[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 100 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36090-36092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12631]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-04-AD; Amendment 39-12754; AD 2002-10-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-80E1
Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80E1 series turbofan
engines installed on Airbus Industrie A330 series airplanes. This
action requires initial and repetitive thrust reverser inspections and
checks, and allows extended threshold and repetitive inspection
intervals for certain inspections if an optional double p-seal
configuration is installed. This amendment is prompted by reports of
service-induced hardware deterioration that reduces the overall thrust
reverser system protection against inadvertent deployment, which can
result in loss of control of the airplane. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to prevent inadvertent in-flight thrust reverser
deployment, which can result in loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Effective June 27, 2002. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of June 27, 2002.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 22, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-04-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov''.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Middle River Aircraft Systems, Mail Point 46, 103 Chesapeake Park
Plaza, Baltimore, MD, 21220-4295, attn: Warranty Support, telephone:
(410) 682-0094, fax: (410) 682-0100. This information may be examined,
by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Curtis, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Office Park; telephone (781) 238-7192; fax (781)
238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that thrust reverser
inspections and checks are necessary as precautionary actions, to
provide an acceptable level of safety for GE CF6-80E1 series turbofan
engines. This determination has been made after reviewing thrust
reverser safety analyses following a report of inadvertent thrust
reverser deployment on another make and model engine. This amendment is
prompted by the following reports:
-The translating cowl inner bondment (bulb) seal can become
deformed during use in service, resulting in cuts, tears, nicks, holes,
and missing sections that compromise aerodynamic stow retention.
-The forward (Dagmar) fairing and the aft frame assembly
can become damaged during use in service, compromising stow retention.
-The center drive unit (CDU) cone brake holding torque can
become less than the minimum acceptable value to the extent that the
CDU cone brake becomes inoperative.
-The thrust reverser electromechanical brake holding torque
can become less than the minimum acceptable value to the extent that
the thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS) lock becomes inoperative.
This holding torque of less than the minimum acceptable value can also
be caused by damage to a flexible shaft assembly.
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in inadvertent in-
flight thrust reverser deployment, which can result in loss of control
of the airplane.
Manufacturer's Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Middle
River Aircraft Systems alert service bulletin (ASB) No. CF6-80E1 SB
78A5043, Revision 1, dated January 22, 2002 that describes procedures
for initial and repetitive thrust reverser inspections and checks.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Although this affected engine model is not used on any airplanes
that are registered in the United States, the possibility exists this
engine model could be used on airplanes that are registered in the
United States in the future. This AD is being issued to prevent
inadvertent in-flight thrust reverser deployment, which can result in
loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires initial and
repetitive thrust reverser inspections and checks, and allows extended
threshold and repetitive inspection intervals for certain inspections
if an optional double p-seal configuration is installed. The actions
are required to be done in accordance with the service bulletin
described previously.
[[Page 36091]]
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine
model, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary.
Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of
this regulation.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NE-04-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined
in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly,
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication
of this final rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2002-10-08 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-12754. Docket No.
2000-NE-04-AD.
Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to General
Electric Company (GE) CF6-80E1 series turbofan engines. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Industrie A330
series airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance
Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already
done.
To prevent inadvertent in-flight thrust reverser deployment,
which can result in loss of control of the airplane, do the
following:
Engines That Do Not Have Improved Double P-Seal Configuration
(a) For engines that do not have the improved double P-seal
configuration introduced by Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS)
service bulletin (SB) 78-5037, original issue or Revision 1, inspect
and check each fan thrust reverser half in accordance with 2.B.,
2.C., and 2.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of MRAS alert
service bulletin (ASB) No. 78A5043, Revision 1, dated January 22,
2002, as follows:
(1) Perform initial inspections and checks before exceeding
7,000 flight hours time-since-new (TSN) or 1,000 flight hours time-
in-service (TIS), whichever occurs later, after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) Thereafter, perform inspections and checks at intervals not
to exceed 7,000 flight hours TIS since last inspection or check.
Engines That Do Have Improved Double P-Seal Configuration
(b) For engines that do have the improved double P-seal
configuration introduced by MRAS SB 78-5037, original issue or
Revision 1, inspect and check each fan thrust reverser half in
accordance with 2.B. and 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
MRAS ASB No. 78A5043, Revision 1, dated January 22, 2002, as
follows:
(1) Perform initial inspections and checks before exceeding
25,000 flight hours TSN or 1,000 flight hours TIS, whichever occurs
later, after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Thereafter, perform inspections and checks at intervals not
to exceed 25,000 flight hours TIS since last inspection or check.
(c) Also for engines that do have the improved double P-seal
configuration introduced by MRAS SB 78-5037, original issue or
Revision 1, check each fan thrust reverser half in accordance with
2D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of MRAS ASB No. 78A5043,
Revision 1, dated January 22, 2002, as follows:
(1) Perform initial check before exceeding 7,000 flight hours
TSN or 1,000 flight hours TIS, whichever occurs later, after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Thereafter, perform checks at intervals not to exceed 7,000
flight hours TIS since last check.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO).
Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, ECO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.
[[Page 36092]]
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a
location where the requirements of this AD can be done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference
(f) The inspections and checks must be done in accordance with
Middle River Aircraft Systems Alert Service Bulletin No. CF6-80E1 SB
78A5043, Revision 1, dated January 22, 2002. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Middle River Aircraft Systems, Mail Point 46, 103
Chesapeake Park Plaza, Baltimore, MD, 21220-4295, attn: Warranty
Support, telephone: (410) 682-0094, fax: (410) 682-0100. Copies may
be inspected, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on June 27, 2002.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 9, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-12631 Filed 5-22-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U