[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49272-49275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21245]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0785; Product Identifier 2018-NE-14-AD; Amendment 
39-19380; AD 2018-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-10-11 
for all CFM International S.A. (CFM) Model CFM56-7B engines. AD 2018-
10-11 required initial and repetitive inspections of certain fan blades 
and, if they fail the inspection, their replacement with parts eligible 
for installation. This superseding AD requires the same initial and 
repetitive inspections but revises the compliance time for the 
repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by further analysis by the 
manufacturer that indicated a need to reduce the repetitive fan blade 
inspection interval based on ongoing root cause investigation of an 
April 2018 engine failure. The agency is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 16, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 16, 
2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of May 
14, 2018 (83 FR 19176, May 2, 2018).
    The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by November 15, 2018.

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 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact CFM 
International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 
285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-432-3329; 
email: [email protected]. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0785.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0785; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McGuire, Aerospace 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2018-10-11, Amendment 39-19286 (83 FR 22836, May 
17, 2018), (``AD 2018-10-11''), for all CFM model CFM56-7B engines. AD 
2018-10-11 required initial and

[[Page 49273]]

repetitive ultrasonic inspections (USI) or eddy current inspection 
(ECI) of certain fan blades and, if they fail the inspection, their 
replacement with parts eligible for installation. AD 2018-10-11 
resulted from an April 2018 event involving an engine failure due to a 
fractured fan blade leading to the engine inlet cowl disintegrating and 
debris penetrating the fuselage, causing a loss of pressurization and 
prompting an emergency descent. One passenger fatality occurred as a 
result. The agency issued AD 2018-10-11 to prevent failure of the fan 
blade due to cracking, which could lead to an engine in-flight 
shutdown, uncontained release of debris, damage to the airplane, and 
possible airplane decompression.

Actions Since AD 2018-10-11 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2018-10-11, CFM gained a better 
understanding of the fan blade failures based on the inspections and 
further analysis of the detected cracks and the April 2018 event. As a 
result, CFM reduced the repetitive inspection interval to prevent a fan 
blade failure. CFM has published Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-7B S/B 72-
1033, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2018, to reduce the repetitive 
inspection interval from 3,000 cycles to 1,600 cycles. The FAA expects 
that all affected engines will have completed the initial inspection 
based on the previously issued ADs.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Revision to Cost Estimate

    The FAA has determined that, in AD 2018-10-11, it underestimated 
the cost per fan blade to be $8,500. However, based on CFM SB CFM56-7B 
S/B 72-1033, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2018, and earlier versions the 
estimated cost per fan blade should be $51,400. The FAA erroneously 
assumed the cost in the service bulletin represented the cost for a set 
of 24 fan blades when it actually represented the cost for two fan 
blades. In this final rule, the agency has updated the on-condition 
costs to reflect the correct cost of the fan blade.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1033, Revision 2, dated 
July 27, 2018, and Subtask 72-21-01-220-091, of Task 72-21-01-200-001, 
from the CFM56-7B Engine Shop Manual (ESM), Revision 57, dated January 
15, 2018. CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1033, Revision 2, describes procedures 
for performing a USI of the affected fan blades. Subtask 72-21-01-220-
091, of Task 72-21-01-200-001, from the CFM56-7B ESM, describes 
procedures for performing an ECI of the affected fan blades. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1019, dated March 24, 
2017, CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1019, Revision 1, dated June 13, 2017, CFM 
SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1024, dated July 26, 2017, CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-
1033, dated April 20, 2018, and General Electric Field Support 
Technology (FST) Procedure 2370, dated December 9, 2016. These SBs and 
the FST provide information on performing the USI.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has evaluated all the 
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires initial and repetitive USI or ECI of certain fan 
blades and, if they fail the inspection, their replacement with parts 
eligible for installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. 
Due to the reduction in the repetitive inspection interval, some fan 
blades have reached or exceeded the revised repetitive inspection 
threshold. Because of this, the compliance time for the required action 
is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for 
the FAA to issue the final rule to ensure the unsafe condition is 
addressed. Therefore, the agency finds good cause that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, 
for the reasons stated in this paragraph, the FAA finds that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity 
to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, the 
agency invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about 
this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-0785 and product 
identifier 2018-NE-14-AD at the beginning of your comments. The agency 
specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. The agency will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact the agency receives about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3,716 engines installed on 
1,858 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                           Estimated Inspection Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost      inspection       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect engine fan blade..............  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170        $631,720
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to complete any necessary 
replacement of a single fan blade that would be required based on the 
results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the 
number of

[[Page 49274]]

engines that might need fan blades to be replaced:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fan blade.............................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85         $51,400         $51,485
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period within the Aircraft Certification 
Service, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue 
ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the 
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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 DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-10-11, Amendment 39-19286 (83 FR 22836, May 17, 2018) and adding 
the following new AD:

