[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8402-8406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03039]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0259; Project Identifier AD-2020-01128-E; 
Amendment 39-21900; AD 2022-02-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-26-01 
for all CFM International, S.A. (CFM) CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B model 
turbofan engines with a certain accessory gearbox assembly (AGB) not 
equipped with a dynamic oil seal assembly in the handcranking pad. AD 
2013-26-01 required an independent inspection to verify re-installation 
of the handcranking pad cover after removal of the pad cover for 
maintenance. This AD was prompted by a dual engine loss of oil event 
and 42 prior events of total loss of engine oil during flight. This AD 
requires independent inspection to verify re-installation of the AGB 
handcranking pad cover after maintenance. This AD also requires the 
replacement of the affected AGB as a terminating action to the 
inspection requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 22, 2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact CFM International, S.A., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann 
Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) 432-3272; email: 
[email protected]. 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 (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0259.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0259; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-26-01, Amendment 39-17710 (78 FR 
79295, December 30, 2013), (AD 2013-26-01). AD 2013-26-01 applied to 
all CFM CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B series turbofan engines with certain AGBs 
not equipped with a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad assembly. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2021 (86 FR 
23301). The NPRM was prompted by a dual engine loss of oil event and 42 
prior events of total loss of engine oil during flight. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to retain certain requirements of AD 2013-26-01. The 
NPRM proposed to require the performance of an independent inspection 
to verify re-installation of the AGB handcranking pad cover after 
maintenance. Alternatively, the NPRM proposed to require the insertion 
of an independent inspection as a required inspection item in the 
approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program for the aircraft 
not later than the next time the AGB handcranking pad cover is removed 
for maintenance.
    The NPRM also proposed to remove the optional terminating action in 
AD 2013-26-01 and add a mandatory terminating action for certain model 
turbofan engines, requiring the removal and replacement of an affected 
AGB with an AGB that incorporates the dynamic oil seal in the 
handcranking pad cover assembly. For all CFM56-3 and the majority of 
CFM56-7B turbofan engine models, the NPRM proposed to require 
replacement of the AGB as a mandatory terminating action to the 
inspection requirement. The NPRM does not require this terminating 
action for CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3 and CFM56-7B27AE model turbofan 
engines because these model engines, which are installed only in 
military airplanes, do not have a replacement AGB eligible for 
installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from seven commenters. The commenters 
were Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska), American Airlines (American), Air 
Line Pilot Association, International (ALPA), CFM, Delta Air Lines, 
Inc. (Delta), Jet Engine Technology Corporation (Jet Engine 
Technology), and United Airlines (United). The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Revise Service Bulletin (SB) References To Allow On-Wing 
Procedure

    Alaska requested that the FAA revise the definition in paragraph 
(i)(3)(ii) of this AD to include an affected AGB that has been reworked 
and reidentified to a part number (P/N) eligible for installation, as 
applicable to the removed P/N, in accordance with an FAA approved CFM 
International SB.

[[Page 8403]]

Alaska also commented that CFM expects to release CFM56-7B S/B 72-1023 
in September 2021 and this SB would allow for introduction of AGB part 
number 340-046-528-0. Alaska also noted that CFM plans to release 
Revision 9 of CFM International CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 to allow on-wing 
installation of the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover 
assembly.
    American also requested that the FAA revise the definition in 
paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this AD to include procedures from future FAA 
approved revisions of CFM SBs. American noted that CFM plans to release 
Revision 9 of CFM International CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 to allow on-wing 
installation of the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover 
assembly. American also requested that the FAA incorporate the 
maintenance procedures from Revision 9 of CFM International SB CFM56-7B 
S/B 72-0564 and CFM International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1071 into the 
proposed AD. American noted the advantage that Revision 9 of CFM 
International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 would allow the AGBs to be 
modified on-wing.
    Delta requested that the FAA urge CFM to make an on-wing procedure 
available to operators. Delta further requested that the FAA modify the 
definition of an affected AGB that has been re-worked and re-identified 
to a part number eligible for installation in paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of 
the NPRM by removing the specific revision numbers and effective dates 
from the SBs in this paragraph. Delta commented that Revision 7 is the 
current revision for CFM International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879, 
however, AD 2013-26-01 does not list a revision number for an AGB that 
is eligible for installation in the terminating action. Further, Delta 
stated that European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0261 
allows for the modification and re-identification of an affected AGB 
using future revisions of CFM International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564.
    In response to the comments from Alaska, American, and Delta, the 
FAA changed the definition of a part eligible for installation in 
paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this AD to ``An affected AGB that, using an 
FAA-approved procedure, has been re-worked with a dynamic oil seal in 
the starter drive pad and re-identified with a new part number not 
listed in paragraph (i)(3)(i) of this AD.'' This change allows 
operators to use procedures in service bulletins that contain an FAA-
approved method for installing the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking 
pad cover assembly.

