[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11670-11673]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03708]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0102; Project Identifier AD-2020-01270-E]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67/P, and
GEnx-2B67B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a
report of a crack in the lower fuel manifold causing fuel leakage. This
proposed AD would require an ultrasonic inspection (USI) or a
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the lower fuel manifold.
Depending on the results of the USI or FPI, this proposed AD would
require replacement of the lower fuel manifold 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 proposed AD by April 12,
2021.

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 https://www.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.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact General
Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513)
552-3272; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>website: www.ge.com.
You may view this service information 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>.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0102; 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, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
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-2021-0102; Project Identifier
AD-2020-01270-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
https://www.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 Mehdi
Lamnyi, 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 FAA received a report that a GEnx-2B model turbofan engine
installed on a Boeing Model 747-8 airplane was removed from service due
to confirmed fuel leakage from a lower fuel manifold in May 2019. The
operator observed fuel leakage during a routine borescope inspection of
the high-pressure turbine, and later confirmed by ultrasonic inspection
a crack at brazed block #4 in the pilot secondary fuel circuit tube on
the lower fuel manifold. The FAA received two similar reports, in March
2020 and May 2020, of a fuel leak from the lower fuel manifold at
brazed block #4. The manufacturer has identified the root cause of this
cracking as low-cycle fatigue due to the abrupt transition created by
the brazed support block pad and its inability to slide due to thermal
loads as intended. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the fuel manifold, engine fire, and damage to the airplane.

FAA's Determination

    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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE GEnx-2B Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0089 R01,
dated January 11, 2021. The service information specifies procedures
for performing an initial on-wing visual inspection, a USI, or an FPI
of the top main fuel manifold and the lower fuel manifold. The service
information also specifies procedures for performing repetitive in-shop
visual inspection and FPI for GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. The
service information also provides instructions for replacing the top
main fuel manifold and lower fuel manifold if a crack is found that
exceeds the manufacturer's criteria or if a leak is detected during
inspection. 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require performing either a USI, an on-wing
spot FPI, or an in-shop FPI of the lower fuel manifold, part number (P/
N) 2619M58G01, at the locations adjacent to the five support block pads
to detect cracks. Depending on the results of the inspection, this AD
may require removing the lower fuel manifold from service and replacing
it with a part eligible for installation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021, describes
procedures for performing an initial on-wing visual inspection of the
top main fuel manifold and the lower fuel manifold, followed by a USI
or an FPI. This service information describes procedures for a
repetitive in-shop visual inspection and FPI of the top main fuel
manifold and the lower fuel manifold. This service information also
provides instructions for replacing the top main fuel manifold or the
lower fuel manifold if a crack is discovered that exceeds the criteria
established by the manufacturer or if a leak is detected during
inspection.
    This proposed AD would not require inspection or replacement of the
top main fuel manifold or a visual inspection of the lower fuel
manifold. This proposed AD would also not require the repetitive in-
shop visual inspection and FPI of the top main fuel manifold and the
lower fuel manifold. This proposed AD would require a USI, an on-wing
spot FPI, or an in-shop FPI of the lower fuel manifold and, depending
on the results of the inspection, replacement of the lower fuel
manifold with a part eligible for installation. Reports received by the
FAA indicate that fuel leakage has occurred on the lower fuel manifold.
Based on these reports, the FAA is not requiring inspection of the top
main fuel manifold.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD would be an interim action. The
design approval holder is currently developing a modification to
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, the FAA might consider additional
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 156 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI or USI of the lower fuel manifold.  16 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,360        $212,160
                                         hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the lower fuel manifold...............  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $47,730         $47,900
                                                 $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.

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:

General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0102; Project
Identifier AD-2020-01270-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 12, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-2B67,
GEnx-2B67/P, and GEnx-2B67B model turbofan engines with lower fuel
manifold, part number (P/N) 2619M58G01, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7310, Engine Fuel
Distribution.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the lower fuel
manifold. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect cracking of the lower
fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in failure of the fuel manifold, engine fire, and damage to the
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within the compliance time specified in Table 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, perform either an ultrasonic inspection (USI), an
on-wing spot fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), or an in-shop
FPI of the lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, in accordance with
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this AD, as applicable.

              Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Compliance Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Lower fuel manifold cycles since
             new (CSN)                         Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1,700 CSN...............  After the lower fuel manifold has
                                     accumulated 1,700 CSN, but before
                                     it exceeds 2,200 CSN.
1,700 CSN or more.................  Within 500 engine flight cycles
                                     (FCs) after the effective date of
                                     this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Perform a USI of the lower fuel manifold at the locations
adjacent to the five support block pads to detect cracks in
accordance with paragraph 4. Appendix--A of GEnx-2B Service Bulletin
(SB) 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021.
    (ii) Perform an on-wing spot FPI of the lower fuel manifold at
the five brazed block joints to detect cracks. Guidance on
performing the spot FPI can be found in paragraph 3.B.(6)(a) of
GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021.
    (iii) Perform an in-shop FPI of the lower fuel manifold at the
five brazed block joints to detect cracks. Guidance on performing
the FPI can be found in paragraph 3.C.(4) of GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01,
dated January 11, 2021.
    (2) If a crack or rejectable indication is found during the USI,
on-wing spot FPI, or in-shop FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i),
(ii), and (iii) of this AD, before further flight, remove the lower
fuel manifold from service and replace it with a part eligible for
installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is:
    (1) Any serviceable lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, with
less than 1,700 CSN, or
    (2) Any lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, with 1,700 CSN or
more that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i),
(ii), or (iii) of this AD and a crack or rejectable indication was
not found, or
    (3) Any approved lower fuel manifold with a part number other
than P/N 2619M58G01.

(i) No Reporting Requirements

    The reporting requirements specified in paragraph 4. Appendix--A
of GE GEnx-2B SB 73-0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021, are not
required by this AD.

(j) 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 Related Information. You may email your request to:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>;
email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215;
phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
website: www.ge.com. You may view this referenced service
information 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
(781) 238-7759.

    Issued on February 18, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03708 Filed 2-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register: October 28, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 207)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 55449]
[DOCID:fr28oc09-5]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1253; Airspace Docket No. 08-ANE-103]

Establishment of Class E Airspace; Nantucket, MA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E Airspace at Nantucket Memorial
Airport, Nantucket, MA, by establishing Class E Surface airspace
designated as an extension to Class D airspace. This action will
encompass the new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and
enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
around the Nantucket Memorial Airport, MA.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, February 11, 2010. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under
title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual
revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daryl Daniels, Airspace Specialist,
Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic
Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta,
Georgia 30320; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On February 12, 2009, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by establishing the Class E
airspace extending upward from the surface at Nantucket Memorial
Airport, Nantucket, MA (74 FR 7011). Interested parties are invited to
participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written
comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments objecting to the
proposal were received.
    Class E surface airspace designations as extensions to Class D
(Class E4 airspace) are published in Paragraph 6004 of FAA Order
7400.9T, signed August 27, 2009, and effective September 15, 2009,
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace
designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in
the Order.

The Rule

    This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 establishes Class E airspace at Nantucket, MA. This action
provides adequate Class E airspace (IFR) operations at Nantucket
Memorial Airport. Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System
(GPS) (SIAPs) have been developed for Nantucket Memorial Airport, and
as a result, Class E surface airspace is required to the northeast of
the airport, designated as an extension of the Class D surface area.
    The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
It, therefore, (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979);
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that
will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this proposed rule, when promulgated, would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration
amends 14 CFR Part 71 as follows:

PART 71--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for Part 71 will continue to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854,
24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation
Administration Order 7400.9T, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, signed August 27, 2009, and effective September 14, 2009, is
amended as follows:

Paragraph 6004 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an Extension to
a Class D Surface Area.

* * * * *

ANE MA E4 Nantucket, MA [NEW]

Nantucket Memorial Airport, MA
    (Lat. 41[deg]15'11'' N., long. 70[deg]03'37'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface of the Earth
within 1.5 mile either side of the 045[deg] bearing from the
Nantucket Memorial Airport extending from the 4.2 mile radius to
12.6 miles Northeast of the airport. This Class E Surface airspace
area is effective during the specific dates and times established in
advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective dates and times will
thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility
Directory.
* * * * *

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on October 15, 2009.
Michael Vermuth,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. E9-25500 Filed 10-27-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P