[Federal Register: June 27, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 124)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 43232-43234]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [[Link]]
[DOCID:fr27jn02-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-38-AD; Amendment 39-12790; AD 2002-13-03]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-2, -2A, -2B, -3, -3B, -3C, -5, -5B,
-5C, and -7B Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), that is

applicable to certain CFM International (CFMI) CFM56 series turbofan engines. That AD currently
requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of applicable Engine Shop Manuals
(ESM's) to include required enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-
part exposure. This amendment requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the
applicable manufacturer's manuals and air carrier's approved continuous airworthiness maintenance
program to incorporate additional inspections of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part
exposure. This amendment is prompted by an FAA study of in-service events involving uncontained
failures of critical rotating parts. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent critical life-
limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage
to the airplane.

DATES: Effective date August 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Information regarding this action may be examined, by appointment, at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Cook, Aerospace Engineer, Engine

Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7133, fax (781) 238-7199.

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-12-01, Amendment 39-11779 (65 FR 37031,
June 13, 2000), which is applicable to certain CFMI CFM56 series turbofan engines, was published
in the Federal Register on October 5, 2001, (66 FR 50910). That action proposed to modify the
airworthiness limitations section of the manufacturer's manual and an air carrier's approved
continuous airworthiness maintenance program to incorporate additional inspection requirements.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this
amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.

Typographical Errors

Four commenters requested typographical errors be corrected in the Mandatory Inspections

Table as follows:
• For HPT Disk, change Engine Manual Section from 75-72-02 to 75-52-02.
• For HPC Rear (CDP) Air Seal, change Engine Manual Section from 72-52-03 to 72-31-08.
• For LPT Stub Shaft, change Engine Models from All to -2, -2A, -2B, -3, -3B, and -3C.
• For LPT Stub Shaft, change Engine Manual Section from 72-52-03 to 72-55-02.
• For LPT Shaft, change Inspection from FPI to MPI.
The FAA agrees and has corrected these typographical errors in the final rule.

Concern for Lead Time

One commenter is concerned that for operators to put procedures and tooling in place in time to
comply with the AD, the manufacturer should release the Engine Manual time limit and procedural
changes by Temporary Revision before the issuance of the AD, or, revise the AD compliance time to
state compliance to be within 30 days after the issuance of the Engine Manual revision (or Temporary
Revision).
The FAA understands the commenter's concern. The FAA is aware that the manufacturer has not
yet issued Temporary Revisions to the Engine Manual time limits section. However, the existing AD
and this final rule allow the manufacturer up to 30 days after the effective date of the AD to issue the
necessary revisions to the time limits section. Therefore, no action is necessary to address the
commenter's observation.

Question on Model Effectivity

One commenter asks why the proposed rule does not affect the various models of the CFM56-5A
engine. The FAA understands that the commenter is referring to the CFM56-5-A engine in the
proposed rule and in the final rule that is an engine subset covered under the -5 series. The -5 series is
listed in the Applicability section, and therefore, the CFM56-5-A engine is included in the
applicability of this AD.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has
determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes
described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

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Economic Analysis

The FAA estimates that 5,100 CFM56 engines installed on airplanes of US registry would be
affected by this AD and that there are approximately 2,300 piece part annual inspections that would
be required. It would take approximately 2,775 work hours to do these inspections. The average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. The total estimated annual cost of the new inspections on US operators is
expected to be approximately $166,500.

Regulatory Analysis

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132,
because it would 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this final rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a ''significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ''significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is
contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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 removing Amendment 39-11779 (65 FR 3731, June 13, 2000),
and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-12790, to read as follows:

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

Aircraft Certification Service U.S. Department

of Transportation
Washington, DC Federal Aviation
Administration
We post ADs on the internet at "[Link]/rgl"
The following Airworthiness Directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39,
applies to an aircraft model of which our records indicate you may be the registered owner. Airworthiness Directives affect aviation safety and are regulations which require immediate
attention. You are cautioned that no person may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive applies, except in accordance with the requirements of the Airworthiness
Directive (reference 14 CFR part 39, subpart 39.3).

2002-13-03 CFM International: Amendment 39-12790. Docket No. 98-ANE-38-AD. Supersedes

AD 2000-12-01, Amendment 39-11779.

Applicability

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to CFM International (CFMI) CFM56-2, -2A,
-2B, -3, -3B, -3C, -5, -5B, -5C, and -7B series turbofan engines, installed on but not limited to
McDonnell Douglas DC-8 series, Boeing 737 series, Airbus Industrie A319, A320, A321, and A340
series, as well as Boeing C-135, E-3, E-6, KC-135, KE-3, and RC-135 (military) series airplanes.