Request To Update the Definition of an Engine Shop Visit

    American requested that the FAA update the definition of an engine 
shop visit by adding the following additional exceptions to the 
definition in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD:
    ``(iii) The removal of the fan disk or the fan disk and booster 
spool as an assembly.
    (iv) Accomplishment of a top/bottom case by removal of the HPC 
forward and aft stator cases.''
    The FAA disagrees with revising the definition as proposed by 
American. The removal of the fan, which includes the fan disk and 
booster major module, is excluded from the definition of an engine shop 
visit in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this AD. Regarding the addition of an 
exception to the definition of an engine shop visit to include 
accomplishment of a top/bottom case by removal of the high-pressure 
compressor (HPC) forward and aft stator cases, American did not provide 
rationale for this requested change. The FAA finds that incorporating 
this requested exception by the commenter would unnecessarily delay the 
accomplishment of the required actions of this AD.

Request To Update the Definition of a Part Eligible for Installation

    Delta requested that the FAA remove the term ``using'' from the 
following sentence in paragraph (i)(3)(ii): ``An affected AGB that has 
been reworked and reidentified to a part number eligible for 
installation using, as applicable, CFM SB 72-0879, Revision 6, dated 
March 1, 2018, or SB 72-0564 Revision 8, dated May 6, 2020.'' Delta 
reasoned that the cited service information does not specify which 
steps or paragraphs are required for compliance.
    The FAA has changed the definition in paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this 
AD to allow the use of FAA-approved methods for installing the dynamic 
oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly rather than mandating 
specific procedures.

Request To Incorporate FAA Advisory Circular (AC) Into CFM SBs

    American requested that CFM incorporate FAA AC 20-176A into its SBs 
to distinguish which steps in an SB will have a direct effect on 
detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating the unsafe condition 
identified in an AD. American commented further that the application of 
AC 20-176A to previous CFM SBs was successful in reducing global 
requests for alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) and streamlining 
the accomplishment of key tasks while meeting strict regulatory 
compliance.
    Delta requested that the FAA urge CFM to incorporate FAA AC 20-176A 
into its SBs. Delta commented that paragraph (i)(3)(ii) defines an 
affected AGB that has been reworked and reidentified to a part number 
eligible for installation using, as applicable, CFM International SB 
CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879, Revision 6, dated March 1, 2018, or CFM 
International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564, Revision 8, dated May 6, 2020. 
This definition does not specify which steps or paragraphs are required 
for compliance. Delta requested the FAA urge CFM to revise these SBs to 
incorporate AC 20-176A to distinguish which steps in an SB will have a 
direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating the 
unsafe condition identified in an AD.
    In response to these comments from Delta and American, the FAA has 
changed the definition of an AGB eligible for installation in paragraph 
(i)(3)(ii) of this AD to allow the use of FAA-approved methods for 
installing the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly 
rather than mandating specific procedures. Since the SBs noted by the 
commenters are not required for compliance within this AD, the FAA does 
not find it necessary to recommend that the manufacturer incorporate 
sections from the guidance contained in AC 20-176A in the referenced 
SBs.

