98-29602. Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Aircraft Engines CJ610 Turbojet and CF700 Series Turbofan Engines  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 59699-59701]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-29602]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-ANE-60-AD; Amendment 39-10870; AD 98-23-06]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Aircraft Engines CJ610 
    Turbojet and CF700 Series Turbofan Engines
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
    is applicable to General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CJ610 series 
    turbojet and CF700 series turbofan engines. This action requires 
    operators to remove and replace with serviceable parts unapproved 
    combustion liner assemblies prior to further flight. This amendment is 
    prompted by findings that unapproved combustion liner assemblies are 
    installed on the affected engines. The actions specified in this AD are 
    intended to prevent combustor
    
    [[Page 59700]]
    
    liner cracking at multiple locations, progressing to liner fragmenting 
    and combustor casing burnthrough, which could result in an engine fire.
    
    DATES: Effective November 20, 1998.
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before January 4, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
    Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-60-AD, 12 New England 
    Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
    via the Internet using the following address: ``engineprop@faa.dot.gov''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
    the docket number in the subject line.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Triozzi, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
    New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
    238-7148, fax (781) 238-7199.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration has 
    received reports of premature cracking of unapproved combustor liner 
    assemblies, part number (P/N) 6008T94G03, installed on General Electric 
    Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CJ610 series turbojet and CF700 series turbofan 
    engines. The investigation revealed that combustor liners were repaired 
    using unapproved inner and outer shells manufactured using a 
    substituted material, and with cooling slots, dilution holes, and other 
    geometric features that do not conform to approved drawing 
    requirements, resulting in increased stress levels at these features. 
    The substituted material or the increased stress levels or both can 
    result in reduced combustor life. In addition, because the potential 
    crack origin sites occur at multiple locations surrounding the 
    combustor, including liner cooling slots and dilution holes, adjacent 
    cracks may combine, resulting in liner holes and hot gas discharge from 
    the combustor. Analyses supported by inspections of parts have revealed 
    that unapproved liners will have an unknown service life that could be 
    significantly lower than the inspection interval requirements for 
    approved combustor liners. The FAA has identified 38 combustor liners, 
    identified by serial number (S/N), known to have been repaired using 
    inner or outer shells manufactured by an unknown manufacturer using 
    unknown processes and materials. The FAA has also identified additional 
    combustor liners, with unknown S/N markings, that were repaired in the 
    same way, by a particular certificated repair station. This condition, 
    if not corrected, could result in combustor liner cracking at multiple 
    locations, progressing to liner fragmenting and combustor casing 
    burnthrough, which could result in an engine fire.
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is 
    being issued to prevent combustor liner failure. This AD requires 
    removal and replacement of unapproved combustion liner assemblies with 
    serviceable parts prior to further flight.
        Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
    this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
    public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
    making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
    requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
    notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
    this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
    submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
    Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
    in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
    be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
    received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
    suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
    AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
    needed.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
    suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
    available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
    Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
    summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of 
    thisAD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 98-ANE-60-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
    regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
    condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
    under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
    action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
    and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
    that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
    be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
    be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
    caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
    
    PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
    
        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]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
    
    98-23-06  General Electric Aircraft Engines: Amendment 39-10870. 
    Docket 98-ANE-60-AD.
    
        Applicability: General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CJ610 
    series turbojet and CF700 series turbofan engines, with combustor 
    liner assemblies, part number (P/N) 6008T94G03, identified by serial 
    number (S/N) or otherwise specified in Appendix 1 of this AD, 
    installed. These engines are installed on but not limited to the 
    following aircraft: Dassault-Aviation Fan Jet Falcon 20 series, 
    Sabreliner NA265 series, Learjet 20
    
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    series, Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind series, Hansa Jet, Aero 
    Commander Jet Commander.
    
     Appendix 1.--Serial Number Combustion Liners (Sorted Alphanumerically)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1763......................................  GGM82
    181.......................................  GGM830
    1939......................................  GGMB7019
    318-1.....................................  GGMH2135
    318-2.....................................  GGMM1218
    35........................................  GKAPL77
    497.......................................  OG2250
    564.......................................  ST000891
    900206....................................  ST00247
    910205....................................  ST00276
    GGM00028..................................  ST00303
    GGM00518..................................  ST00391
    GGM00536..................................  ST00488
    GGM00585..................................  ST00623
    GGM00893..................................  ST00808
    GGM59515..................................  ST00840
    GGM59675..................................  ST00896
    GGM59801..................................  ST01042
    GGM60028..................................  ST01142
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Additional Liners, With Serial Number Markings Unknown
    
        Any other serial number combustion liner, part number 
    6008T94G03, following repair or overhaul which included installation 
    of inner shell, P/N 5016T30G02, or installation of outer shell, P/N 
    6008T95G01, during the period from May 16, 1997, through February 
    13, 1998, and if approved for return to service by: The Jet Engine 
    Shop (also known as 3d Industries, or 3DI, or identified by 
    Certificate Number CRS J3DR866N), 4553 Keller Springs Road, Dallas, 
    Texas 75248.
    
        Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
    identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
    whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
    subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
    modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
    requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
    approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
    paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
    of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
    unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
    has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
    proposed actions to address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent combustor liner cracking at multiple locations, 
    progressing to liner fragmenting and combustor casing burnthrough, 
    which could result in an engine fire, accomplish the following:
        (a) Prior to further flight, for any combustor liner identified 
    by serial number (S/N), or otherwise identified in Appendix 1 of 
    this AD, remove from service and replace with a serviceable part.
        (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. 
    Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
    Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
    it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
    if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
    
        (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
    the record search requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (d) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998.
    
        Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 30, 1998.
    David A. Downey,
    Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
    Certification Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-29602 Filed 11-4-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/20/1998
Published:
11/05/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
98-29602
Dates:
Effective November 20, 1998.
Pages:
59699-59701 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-ANE-60-AD, Amendment 39-10870, AD 98-23-06
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-29602.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13