continuous airworthiness maintenance program by inserting the
following changes:
(1) Paragraph 6.B.(2) of the CFM Engine Shop Manual (ESM) Data
Module LEAP-1B-05-21-03-01A-281B-C, Issue 002, dated January 9,
2020; and
(2) Paragraphs 6.B.(1), 6.B.(2), and 6.C.(1) of the CFM ESM Data
Module LEAP-1B-05-29-00-01A-281B-C, Issue 001, dated January 9,
2020.
(h) No Alternative Procedures or Intervals
After the revisions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have
been made, no alternative inspections, procedures, or intervals may
be used unless approved as an alternative method of compliance in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(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 Christopher McGuire,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; 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.
(i) CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Engine Shop Manual (ESM) Data
Module, LEAP-1B-05-21-03-01A-281B-C, Issue 002, dated January 9,
2020; and
(ii) CFM ESM Data Module LEAP-1B-05-29-00-01A-281B-C, Issue 001,
dated January 9, 2020.
(3) For CFM service information identified in this AD, contact
CFM International, S.A., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way,
M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125, United States; phone: (877) 432-
3272; email: [email protected].
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine &
Propeller Standards 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 March 5, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-04997 Filed 3-11-20; 8:45 am]
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