
[Federal Register: May 4, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 85)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 23574-23576]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04my10-6]                         

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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 39-16279; AD 2010-09-14]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. CFM56-5B1/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, -5B4/P1, -5B6/2P, -5B4/
2P1, and -5B9/2P Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for CFM International, S.A. CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. That 
AD requires reviewing exhaust gas temperature (EGT) monitoring records 
to determine EGT margin deterioration, and for airplanes where both 
engines have greater than 80 [deg]centigrade (C) of EGT margin 
deterioration, borescope-inspecting the high-pressure compressor (HPC) 
of both engines. That AD also requires removing from service any engine 
that does not pass the borescope inspection and, if both engines pass, 
replacing one of the engines with an engine that has 80 [deg]C or less 
of EGT margin deterioration. That AD also requires continuous 
monitoring of EGT margin deterioration on engines in service to prevent 
two engines on an airplane from having greater than 80 [deg]C of EGT 
margin deterioration. This AD:
     Reduces the number of engine models affected;
     Continues to monitor EGT margin deterioration;
     Lowers the EGT margin threshold from 80 [deg]C to 75 
[deg]C;
     Removes FADEC software version 5.B.Q and earlier versions 
from the engine as mandatory terminating action to the continuous EGT 
margin deterioration monitoring, for certain engine models;
     Removes the requirement to borescope inspect; and
     Removes the requirement to replace one of the engines with 
an engine that has 80 [deg]C or less deterioration of EGT margin as a 
corrective action.
    This AD results from a reduction of the affected engine models 
listed in AD 2009-01-01 from 25 to 19, a reduction in the engine EGT 
margin deterioration threshold from 80 [deg]C to 75 [deg]C, the 
introduction of terminating action to the continuous EGT monitoring for 
certain engines, and a change to the removal plan for the remaining 
engines if the EGT margin deterioration is greater than 75 [deg]C. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent HPC stalls, which could prevent 
continued safe flight or landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 8, 2010. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of June 8, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from CFM International, S.A., Technical Customer Support, 1 Neumann 
Way,

[[Page 23575]]

Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513) 552-3272; fax (513) 552-3329, Web 
address http://customer.geae.com.
    The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Maguire, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
wayne.maguire@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7778; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
superseding AD 2009-01-01, Amendment 39-15779 (73 FR 80296, December 
31, 2008), with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to CFM 
International, S.A. CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. We published the 
proposed AD in the Federal Register on December 21, 2009 (74 FR 67834). 
That action proposed to require continuous monitoring of EGT margin 
deterioration, removing FADEC software version 5.B.Q and earlier 
versions from the engine as mandatory terminating action to the 
repetitive recalculating and EGT monitoring for certain engine models, 
and removing other certain engine models from service if the EGT margin 
deterioration is greater than 75 [deg]C.

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 provided in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Clarify Engine Replacement Requirements

    One commenter, CFM International, S.A., requests that we change the 
proposed AD to state, in part: ``For airplanes where both engines 
indicate more than 75 [deg]C EGT margin deterioration, within 150 CIS 
either remove one engine and replace it with an engine indicating less 
than 75 [deg]C EGT margin.''
    We do not agree. When both installed engines have greater than 75 
[deg]C EGT margin deterioration, the proposed AD no longer allows 
replacing one of the engines with an engine that has 75 [deg]C or less 
of EGT margin deterioration as a corrective action. We do not agree 
with the commenter's requested change, but we see an opportunity to 
clarify that the terminating action for this AD for certain engine 
models, is to remove FADEC software version 5.B.Q and earlier. For 
other engine models, the corrective action is to remove those engines 
from service that have greater than 75 [deg]C of EGT margin 
deterioration. We added this clarification to the Summary of this AD. 
We kept the same engine replacement requirements in this AD, as those 
in the proposed AD.

Request To Reference the Latest Version of Software

    CFM International, S.A. requests that we reference the latest 
version of software to be installed, which is version 5.B.R.
    We do not agree. We intentionally referenced the software versions 
needing to be removed but not the version to be installed, as that 
version could become superseded in the future. We did not change the 
AD.

Request To Correct the Service Information Reference

    CFM International, S.A. requests that we correct the service 
information reference in paragraph (k) to read ``CFM International, 
S.A. Alert Service Bulletin No. CFM56-5B S/B 72-A0722, Revision 1, 
dated March 20, 2009.''
    We agree. We changed the AD to reflect the new service information 
reference throughout the compliance section.

Request To Indent Sub-Paragraphs

    CFM International, S.A. requests that we indent the proposed AD 
numbered sub-paragraphs, as this further distinguishes the unique 
terminating actions for each group of identified CFM56 engine models.
    We do not agree. Rulemaking procedures require that we do not 
indent sub-paragraphs. We did not change the AD.

