Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

Published date20 June 2019
Citation84 FR 28717
Record Number2019-13040
SectionRules and Regulations
CourtFederal Aviation Administration
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
                [Rules and Regulations]
                [Pages 28717-28719]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-13040]
                ========================================================================
                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.
                ========================================================================
                Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 119 / Thursday, June 20, 2019 / Rules
                and Regulations
                [[Page 28717]]
                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Aviation Administration
                14 CFR Part 39
                [Docket No. FAA-2019-0212; Product Identifier 2019-NE-05-AD; Amendment
                39-19660; AD 2019-12-05]
                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) CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B
                model turbofan engines with a certain rotating air high-pressure
                turbine (HPT) front seal. This AD requires replacement of the affected
                rotating air HPT front seal with a part eligible for installation. This
                AD was prompted by cracks found in the rotating air HPT front seal. The
                FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
                products.
                DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2019.
                 The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 5, 2019.
                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-2019-0212.
                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-
                0212; 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 received reports that cracks were found in the rotating air
                HPT front seal on CFM56-5B model turbofan engines during a scheduled
                shop visit. After further analysis, CFM determined that when a single
                rotating air HPT front seal is mated to more than one HPT disk some
                seals develop microcracks. These cracks resulted from variations in the
                geometry of the parts being mated.
                 This AD pertains to the highest risk engines and therefore
                addresses certain CFM CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B model turbofan
                engines with an affected rotating air HPT front seal that has a
                specified number of cycles since being reconfigured. The FAA expects to
                propose future rulemaking for additional CFM CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and
                CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with this same rotating air HPT front
                seal that have fewer cycles since being reconfigured. These engines
                have the same unsafe condition as the engines affected by this AD but
                represent a lower safety risk due to the lower number of cycles since
                being reconfigured on the affected rotating air HPT front seal.
                 This condition, if not addressed, could result in the uncontained
                release of the rotating air HPT front seal, 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
                 The FAA reviewed CFM Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-5B S/B 72-1074,
                Revision 01, dated December 5, 2018; CFM SB CFM56-5C S/B 72-0794,
                Revision 01, dated January 2, 2019; and CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1042,
                Revision 01, dated January 2, 2019. CFM SB CFM56-5B S/B 72-1074,
                Revision 01, describes procedures for replacement of the affected
                rotating air HPT front seal on CFM CFM56-5B turbofan engines. CFM SB
                CFM56-5C S/B 72-0794, Revision 01, describes procedures for replacement
                of the affected rotating air HPT front seal on CFM CFM56-5C turbofan
                engines. CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1042, Revision 01, describes procedures
                for replacement of the affected rotating air HPT front seal on CFM
                CFM56-7B turbofan engines.
                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 replacement of the affected rotating air HPT front
                seal with a part eligible for installation.
                FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
                 No domestic operators use the affected higher risk CFM CFM56-5B,
                CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines. Therefore, the FAA finds
                good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment
                [[Page 28718]]
                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-
                0212 and Product Identifier 2019-NE-05-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 no 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
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Replace the rotating air HPT front 1 work-hour x $85 per $344,600 $344,685 $0
                 seal. 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):
                2019-12-05 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-19660; Docket No.
                FAA-2019-0212; Product Identifier 2019-NE-05-AD.
                (a) Effective Date
                 This AD is effective July 5, 2019.
                (b) Affected ADs
                 None.
                (c) Applicability
                 This AD applies to:
                 (1) CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-5B1, -5B2, -5B4, -5B5, -
                5B6, -5B7, -5B1/P, -5B2/P, -5B3/P, -5B4/P, -5B5/P, -5B6/P, -5B7/P, -
                5B8/P, -5B9/P, -5B3/P1, -5B4/P1, -5B1/2P, -5B2/2P, -5B3/2P, -5B4/2P,
                -5B6/2P, -5B9/2P, -5B3/2P1, -5B4/2P1, -7B20, -7B22, -7B24, -7B26, -
                7B27, -7B22/B1, -7B24/B1, -7B26/B1, -7B26/B2, -7B27/B1, -7B27/B3, -
                7B20/2, -7B22/2, -7B24/2, -7B26/2, -7B27/2, -7B27A model turbofan
                engines with a:
                 (i) rotating air high-pressure turbine (HPT) front seal:
                 (A) with part number (P/N) 1795M36P01 or P/N 1795M36P02 and
                serial numbers (S/Ns) GWNDN949 through GWNSE969 or S/Ns GWN000CE
                through GWN0990L, not including S/Ns GWN08ND7, GWN0923A, GWN0971E,
                GWN098A1, GWN098W6, GWN098W8, GWN098WA, and GWN0990G, installed;
                 (B) that has been removed from the original HPT disk and re-
                assembled to a different HPT disk; and
                 (C) that has 6,001 or more cycles since being reconfigured.
                 (ii) [Reserved]
                 (2) CFM CFM56-5C2, -5C2/4, -5C2/F, -5C2/F4, -5C2/G, -5C2/G4, -
                5C2/P, -5C3/F, -5C3/F4, -5C3/G, -5C3/G4, -5C3/P, -5C4, -5C4/1, -5C4/
                P, -5C4/1P model turbofan engines with a:
                 (i) rotating air HPT front seal:
                 (A) with P/N 1795M36P01 or P/N 1795M36P02 and S/Ns GWNDN949
                through GWNSE969 or S/Ns GWN000CE through GWN0990L, not including S/
                Ns GWN08ND7, GWN0923A, GWN0971E, GWN098A1, GWN098W6, GWN098W8,
                GWN098WA, and GWN0990G, installed;
                [[Page 28719]]
                 (B) that has been removed from the original HPT disk and re-
                assembled to a different HPT disk; and
                 (C) that has 3,751 or more cycles since being reconfigured.
                 (ii) [Reserved]
                (d) Subject
                 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
                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
                rotating air HPT front seal. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
                could result in the 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) For all affected CFM CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B model turbofan
                engines:
                 (i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the rotating air HPT
                front seal has 7,000 cycles or greater since being reconfigured,
                remove the part from service within 50 cycles after the effective
                date of this AD and replace with a part eligible for installation.
                 (ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the rotating air HPT
                front seal has between 6,001 and 6,999 cycles, inclusive, since
                being reconfigured, remove the part from service within 500 cycles
                after the effective date of this AD, but not to exceed 7,050 cycles
                since being reconfigured, and replace with a part eligible for
                installation.
                 (2) For all affected CFM CFM56-5C model turbofan engines:
                 (i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the rotating air HPT
                front seal has 4,250 cycles or greater since being reconfigured,
                remove the part from service within 25 cycles after the effective
                date of this AD, or within 1,500 cycles since the last fluorescent
                penetrant inspection (FPI) of the rotating air HPT front seal,
                whichever occurs later, and replace with a part eligible for
                installation.
                 (ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the rotating air HPT
                front seal has between 3,751 and 4,249 cycles, inclusive, since
                being reconfigured, remove the part from service within 250 cycles
                after the effective date of this AD, before accumulating 4,275
                cycles since being reconfigured, or within 1,500 cycles since the
                last FPI of the rotating air HPT front seal, whichever occurs later,
                and replace with a part eligible for installation.
                (h) Definition
                 For the purpose of this AD, reconfigured is when a rotating air
                HPT front seal has been removed from the original HPT disk and re-
                assembled to a different HPT disk.
                (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
                 None.
                 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 14, 2019.
                Karen M. Grant,
                Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
                Certification Service.
                [FR Doc. 2019-13040 Filed 6-19-19; 8:45 am]
                 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
                

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