2018-18-01 CFM International S.A.: Amendment 39-19380; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0785; Product Identifier 2018-NE-14-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-10-11, Amendment 39-19286 (83 FR 22836, 
May 17, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to CFM International S.A.(CFM) CFM56-7B20, 
CFM56-7B22, CFM56-7B22/B1, CFM56-7B24, CFM56-7B24/B1, CFM56-7B26, 
CFM56-7B26/B2, CFM56-7B27, CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B26/B1, CFM56-7B27/
B1, CFM56-7B27/B3, CFM56-7B20/2, CFM56-7B22/2, CFM56-7B24/2, CFM56-
7B26/2, CFM56-7B27/2, CFM56-7B20/3, CFM56-7B22/3, CFM56-7B22/3B1, 
CFM56-7B24/3, CFM56-7B24/3B1, CFM56-7B26/3, CFM56-7B26/3B1, CFM56-
7B26/3B2, CFM56-7B27/3, CFM56-7B27/3B1, CFM56-7B27/3B3, CFM56-7B27A/
3, CFM56-7B26/3F, CFM56-7B26/3B2F, CFM56-7B27/3F, CFM56-7B27/3B1F, 
CFM56-7B20E, CFM56-7B22E, CFM56-7B22E/B1, CFM56-7B24E, CFM56-7B24E/
B1, CFM56-7B26E, CFM56-7B26E/B1, CFM56-7B26E/B2, CFM56-7B27AE, 
CFM56-7B27E, CFM56-7B27E/B1, CFM56-7B27E/B3, CFM56-7B26E/F, CFM56-
7B26E/B2F, CFM56-7B27E/F, and CFM56-7B27E/B1F engine models.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by further analysis by the manufacturer 
that indicated a need to reduce the repetitive fan blade inspection 
interval based on ongoing root cause investigation of an April 2018 
engine failure that resulted in one fatality. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to reduce the repetitive fan blade inspection interval to 
prevent failure of the fan blade. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of the fan blade, the engine 
inlet cowl disintegrating and debris penetrating the fuselage, 
causing a loss of pressurization, and prompting an emergency 
descent.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Perform an ultrasonic inspection (USI) or eddy current 
inspection (ECI) of the concave and convex sides of the fan blade 
dovetail as follows:
    (i) Before further flight, perform an initial inspection of the 
fan blade using the criteria in Planning Information, either 
paragraph 1.C.(2)(a), 1.C.(2)(b), or 1.C.(2)(c), of CFM Service 
Bulletin (SB) CFM56-7B S/B 72-1033, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2018.
    (ii) For all fan blades not inspected in accordance with 
(g)(1)(i) of this AD, perform an initial inspection prior to 
accumulating 20,000 flight cycles on the fan blade or before further 
flight, whichever occurs later.
    (iii) Thereafter, repeat this inspection no later than 1,600 
cycles since the last inspection or within 450 cycles after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (iv) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(3)(a) 
through (i), of CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1033, Revision 2, dated July 
27, 2018, to perform a USI or use the instructions in subtask 72-21-
01-220-091, of task 72-21-01-200-001, from CFM CFM56-7B Engine Shop 
Manual (ESM),

[[Page 49275]]

Revision 57, dated January 15, 2018, to perform an ECI.
    (2) If any unserviceable indication, as specified in the 
applicable service information in paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this AD, 
is found during the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, replace the fan blade before further flight with a part eligible 
for installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    Do not install any replacement fan blade unless it meets one of 
the following criteria:
    (1) The replacement fan blade has fewer than 20,000 cycles since 
new, or;
    (2) The replacement fan blade has been inspected in accordance 
with paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``replacement fan blade'' is a fan 
blade that is being installed into an engine from which it was not 
previously removed. Removing and reinstalling a fan blade for the 
purpose of relubrication is not subject to the Installation 
Prohibition of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions that are required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed the actions before the 
effective date of this AD using CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1019, dated 
March 24, 2017; CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1019, Revision 1, dated June 
13, 2017; CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1024, dated July 26, 2017; CFM SB 
CFM56-7B S/B 72-1033, dated April 20, 2018; CFM SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-
1033, Revision 1, dated May 9, 2018; or an ECI using the 
instructions in task 72-21-01-200-001, subtask 72-21-01-220-091 of 
CFM56-7B ESM, earlier than Revision 57, dated January 15, 2018.

(k) 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 paragraph (l) of this AD. You may email your request 
to: [email protected].
    (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.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-10-11 (83 FR 22836, 
May 17, 2018) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions 
of this AD.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Christopher McGuire, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 16, 2018.
    (i) CFM International S.A. (CFM) Service Bulletin CFM56-7B S/B 
72-1033, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 14, 2018 (83 FR 19176, May 2, 2018).
    (i) Subtask 72-21-01-220-091, of Task 72-21-01-200-001, from the 
CFM CFM56-7B Engine Shop Manual, Revision 57, dated January 15, 
2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For CFM service information identified in this AD, contact 
CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, 
M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: 877-432-3272; fax: 877-
432-3329; email: [email protected].
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 September 26, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21245 Filed 9-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