Request To Alleviate

    Two private commenters request that the prohibition against using 
engine control software version 5.B.Q or earlier versions, be 
alleviated for the CFM56-5B/2P (dual annular combustor) family of 
engine models. One other commenter requests that we move the contents 
of paragraph (h) to paragraph (f). The commenters state that the 
currently available engine control software version for those engines 
is earlier than version 5.B.Q.
    We partially agree. We clarified paragraph (h) to apply to only 
those engine models where terminating action includes engine control 
software. We also added a second prohibition paragraph to apply to only 
those engines listed in paragraph (g). However, we did not move the 
contents of paragraph (h) to paragraph (f).

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 397 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 
one work-hour to install FADEC software. The average labor rate is $80 
per work-hour. There are no required parts costs. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be 
$31,760.

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 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,

[[Page 23576]]

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 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration 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 removing Amendment 39-15779 (73 FR 
80296, December 31, 2008) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-16279, to read as follows:

2010-09-14 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-16279. Docket No. 
FAA-2008-1353; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-46-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 8, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-01-01, Amendment 39-15779.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. CFM56-5B1/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, -5B4/P1, -5B6/
2P, -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 a reduction of the affected engine 
models listed in AD 2009-01-01 from 25 to 19, a reduction in the 
engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margin deterioration threshold 
from 80 [deg]C to 75 [deg]C, the introduction of terminating action 
to the continuous EGT monitoring for certain engines, and a change 
to the removal plan for the remaining engines if the EGT margin 
deterioration is greater than 75 [deg]C. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent high-pressure compressor 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) On the effective date of this AD, and at any time after the 
effective date of this AD, for CFM International, S.A. CFM56-5B1/P, 
-5B2/P, -5B3/P, -5B3/P1, -5B4/P, -5B4/P1, -5B5/P, -5B6/P, -5B7/P, -
5B8/P and -5B9/P turbofan engines:
    (1) Monitor and calculate engine EGT margin deterioration. Use 
paragraphs 3.A.(2) and 3.A.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
and Appendix A of CFM International, S.A. Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. CFM56-5B S/B 72-A0722, Revision 1, dated March 20, 2009, 
to do the monitoring and calculating.
    (2) As mandatory terminating action to the repetitive 
recalculating and monitoring of EGT margin deterioration, remove 
FADEC software version 5.B.Q and earlier versions from engines that 
have greater than 75 [deg]C of EGT margin deterioration within 150 
additional cycles-in-service (CIS).
    (3) As mandatory terminating action to the repetitive 
recalculating and monitoring of EGT margin deterioration, remove 
FADEC software version 5.B.Q and earlier versions from engines that 
have less than or equal to 75 [deg]C of EGT margin deterioration 
within 900 additional CIS.
    (g) On the effective date of this AD, and at any time after the 
effective date of this AD, for CFM International, S.A. CFM56-5B1/2P, 
-5B2/2P, -5B3/2P, -5B3/2P1, -5B4/2P, -5B4/2P1, -5B6/2P and -5B9/2P 
turbofan engines:
    (1) Monitor and calculate engine EGT margin deterioration. Use 
paragraphs 3.A.(2) and 3.A.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
and Appendix A of CFM International, S.A. ASB No. CFM56-5B S/B 72-
A0722, Revision 1, dated March 20, 2009, to do the monitoring and 
calculating.
    (2) Remove engines from service that have greater than 75 [deg]C 
of EGT margin deterioration within 150 additional CIS.

Installation Prohibitions

    (h) For engines listed in paragraph (f) of this AD, after the 
effective date of this AD, do not install FADEC software version 
5.B.Q or any earlier software versions.
    (i) For engines listed in paragraph (g) of this AD, after the 
effective date of this AD, do not install an engine that has greater 
than 75 [deg]C of EGT margin deterioration.

Interim Actions

    (j) 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 75 [deg]C 
deterioration of EGT margin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) 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

    (l) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0088, Revision 1, dated April 28, 2009, for related 
information.
    (m) Contact Wayne Maguire, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
wayne.maguire@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7778; fax (781) 238-7199, 
for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use CFM International, S. A. Alert Service Bulletin 
No. CFM56-5B S/B 72-A0722, Revision 1, dated March 20, 2009, to 
perform the EGT calculating and monitoring required by this AD. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact CFM International, S.A., Technical 
Customer Support, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone 
(513) 552-3272; fax (513) 552-3329, Web address http://
customer.geae.com, for a copy of this service information. You may 
review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 23, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-10177 Filed 5-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

