Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

Published date18 June 2019
Record Number2019-13022
SectionRules and Regulations
CourtFederal Aviation Administration
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 117 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
                [Rules and Regulations]
                [Pages 28202-28205]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-13022]
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                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Aviation Administration
                14 CFR Part 39
                [Docket No. FAA-2019-0414; Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD; Amendment
                39-19656; AD 2019-12-01]
                RIN 2120-AA64
                Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines
                AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
                ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
                certain CFM International S.A. (CFM) LEAP-1B21, -1B23, -1B25, -1B27, -
                1B28, -1B28B1, -1B28B2, -1B28B3, -1B28B2C, -1B28BBJ1, and -1B28BBJ2
                model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive
                inspections of the transfer gearbox (TGB) scavenge screens and,
                depending on the results of the inspection, possible removal of the
                engine from service. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-
                flight shutdowns (IFSDs) due to radial drive shaft (RDS) bearing
                failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
                these products.
                DATES: This AD is effective July 3, 2019.
                 The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
                reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 3,
                2019.
                 The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 2, 2019.
                [[Page 28203]]
                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 http://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 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]. 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching
                for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0414.
                Examining the AD Docket
                 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
                0414; 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, the regulatory evaluation, 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: 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 learned of five commanded IFSD events that occurred on
                certain CFM LEAP-1B model turbofan engines beginning in August 2018.
                CFM's investigations identified debris on the TGB scavenge screen, A-
                sump screen, and other screens. Subsequently, CFM determined that these
                IFSD events were the result of inadequate oil flow to the RDS bearing,
                which caused the RDS bearing cage to fail. This condition, if not
                addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of
                thrust control, and loss of 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 CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-
                930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019. The SB describes procedures for
                inspections of TGB scavenge screens and borescope inspection (BSI) of
                the RDS bearing. 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 CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0256-01A-930A-D, Issue 003,
                dated May 17, 2019. The SB describes procedures for an optional BSI of
                the RDS bearing. CFM has cancelled this SB and transferred its content
                to CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019.
                FAA's Determination
                 The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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 inspections of the TGB
                scavenge screens and, depending on the results of the inspection,
                possible removal of the engine from service.
                Interim Action
                 The FAA considers this AD interim action. The manufacturer is
                currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
                condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed,
                approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
                FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
                 An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
                this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
                adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
                justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
                The affected CFM LEAP-1B model turbofan engines experienced multiple
                RDS bearing cage failures in the last five months resulting in five
                IFSDs. The TGB scavenge screens must be inspected before accumulating
                between 100-250 flight hours since new on the RDS bearing or within 50
                FHs after the effective date of this AD to prevent the failure of the
                RDS bearing, which could lead to in-flight shutdown of both engines,
                loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane. Therefore, the FAA
                finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment
                are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, 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-2019-
                0414 and Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD 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.
                 The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://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.
                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 136 engines installed on
                airplanes of U.S. registry.
                 The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
                [[Page 28204]]
                 Estimated Costs
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Cost per Cost on U.S.
                 Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Inspect TGB scavenge screens.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $11,560
                 hour = $85.
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                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.
                 This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
                Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
                FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
                normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
                during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
                authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
                associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
                Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
                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.
                Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
                0
                2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
                directive (AD):
                2019-12-01 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-19656; Docket No.
                FAA-2019-0414; Product Identifier 2019-NE-15-AD.
                (a) Effective Date
                 This AD is effective July 3, 2019.
                (b) Affected ADs
                 None.
                (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 with radial drive
                shaft (RDS) bearing, part number (P/N) 92D08200 or P/N 92D08201,
                installed.
                (d) Subject
                 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7260, Turbine Engine
                Accessory Drive.
