[Federal Register: March 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 52)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 12806-12809]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18mr03-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NE-21-AD; Amendment 39-13086; AD 2003-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-3A1, -3B,
and -3B1 Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), that is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1, -
3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines with scavenge screens part numbers (P/Ns)
4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02 installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system.
That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections
and cleaning of the B-sump scavenge screens. This amendment requires
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump
scavenge screens until a screenless fitting is installed. This
amendment is prompted by six reports of B-sump oil scavenge system
failure causing engine in-flight shutdowns. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to
coking, which could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary
air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure.
DATES: Effective April 2, 2003. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of April 2, 2003.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before May 19, 2003.
[[Page 12807]]
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-21-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-adcomment@faa.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
GE Aircraft Engines, 1000 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention:
CF34 Product Support Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781)
594-6323; fax (781) 594-0600. This information may be examined, by
appointment, 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: Barbara Caufield, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7146; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 10, 2001, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 2001-19-02,
Amendment 39-12441 (66 FR 48789, September 24, 2001), to require
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump
scavenge screens. That action was prompted by five reports of B-sump
oil scavenge system failure causing engine in-flight shutdowns. That
condition, if not corrected, could result in ignition of B-sump oil in
the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained
engine failure. Since that AD was issued, one additional CF34 in-flight
shutdown event associated with B-sump oil release has occurred within
the original inspection interval. That engine experienced a fan drive
shaft separation, low pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3-4 joint
separation, and LPT case forward flange separation, resulting in the
release of the entire LPT from the engine. As a result of this latest
event, this AD calls out more restrictive repetitive inspection
intervals and terminating actions.
Manufacturer's Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE
Aircraft Engines (GE) Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) CF34-AL S/B 79-
A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-
A0015, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; that describe procedures for
initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump
scavenge screens. The FAA has also reviewed and approved GE ASB CF34-AL
S/B 79-A0016 and ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017, both dated June 17, 2002,
that describe the procedures for introducing the screenless B-sump
scavenge fittings or for reworking to eliminate the screens from the
existing scavenge screen fittings located at the forward and aft end of
the lube and scavenge pump assembly thereby terminating the repetitive
inspections.
Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information
GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003,
recommends, for engines with more than 4,000 hours time-since new (TSN)
or more than 1,000 hours time-since-last-shop-visit (TSLSV), initial
visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump scavenge screens ``by the
next A-check''. GE ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated January
31, 2003, recommends, for engines with more than 4,000 hours TSN or
more than 1,000 hours TSLSV, initial visual inspections and cleaning of
the B-sump scavenge screens within 300 hours for the CF34-3A1 engine
model or within 400 hours for the CF34-3B engine model. However, this
AD requires initial visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump
scavenge screens within 500 hours after the effective date of this AD.
The time intervals have been changed from those cited in the ASBs to
provide consistency for all engine models and to eliminate the use of
aircraft maintenance terminology. The times are approximately
equivalent to the A-check intervals.
GE ASBs CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016, dated June 17, 2002; and CF34-BJ S/B
79-A0017, dated June 17, 2002; recommend, for engines with more than
4,000 hours TSN or more than 1,000 hours TSLSV, replacement of existing
scavenge screens P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-
sump oil scavenge system, with screenless fittings ``by the next A-
check''. However, this AD requires installation of screenless fittings,
or fittings that have been reworked to remove the screens, in the B-
sump oil scavenge system within 400 hours after the effective date of
this AD. The installation requirement has been changed from that cited
in the ASBs to eliminate the use of aircraft maintenance terminology.
The time is approximately equivalent to the A-check interval.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other GE CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines
of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent B-sump
scavenge screen blockage due to coking, which could result in ignition
of B-sump oil in the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation,
and uncontained engine failure. This AD requires:
[sbull] Initial visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil
scavenge system.
[sbull] Repetitive visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil
scavenge system, within 200 hours time-since-last inspection (TSLI) if
no coking is found.
[sbull] Repetitive visual inspection and cleaning of the scavenge
screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump
scavenge system, within 100 hours TSLI if any coking is found.