Request To Revise SB References

    CFM requested that the FAA revise the specified service information 
in paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of the NPRM by referencing Revision 7 of CFM 
International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879, dated February 10, 2021. CFM 
also requested that the FAA change the date of CFM International SB 
CFM56-7B S/B 72-1129 from May 5, 2020 to May 6, 2020.
    In response to this comment, the FAA has revised paragraph 
(i)(3)(ii) by adding a Note, which refers to Revision 7 of CFM 
International SB CFM 56-7B S/B 72-0879, dated February 10, 2021. The 
FAA is not requiring use of CFM International SB CFM 56-7B S/B 72-0879 
to rework the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly. 
The addition of Note 2 to paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this AD includes 
reference to procedures to install a dynamic oil seal in the 
handcranking pad cover assembly, which can be found in CFM 
International SB CFM56-3 S/B 72-1129, Revision 7, dated May 6, 2020. 
The FAA also updated the publication date of CFM International CFM56-7B 
S/B 72-1129 to May 6, 2020.

[[Page 8404]]

Request To Revise Reference to Engine Models

    CFM requested that the FAA update the AD to replace references to 
``CFM56-3B'' model turbofan engines with ``CFM56-3'' when referring to 
all CFM56-3, CFM56-3B and CFM56-3C model turbofan engines.
    The FAA notes the reference to ``CFM56-3B'' that existed in the 
preamble of the NPRM has been updated to ``CFM56-3'' in the preamble of 
this final rule.

Request To Clarify the Mandatory Terminating Action

    CFM and United requested that the FAA clarify if paragraph (h), 
Mandatory Terminating Action, requires removal and replacement of the 
AGB or if the AGB can be re-worked and re-identified. The commenters 
indicated that there is an on-wing re-work procedure that is being 
developed to install the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover 
assembly, and using only the term ``replace'' may prevent the use of 
this re-work for compliance. United also requested that the FAA clarify 
whether compliance with the mandatory terminating action can be 
achieved only by removing and replacing the AGB, or if re-working and 
re-identifying the AGB, per the instructions in CFM International 
CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 and CFM International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879 for 
the CFM56-7B engine fleet is acceptable.
    The FAA agrees that re-working and re-identifying the AGB on-wing 
to install a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly 
resolves the unsafe condition. The FAA has revised paragraph (i)(2)(ii) 
in this final rule to allow re-work and re-identification of the 
affected AGB to a part eligible for installation.

Request To Modify Compliance Time for Mandatory Terminating Action

    Delta requested that the FAA modify the compliance time for AGB 
replacement in Mandatory Terminating Action, paragraph (h)(2), of the 
proposed AD for affected CFM56-7B model turbofan engines to be 
consistent with the requirement for CFM56-3 model turbofan engines. 
Delta noted that both engine models are subject to the same unsafe 
condition.
    The FAA disagrees with modifying the mandatory terminating action 
compliance time in paragraph (h)(2) for CFM56-7B model turbofan engines 
to be consistent with the mandatory terminating action compliance time 
for CFM56-3 model turbofan engines. The fleets using these engine 
models have differences in utilization and logistics that require 
different compliance end dates to address the unsafe condition.

Request for Alternative Procedure for Compliance

    Jet Engine Technology commented that it has attempted to purchase 
the dynamic oil seal, part number 333-089-185-000, listed in CFM 
International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-1129, Revision 7, but was informed it 
was out of stock as of May 26, 2021. According to Jet Engine 
Technology, there was a 360-day lead time to obtain this part. Jet 
Engine Technology indicated that due to the unavailability of the parts 
and because the AD is mandating the terminating action at next shop 
visit after the effective date of the AD, it will not be possible for 
an FAA-certified repair station to return the engine back to service. 
Jet Engine Technology requested information pertaining to other types 
of procedures that can be done to return the engine to service after a 
shop visit.
    CFM has confirmed to the FAA that parts will be available to 
suppliers, operators, and repair stations to install an AGB with the 
dynamic oil seal in the handcranking cover pad assembly.

