[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 176 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48573-48575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24183]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-ANE-44-AD; Amendment 39-10752; AD 98-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C
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 CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C series
turbofan engines. This action requires, on aircraft with two affected
engines installed, removal of one affected engine from an aircraft, and
replacement with a serviceable engine, or replacement of a suspect
accessory gearbox (AGB) starter gearshaft with a serviceable gearshaft
within 350 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this
AD, or by September 1, 1998, whichever occurs first. This action also
requires, on aircraft with only one affected engine installed, removal
of the affected engine from the aircraft, and replacement with a
serviceable engine , or replacement of thea suspect starter gearshaft
with a serviceable gearshaft within 2,100 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, or by February 1, 1999, whichever occurs first. This
amendment is prompted by reports of two inflight engine shutdowns
caused by an AGB starter gearshaft failure. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to prevent an AGB starter gearshaft failure, which
can result in an inflight engine shutdown, and on aircraft with two
affected engines installed, possible dual inflight engine shutdown and
forced landing.
DATES: Effective September 28, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 28, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before November 10, 1998.
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-44-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.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
CFM International, Technical Publications Department, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513) 552-2981, fax (513) 552-2816.
This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glorianne Messemer, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299;
Telephone (781) 238-7132, Fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has received reports of two inflight engine shutdowns on CFM
International (CFMI) CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C series turbofan engines. The
investigation revealed that the inflight engine shutdowns were caused
by an accessory gearbox (AGB) starter gearshaft failure. The
investigation revealed that the gearshafts failed due to inadequate
fatigue capability caused by high residual tensile stresses introduced
during the manufacturing process, coupled with the elimination of
shotpeening in the gearshaft hub. The manufacturing process has since
been modified. The starter gearshaft, part number 335-302-503-0,
involved in the events are included in a lot of 426 parts that have
since been identified by the manufacturer as being installed on engines
identified by engine serial number (ESN). This condition, if not
corrected, could result in an AGB starter gearshaft failure, which can
result in an inflight engine shutdown, and on aircraft with two
affected engines
[[Page 48574]]
installed, possible dual inflight engine shutdown and forced landing.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of CFMI
CFM56-3/-3B/-3C Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72-877, Revision 1, dated
June 15, 1998, that describes procedures for identification of affected
engines by ESN, and replacement of a suspect starter gearshaft with a
serviceable part.
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 a dual inflight engine shutdown. This AD
requires, within 350 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, or by October 1, 1998, whichever occurs first, on
aircraft with two affected engines installed, removal of one affected
engine from an aircraft, and replacement with a serviceable engine, or
replacement of a suspect starter gearshaft with a serviceable part.
This AD also requires, within 2,100 hours TIS after the effective date
of this AD, or by February 1, 1999, whichever occurs first, on aircraft
with only one affected engine installed, removal of the affected engine
from the aircraft, and replacement with a serviceable engine, or
removal of the suspect starter gearshaft and replacement with a
serviceable part. The calendar end-dates were determined based upon
risk analysis and parts availability. In addition, this AD requires
reporting to the FAA if the ESN listed in Table 1 of the SB does not
directly correspond to the adjoining starter gear shaft serial number
in order to verify that all affected parts have been removed from
service. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with
the SB described previously.
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 this
AD 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-44-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, Incorporation by
reference, 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:
98-19-10 CFM International: Amendment 39-10752 Docket 98-ANE-44-AD.
Applicability: CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-3, -3B, and -3C
series turbofan engines, having any of the engine serial numbers
(ESNs) identified in Table 1 of CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C Service
Bulletin (SB) No. 72-877, Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998. These
engines are installed on but not limited to Boeing 737 series
aircraft.
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 (d) 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 an accessory gearbox (AGB) starter gearshaft failure,
which can result in an inflight engine shutdown, and on aircraft
with two affected engines installed, possible dual inflight engine
shutdown and forced landing, accomplish the following:
(a) On aircraft with two affected engines installed, remove one
affected engine from the aircraft, and replace with a serviceable
engine not identified by ESN in Table 1 of CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB
No. 72-877, Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998, or replace the suspect
starter gearshaft on one of the engines with a serviceable
gearshaft, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB No. 72-877, Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998;
within 350 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of
this AD, or by October 1, 1998, whichever occurs first. Thereafter,
for the remaining engine, replace suspect starter gearshafts in
accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
(b) On aircraft with only one affected engine installed, remove
the affected engine
[[Page 48575]]
from the aircraft, and replace with a serviceable engine not
identified by ESN in Table 1 of CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB No. 72-877,
Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998, or replace the suspect starter
gearshaft with a serviceable gearshaft, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB No. 72-877,
Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998; within 2,100 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD, or by February 1, 1999, whichever occurs
first.
(c) Report within 5 working days of replacement of the starter
gearshaft to the FAA if the ESN listed in Table 1 of CFMI CFM56-3/-
3B/-3C SB No. 72-877, Revision 1, dated June 15, 1998, does not
directly correspond to the adjoining starter gear shaft serial
number to verify that all affected parts have been removed from
service. Report to the Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299; Fax (781) 238-7199. Reporting
requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and
Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following CFMI CFM56-3/-3B/-3C SB:
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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72-877...................... 1-49 1 June 15, 1998.
Total pages:.............. 49.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Copies may be obtained from CFM International, Technical Publications
Department, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone (513) 552-
2981, fax (513) 552-2816. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 28, 1998.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 2, 1998.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-24183 Filed 9-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