                (e) Unsafe Condition
                 This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-flight shutdowns
                (IFSDs) due to RDS bearing cage failure. The FAA is issuing this AD
                to prevent failure of the RDS bearing. The unsafe condition, if not
                addressed, could result in 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
                 (1) Inspect the transfer gearbox (TGB) 1 and TGB2 scavenge
                screens in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
                paragraph 5.A.(1), of CFM Service Bulletin (SB) LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-
                01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, as follows:
                 (i) For affected engines with engine serial number (ESN) 602499
                and lower:
                 (A) After the RDS bearing accumulates 50 flight hours (FHs)
                since new but before accumulating 250 FHs since new, or within 50
                FHs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
                perform an initial inspection of the TGB1 and TGB2 scavenge screens.
                 (B) Thereafter, perform repetitive inspections of the TGB1 and
                TGB2 scavenge screens at intervals not exceeding 250 FHs since the
                last inspection.
                 (ii) For affected engines with ESN 602500 and higher:
                 (A) After the RDS accumulates 50 FHs since new but before
                accumulating 100 FHs since new, or within 50 FHs after the effective
                date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an initial
                inspection of the TGB1 and TGB2 scavenge screens.
                 (B) Thereafter, perform repetitive inspections of the TGB1 and
                TGB2 scavenge screens at intervals not exceeding 100 FHs since the
                last inspection.
                 (iii) Based on the results of these inspections, remove the
                engine from service or return the engine to service using the
                criteria in the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraphs 5.A.(2)
                through 5.A.(5), of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007,
                dated May 17, 2019.
                 (2) [Reserved]
                (h) Optional Borescope Inspection (BSI)
                 (1) Once the RDS bearing has accumulated 1,000 FHs since new,
                you may perform a BSI of the RDS bearing in accordance with the
                Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.B.(1) through 5.B.(8), of
                CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D dated May 17, 2019. If the
                results of this BSI are ``satisfactory'' according to the criteria
                in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5.B.(6)(g), of CFM SB
                LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, then
                you are not required to perform the repetitive inspections in
                paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) or (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD until the RDS
                bearing accumulates 4,250 FHs since new.
                 (2) [Reserved]
                (i) Optional Terminating Action
                 (1) As an optional terminating action to the repetitive
                inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii)(B) of
                this AD, you may perform a BSI of the RDS bearing in accordance with
                the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraphs 5.B.(1) through 5.B.(8),
                of CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17,
                2019 after the RDS bearing accumulates 3,750 FHs since new.
                 (i) If the results of the BSI are ``satisfactory'' using the
                criteria in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.B.(6)(g), of
                CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019,
                then you have met the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD
                and no further action is required.
                [[Page 28205]]
                 (ii) If the results of the BSI are ''unsatisfactory'' using the
                criteria in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5.B.(6)(g), of
                CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019,
                then you must continue the repetitive inspections required by
                paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) or (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.
                 (2) [Reserved]
                (j) Definition
                 For the purpose of this AD, ``flight hours (FHs) since new'' are
                the FHs accumulated on the RDS bearings on new engines delivered
                from production and on engines that have had the RDS bearing
                replaced during an engine shop visit.
                (k) No Reporting Requirement
                 The reporting requirement in paragraph 5.A.(6) in CFM SB LEAP-
                1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue 007, dated May 17, 2019, is not
                required by this AD.
                (l) Credit for Previous Actions
                 You may take credit for the inspections that are required by
                paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if you performed those actions before
                the effective date of this AD using CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-
                930A-D, Issue 006, dated March 22, 2019, or an earlier revision. You
                may also take credit for the optional BSI in paragraphs (h)(1) or
                the optional terminating inspection in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD,
                if you performed that action before the effective date of this AD
                using CFM SB LEAP-1B-72-00-0256-01A-930A-D, Issue 002, dated May 6,
                2019, or an earlier revision.
                (m) 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 (n) 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.
                (n) 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].
                (o) 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 Service Bulletin LEAP-1B-72-00-0222-01A-930A-D, Issue
                007, dated May 17, 2019.
                 (ii) [Reserved]
                 (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; fax: 877-
                432-3329; 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
                 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 14, 2019.
                Karen M. Grant,
                Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
                Certification Service.
                [FR Doc. 2019-13022 Filed 6-17-19; 8:45 am]
                BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
                

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