Request To Delay Publication of This AD

    United and CFM requested that the FAA delay publication of this AD. 
United requested that the FAA wait until after CFM has made on-wing 
instructions available for accomplishing the AGB re-work and re-
identification because CFM International CFM56-7B SB 72-0564, Revision 
8, dated May 6, 2020, and CFM International CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879, 
Revision 6, dated March 1, 2018 do not contain instructions for on-wing 
accomplishment. CFM requested that the FAA delay publication until 
Revision 9 of CFM International CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 and the initial 
version of CFM International CFM56-7B S/B 72-1071 are published as 
these SBs will provide instructions for the on-wing modification to 
install the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly.
    The FAA disagrees with delaying publication of this AD based on the 
anticipated issuance of CFM service information. Publication of this AD 
at this time is necessary to address the unsafe condition. However, the 
FAA has updated this AD, in response to similar comments, to allow for 
any FAA approved method, including an on-wing procedure, to install an 
AGB with a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly.

Request for Clarification on Compliant AGB Part Numbers

    United requested that the FAA clarify whether CFM engines that have 
compliant AGB part numbers installed (whether by removal and 
replacement or by re-working and re-identifying the AGB) are required 
to have the independent inspection of the AGB handcranking pad cover 
performed to verify re-installation after maintenance.
    As set forth in paragraph (h), Mandatory Terminating Action, the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD are terminated after the 
accomplishment of the mandatory terminating action. Further, paragraph 
(f) of this AD mandates compliance with the required actions, unless 
already done.

Support for the NPRM

    ALPA supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed CFM International Service Bulletin (SB) CFM56-7B 
S/B 72-0879, Revision 7, dated February 10, 2021 (CFM SB 72-0879); CFM 
International SB CFM56-3 S/B 72-1129, Revision 7, dated May 6, 2020 
(CFM SB 72-1129); CFM International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564 Revision 9, 
dated December 3, 2021 (CFM SB 72-0564); and CFM56-7B S/B 72-1071, 
initial issue, dated December 3, 2021 (CFM SB 72-1071). CFM SB 72-1129 
describes procedures for the introduction of a new starter drive pad, 
new handcranking cover assembly, and re-working and re-identifying an 
AGB installed on CFM56-3 model turbofan engines. CFM SB 72-0879, CFM SB 
72-0564 and CFM SB 72-1071 describe procedures for the introduction of 
a new starter drive pad, new handcranking cover, and re-working and re-
identifying an AGB installed on CFM56-7B model turbofan engines. 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 ADDRESSES.

