[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 251 (Wednesday, December 31, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80296-80297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31189]
[[Page 80296]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1353; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-46-AD;
Amendment 39-15779; AD 2009-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S. A. CFM56-5B
Series 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 CFM
International, S. A. CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD requires
reviewing exhaust gas temperature (EGT) monitoring records to determine
EGT deterioration margin, and for airplanes where both engines have
greater than 80[deg] centigrade (C) deterioration of EGT margin,
borescope-inspecting the high-pressure compressor (HPC) of both
engines. This AD also requires removing from service any engine that
does not pass the borescope inspection, and if both engines pass,
removing and replacing one of the engines with an engine that has 80
[deg]C or less deterioration of EGT margin. This AD also requires
continuous monitoring of EGT margin on engines in service, to prevent
two engines on an airplane from having greater than 80 [deg]C of
deterioration of EGT margin. This AD results from an Airbus A321
airplane powered by CFM56-5B1/P turbofan engines experiencing HPC
stalls during climb out after takeoff. We are issuing this AD to
prevent HPC stalls, which could prevent continued safe flight or
landing.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 31, 2008.
We must receive any comments on this AD by March 2, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen K. Sheely, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
stephen.k.sheely@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7750; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 15, 2008, an Airbus A321
airplane powered by CFM56-5B1/P turbofan engines experienced HPC stalls
in both engines during climb out after takeoff. The flight crew
restored power to both engines by retarding the throttles to flight
idle. The crew continued the climb out phase of the flight, declared an
emergency, and returned to the airport without incident. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in HPC stalls, which could
prevent continued safe flight or landing.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other CFM International, S. A. CFM56-5B series turbofan
engines of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing this
AD to prevent HPC stalls, which could prevent continued safe flight or
landing. This AD requires the following:
Reviewing EGT monitoring records to determine EGT
deterioration margin; and
For airplanes where both engines have greater than 80
[deg]C deterioration of EGT margin, doing the following:
Borescope-inspecting HPC stages 1, 3, 6, and 9 of both
engines.
Removing from service any engine that does not pass the
borescope inspection; and
If both engines pass the borescope inspection, then
removing one of the engines from service and replacing it with an
engine that has 80 [deg]C or less deterioration of EGT margin.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Interim Actions
These actions are interim actions and we anticipate further
rulemaking actions in the future, including further action to address
the remaining engines in service that are above 80 [deg]C deterioration
of EGT margin.
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, we invite you to send us any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2008-1353;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-46-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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.
We are 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
[[Page 80297]]
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
We have 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. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Under 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
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:
2009-01-01 CFM International, S. A.: Amendment 39-15779. Docket No.
FAA-2008-1353; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-46-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
31, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to CFM International, S. A. CFM56-5B1, -5B2,
-5B4, -5B5, -5B6, -5B7, -5B1/P, -5B2/P, -5B3/P, -5B3/P1, -5B4/P, -
5B5/P, -5B6/P, -5B7/P, -5B8/P, -5B9/P, -5B1/2P, -5B2/2P, -5B3/2P, -
5B3/2P1, -5B4/2P, -5B6/2P, -5B4/P1, -5B4/2P1, and -5B9/2P turbofan
engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from an Airbus A321 airplane powered by
CFM56-5B1/P turbofan engines experiencing high-pressure compressor
(HPC) stalls during climb out after takeoff. We are issuing this AD
to prevent HPC stalls, which could prevent continued safe flight or
landing.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
(f) Within 14 days of the effective date of this AD do the
following:
(1) Review exhaust gas temperature (EGT) monitoring records to
determine EGT deterioration margin.
(2) For airplanes where both engines have greater than 80[deg]
centigrade (C) deterioration of EGT margin, do the following:
(i) Borescope-inspect HPC stages 1, 3, 6, and 9 of both engines.
Information on borescope inspection of the HPC can be found in the
aircraft maintenance manual.
(ii) Remove from service any engine that does not pass the
borescope inspection requirements found in the aircraft maintenance
manual.
(iii) If both engines pass the borescope inspection, then remove
one of the engines from service and replace it with an engine that
has 80 [deg]C or less deterioration of EGT margin.
(3) Continue monitoring EGT margin on engines in service, to
prevent two engines on an airplane from having greater than 80
[deg]C deterioration of EGT margin. Information on monitoring EGT
can be found in CFM International, S. A. Service Bulletin (SB) No.
CFM56-5B S/B 72-0722, dated December 22, 2008.
Interim Actions
(g) These actions are interim actions and we anticipate further
rulemaking actions in the future, including further action to
address the remaining engines in service that are above 80 [deg]C
deterioration of EGT margin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(i) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0227-E,
dated December 23, 2008, and CFM International, S. A. SB No. CFM56-
5B S/B 72-0722, dated December 22, 2008, for related information.
(j) Contact CFM International, S. A., Technical Publications
Department, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513)
552-2800; fax (513) 552-2816, for a copy of this service bulletin.
(k) Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of the aircraft maintenance manual.
(l) Contact Stephen K. Sheely, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
stephen.k.sheely@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7750; fax (781) 238-
7199, for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 23, 2008.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-31189 Filed 12-30-08; 8:45 am]
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