Note 1: This 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 (c) 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

Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent critical life-limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained
engine failure and damage to the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspections

(a) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Airworthiness
Limitations Section (chapter 05-00-00) of Engine Shop Manual (ESM) [Link].4, for CFM56-
2 series engines, ESM [Link].6, for CFM56-2A/-2B series engines, ESM [Link].5, for
CFM56-3/-3B/-3C series engines, ESM [Link].7 for CFM56-5 series engines, ESM CFMI-
[Link].9 for CFM56-5B series engines, ESM [Link].8 for CFM56-5C series engines, and
ESM [Link].10 for CFM56-7B series engines, and for air carrier operations, revise the
approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program, by adding the following:
''MANDATORY INSPECTIONS
(1) Perform inspections of the following parts at each piece-part opportunity in accordance with
the Inspection/Check section instructions provided in the applicable manual sections listed below:

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 Engine models Part name Engine Inspection
manual
section
All Models Fan Disk (All Part Numbers 72–21–03 Disk Fluorescent
(P/N)) Penetrant Inspection
(FPI) and Disk Bore and
Dovetail Eddy Current
Inspection (ECI).
All Models Fan Shaft (All P/N) 72–22–01 Magnetic Particle
Inspection (MPI).
CFM56–2, –2A, –2B, –3, -3B, HPT Disk (All P/N) 72–52–02 FPI, Disk Bore ECI and
and –3C. Disk Rim Bolt Hole(s)
ECI.
CFM56–5,–5B, –5C, and –7B HPT Disk (All P/N) 72–52–02 FPI, Disk Bore ECI.
CFM56–2 HPT Front Rotating Air Seal 72–52–03 FPI, Seal Bore ECI and
(All P/N) Bolt Hole(s) or Focused
FPI as applicable.
CFM56–2A, –2B, –3, –3B, HPT Front Rotating Air Seal 72–52–03 FPI, Seal Bore ECI and
and –3C. (All P/N) Bolt Hole(s) ECI.
CFM56–5, –5B, –5C, and -7B HPT Front Rotating Air Seal 72–52–03 FPI, Seal Bore ECI and
(All P/N) Bolt Hole(s) Focused
FPI.
All Models HPC Stage 1–2 Spool (All 72–31–04 FPI.
P/N)
All Models HPC Stage 3 Disk (All P/N) 72–31–05 FPI.
All Models HPC Stage 4–9 Spool (All 72–31–06 FPI.
P/N)
All Models HPC Front Shaft (All P/N) 72–31–07 FPI
All Models HPC Rear (CDP) Air Seal 72–31–08 FPI.
(All P/N)
All Models LPT Stage 1 Disk (All P/N) 72–54–03 FPI.
All Models LPT Stage 2 Disk (All P/N) 72–54–03 FPI.
All Models LPT Stage 3 Disk (All P/N) 72–54–03 FPI
All Models LPT Stage 4 Disk (All P/N) 72–54–03 FPI.
CFM56–5C. LPT Stage 5 Disk (All P/N) 72–54–03 FPI.
All Models LPT Rotor Support (All P/N) 72–54–05 FPI.
All Models LPT Shaft (All P/N) 72–55–01 MPI.
CFM56–2, –2A, –2B, –3, –3B LPT Stub Shaft (All P/N) 72–55–02 FPI.
and –3C.

(2) For the purposes of these mandatory inspections, piece-part opportunity means:
(i) The part is considered completely disassembled when accomplished in accordance with the
disassembly instructions in the manufacturer's engine manual; and
(ii) The part has accumulated more than 100 cycles in service since the last piece-part
opportunity inspection, provided that the part was not damaged or related to the cause for its removal
from the engine.''

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this AD, and notwithstanding contrary provisions in
Sec. 43.16 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.16), these mandatory inspections must be
performed only in accordance with the Time Limits section of the manufacturer's ESM.

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Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) 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 must submit their request 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.

Special Flight Permits

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program

(e) FAA-certificated air carriers that have an approved continuous airworthiness maintenance
program in accordance with the record keeping requirement of Sec. 121.369(c) of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 121.369(c)) of this chapter must maintain records of the mandatory
inspections that result from revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable ESM and
the air carrier's continuous airworthiness program. Alternatively, certificated air carriers may
establish an approved system of record retention that provides a method for preservation and retrieval
of the maintenance records that include the inspections resulting from this AD, and include the policy
and procedures for implementing this alternate method in the air carrier's maintenance manual
required by Sec. 121.369(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 121.369 (c)); however, the
alternate system must be accepted by the appropriate PMI and require the maintenance records be
maintained either indefinitely or until the work is repeated. Records of the piece-part inspections are
not required under Sec. 121.380(a)(2)(vi) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
121.380(a)(2)(vi)). All other operators must maintain the records of mandatory inspections required
by the applicable regulations governing their operations.

Note 3: The requirements of this AD have been met when the ESM changes are made and air
carriers have modified their continuous airworthiness maintenance plans to reflect the requirements
in the applicable ESM.

Effective Date

(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 2002.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 17, 2002.

Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16173 Filed 6-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P