[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67579-67581]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24388]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1414; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01303-E]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and
MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-
11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model turboprop engines. This proposed AD
was prompted by the exclusion of life limits for certain compressor
cases and compressor drums from the airworthiness limitations section
(ALS) of the engine maintenance manual (EMM). This proposed AD was also
prompted by certain compressor cases that, following rework, were
improperly re-identified and the engine logbook entries were not
completed. This proposed AD would require recalculation of the consumed
life for the affected compressor cases and compressor drums and,
depending on the results of the recalculation, removal and replacement
of the affected compressor case or compressor drum with a part eligible
for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 27, 2022.

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 regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1414; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For GEAC material identified in this NPRM, contact GE
Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9,
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1414; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01303-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2021-0264, dated November 22, 2021 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on GEAC M601E, M601E-11,
M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601E-21, M601F and M601FS model
turboprop engines. The MCAI states that the life limits for certain
compressor cases and compressor drums were not published in the
applicable ALS of the EMM for certain GEAC M601 model turboprop
engines. The MCAI also states that following rework of certain
compressor cases from part number (P/N) M601-154.6 to P/N M601-154.51,
those compressor cases were improperly re-identified and the engine
logbook entries were not completed, which could cause the compressor
case to remain in service beyond its applicable life limit. This
condition can lead to failure of an affected part, possibly resulting
in engine mount failure and high energy debris release.
    As a result of this unsafe condition, the MCAI specifies
replacement of the affected parts and engine logbook correction. The
MCAI also specifies conditions and clarifications for parts
installation using GEAC Alert Service Bulletin ASB-M601F-72-30-00-0061
[01] and ASB-M601E-72-30-00-0110 [01], (single document; formatted as
service bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated October 15, 2021.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1414.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GEAC Alert Service Bulletin ASB-M601F-72-30-00-
0061 [01] and ASB-M601E-72-30-00-0110 [01], (single document; formatted
as service bulletin identifier

[revision number]), dated October 15, 2021. This service information
describes procedures for recalculation of the consumed life of certain
compressor cases and compressor drums. The ASB also provides the part
numbers of the affected compressor cases and compressor drums installed
on GEAC M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model
turboprop engines.
    This ASB is reasonably available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal course of business or by the
means identified in ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require recalculation of the consumed life
for the affected compressor cases and compressor drums and, depending
on the results of the recalculation, removal and replacement of the
affected compressor case or compressor drum with a part eligible for
installation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2022-0034 includes an Engine Logbook Correction paragraph
which specifies correction of the compressor case P/N, while this
proposed AD does not include the Engine Logbook Correction paragraph.
    EASA AD 2022-0034 applies to GEAC M601E, M601E-21, and M601FS model
turboprop engines, and this AD does not because they do not have an FAA
type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 7 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Recalculate the consumed life of        .25 work-hours x $85 per              $0          $21.25         $148.75
 compressor case and compressor drum.    hour = $21.25.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the recalculated consumed
life of the affected parts. The agency 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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Remove and replace compressor case............  10 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $5,000          $5,850
                                                 $850.
Remove and replace compressor drum............  40 work-hours x $85 per hour =             7,000          10,400
                                                 $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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

GE Aviation Czech s.r.o (Type Certificate previously held by WALTER
Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.):

Docket No. FAA-2022-1414; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01303-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by December 27, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601E-11,
M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601E-21, M601F, and M601FS model
turboprop engines, with an installed compressor case part number (P/
N) M601-154.51, which includes compressor cases identified as, or
recorded in the engine logbook as P/N M601-154.6; or with an
installed compressor drum having P/N M601-130.7 or P/N M601-134.7.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's determination that
the life limits for certain compressor cases and compressor drums
were not published in the applicable airworthiness limitations
section of the engine maintenance manual. Additionally, it was
determined that following rework, certain compressor cases were
improperly re-identified and the engine logbook entries were not
completed. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of the
compressor case and compressor drum. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in engine mount failure and high energy
debris release.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD,
recalculate the consumed life of the affected compressor case and
affected compressor drum in accordance with the formula and lifing
coefficients in paragraph 2.B., Table 1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of GEAC Alert Service Bulletin ASB-M601F-72-30-00-0061
[01] ASB-M601E-72-30-00-0110 [01] (single document; formatted as
service bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated October 15,
2021.
    (2) For GEAC M601E-11, M601E-11A, and M601F model turboprop
engines, before the recalculated consumed life of an affected
compressor case exceeds 11,000 equivalent flight cycles (FCs),
replace the compressor case with a compressor case eligible for
installation.
    (3) For GEAC M601E-11S and M601E-11AS model turboprop engines,
before the recalculated consumed life of an affected compressor case
exceeds 11,000 equivalent FCs, or within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the
compressor case with a compressor case eligible for installation.
    (4) For all affected engines with an installed compressor drum
having P/N M601-130.7 or M601-134.7, before the recalculated
consumed life of the compressor drum exceeds 6,750 equivalent FCs,
or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, replace the compressor drum with a compressor drum
eligible for installation.

(h) Definition

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``compressor case eligible for
installation'' is:
    (i) For GEAC M601E-11, M601E-11A, and M601F model turboprop
engines, an affected compressor case that is identified as P/N M601-
154.51 with no reference to other P/N's and that does not have a
recalculated consumed life that has exceeded its life limit, or a
compressor case that is not P/N M601-154.51.
    (ii) For GEAC M601E-11S and M601E-11AS model turboprop engines,
a compressor case that is not P/N M601-154.51.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(1): A compressor case having P/N M601-
154.6 is not an approved configuration, and is not eligible for
installation.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``compressor drum eligible for
installation'' is a compressor drum that is not P/N M601-130.7 or
M601-134.7.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in Sec.  39.19.
In accordance with Sec.  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)(2) of this AD and email to: [email protected].

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0264, dated November 22, 2021, for related information. This
EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1414.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Barbara
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material 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) GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin ASB-M601F-72-30-00-
0061 [01] and ASB-M601E-72-30-00-0110 [01], (single document;
formatted as service bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated
October 15, 2021.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For GEAC service information identified in this AD, contact
GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9,
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (5) You may view this material 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 3, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24388 Filed 11-8-22; 8:45 am]
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