[sbull] Replacement of existing scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01
and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system, with
screenless fittings within 400 hours after the effective date of this
AD.
The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletins
described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
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
[[Page 12808]]
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 action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2001-NE-21-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
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 removing Amendment 39-12441 (66 FR
48789, September 24, 2001) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-13086, to read as follows:
2003-05-10 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-13086. Docket No.
2001-NE-21-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-19-02, Amendment 39-12441.
Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to
General Electric Company (GE) CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines
with scavenge screens part numbers (P/Ns) 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02
installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system. These engines are
installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. (Canadair) Model CL-
600-2A12, CL-600-2B16, and CL-600-2B19 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 (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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless
already done.
To prevent B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to coking, which
could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary air system,
fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure, do the
following:
Initial Inspection and Cleaning of B-sump Screens
(a) Perform an initial visual inspection and cleaning of
scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the
B-sump oil scavenge system, in accordance with Paragraphs 3A through
3B of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE Aircraft Engines (GE)
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014, Revision 3, dated
January 31, 2003; or ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated
January 31, 2003; and the following table:
Initial Inspection and Cleaning Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine hours time-since-new (TSN) or time-
since-last-shop-visit (TSLSV) Inspect and clean
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(1) Fewer than 4,000 hours TSN or fewer than Before 4,000 hours TSN or
4,000 hours TSLSV if it can be confirmed TSLSV.
that both the B-sump scavenge screens were
cleaned and the B-sump and combustor frame
(strut tubes) were removed from the engine
and cleaned at that prior shop visit.
(2) Fewer than 1,000 hours TSLSV if it can Before 1,000 hours TSLSV.
NOT be confirmed that both the B-sump
scavenge screens were cleaned and the B-sump
and combustor frame (strut tubes) were
removed from the engine and cleaned at that
prior shop visit.
(3) 4,000 hours or greater TSN or 4,000 hours Within 500 hours time-in-
or greater TSLSV if it can be confirmed that service (TIS) after the
both the B-sump scavenge screens were effective date of this
cleaned and the B-sump and combustor frame AD.
(strut tubes) were removed from the engine
and cleaned at that prior shop visit, or
1,000 hours or greater TSLSV if it can NOT
be confirmed that both the B-sump scavenge
screens were cleaned and the B-sump and
combustor frame (strut tubes) were removed
from the engine and cleaned at that prior
shop visit.
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Repetitive Inspections and Cleaning
(b) Perform repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of
scavenge screens, P/Ns 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the
B-sump oil scavenge system, in accordance with Paragraphs 3A through
3B of the Accomplishment Instructions of GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-
A0014, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and ASB CF34-BJ S/
[[Page 12809]]
B 79-A0015, Revision 3, dated January 31, 2003; and the following:
(1) At intervals not to exceed 200 hours time-since-last-
inspection (TSLI), if no coke is found in screens during initial or
any prior inspections, or
(2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TSLI, if coke is found
in screens during initial or any prior inspections.
Terminating Actions
(c) Within 400 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
install new screenless fittings or fittings that have been reworked
to remove the screens, in the B-sump oil scavenge system, in
accordance with GE ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016, dated June 17, 2002; or
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017, dated June 17, 2002. This constitutes
terminating action to the inspections required in paragraph (b) of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, ECO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 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 done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(f) The inspections, rework, or replacements must be done in
accordance with the following GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) Alert
Service Bulletins (ASBs):
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0014 Total pages: All 3....................... January 31, 2003.
10.
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0015 Total pages: All 3....................... January 31, 2003.
9.
ASB CF34-AL S/B 79-A0016 Total pages: All Original................ June 17, 2002.
12.
ASB CF34-BJ S/B 79-A0017 Total pages: All Original................ June 17, 2002.
11.
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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 GE Aircraft Engines, 1000
Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: CF34 Product Support
Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 594-6323; fax (781)
594-0600. 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.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on April 2, 2003.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6044 Filed 3-17-03; 8:45 am]
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