[[Page 8405]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 700 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that the majority of 
operators will perform the repair and re-identification of the AGB 
rather than replace the AGB with a zero hour part. For the purpose of 
this cost estimate, the FAA estimates that 95% of AGBs will be repaired 
and re-identified while 5% of AGBs will be replaced with a zero hour 
AGB.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Inspection................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $59,500
                                         hour = $85.
Insert inspection item into aircraft    1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          59,500
 maintenance program.                    hour = $85.
Re-work and re-identify AGB...........  4 work-hours x $85 per            12,000          12,340       8,206,100
                                         hour = $340.
Replace AGB with zero hour AGB........  4 work-hours x $85 per           526,700         527,040      18,446,400
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive 2013-26-01, Amendment 39-17710 (78 
FR 79295, December 30, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-02-03 CFM International, S.A.: Amendment 39-21900; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0259; Project Identifier AD-2020-01128-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 22, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-26-01, Amendment 39-17710 (78 FR 79295, 
December 30, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to CFM International, S.A. CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B 
model turbofan engines equipped with an accessory gearbox (AGB) 
assembly with the following part numbers (P/Ns):
    (1) For CFM56-3, CFM56-3B, and CFM56-3C model turbofan engines, 
AGB P/N: 335-300-103-0, 335-300-105-0, 335-300-106-0, 335-300-107-0, 
335-300-108-0, 335-300-109-0, or 335-300-110-0, installed.
    (2) For CFM56-7B20, CFM56-7B20/2, CFM56-7B20/3, CFM56-7B22, 
CFM56-7B22/2, CFM56-7B22/3, CFM56-7B22/3B1, CFM56-7B22/B1, CFM56-
7B24, CFM56-7B24/2, CFM56-7B24/3, CFM56-7B24/3B1, CFM56-7B24/B1, 
CFM56-7B26, CFM56-7B26/2, CFM56-7B26/3, CFM56-7B26/3B1, CFM56-7B26/
3B2, CFM56-7B26/3B2F, CFM56-7B26/3F, CFM56-7B26/B1, CFM56-7B26/B2, 
CFM56-7B27, CFM56-7B27/2, CFM56-7B27/3, CFM56-7B27/3B1, CFM56-7B27/
3B1F, CFM56-7B27/3B3, CFM56-7B27/3F, CFM56-7B27/B1, and CFM56-7B27/
B3 model turbofan engines, AGB P/N: 340-046-503-0, 340-046-504-0, or 
340-046-505-0, installed.
    (3) For CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3, or CFM56-7B27AE model 
turbofan engines, AGB P/N: 340-188-601-0, 340-188-603-0, or 340-188-
605-0, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7260, Turbine Engine 
Accessory Drive.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a dual engine loss of oil event and 42 
prior events of total loss of engine oil during flight. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine oil while in flight. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine failure, 
loss of thrust control, reduced control of the aircraft, and damage 
to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, after any maintenance 
that involves removal and re-installation of the AGB handcranking 
pad cover, perform an independent inspection to verify re-
installation of the AGB handcranking pad cover; or
    (2) Prior to the next removal of the AGB handcranking pad cover 
from the engine, insert the independent inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD as a required inspection item in the 
existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program for 
the aircraft.

(h) Mandatory Terminating Action

    As a mandatory terminating action to the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD:
    (1) For affected CFM56-3, CFM56-3B, and CFM56-3C model turbofan 
engines, at the next engine shop visit, or before December 31, 2026, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the affected AGB with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) For affected CFM56-7B model turbofan engines, except for 
CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-

[[Page 8406]]

7B27A/3 and CFM56-7B27AE model turbofan engines, at the next engine 
shop visit, or before December 31, 2024, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, replace the affected AGB with a 
part eligible for installation.

(i) Definition

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine case flanges, except for 
the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop 
visit:
    (i) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance; or
    (ii) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purpose of 
replacing the fan or propulsor without subsequent maintenance.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, for affected CFM56-3, CFM56-3B, 
and CFM56-3C model turbofan engines, a part eligible for 
installation is:
    (i) An AGB with a P/N other than 340-046-503-0, 340-046-504-0, 
or 340-046-505-0; or
    (ii) An AGB that, using an FAA-approved procedure, has been re-
worked with a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover 
assembly and re-identified with a new P/N not listed in paragraph 
(i)(2)(i) of this AD.
    Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2)(ii): Procedures to install a dynamic 
oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly can be found in CFM 
International SB CFM56-3 S/B 72-1129, Revision 7, dated May 6, 2020.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, for affected CFM56-7B model 
turbofan engines, except for CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3 and CFM56-
7B27AE model turbofan engines, a part eligible for installation is:
    (i) An AGB with a P/N other than 340-046-503-0, 340-046-504-0, 
or 340-046-505-0; or
    (ii) An affected AGB that, using an FAA-approved procedure, has 
been re-worked with a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover 
assembly and re-identified with a new P/N not listed in paragraph 
(i)(3)(i) of this AD.
    Note 2 to paragraph (i)(3)(ii): Procedures to install a dynamic 
oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly can be found in CFM 
International SB CFM56-7B S/B 72-0879, Revision 7, dated February 
10, 2021, CFM56-7B S/B 72-0564, Revision 9, dated December 3, 2021, 
or CFM56-7B S/B 72-1071, initial issue, dated December 3, 2021.

(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 paragraph (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on January 6, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03039 Filed 2-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


