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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No.

116 / Friday, June 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 34807

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA that there may be instances where an
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with operator staggers a serviceable mount
Federal Aviation Administration a proposed AD. The proposed AD assembly from one engine to another,
applies to GE CF6–45/–50 series without that assembly going into the
14 CFR Part 39 turbofan engines. We published the shop. We do not agree that a threshold
proposed AD in the Federal Register on since the last refurbishment should be
[Docket No. 95–ANE–10–AD; Amendment December 12, 2005 (70 FR 73391). That allowed to facilitate staggering of
39–14650; AD 2006–12–24]
action proposed to require inspecting serviceable assemblies. The opportunity
RIN 2120–AA64 and refurbishing the side links of the for coating distress occurs each time a
five-link forward mount assembly at side link bolt is removed, regardless of
Airworthiness Directives; General every exposure of the side link. That when the last refurbishment may have
Electric Company CF6 Series Turbofan action also proposed to require the same occurred. As noted above, this
Engines actions on certain part number side definition of exposure protects against
links installed on CF6–80A turbofan coating distress that can lead to stress
AGENCY: Federal Aviation engines. corrosion cracking of the links. We did
Administration (FAA), DOT. not change the AD.
ACTION: Final rule.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket Clarification of Previous On-wing
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an (including any comments and service Inspection Requirement
existing airworthiness directive (AD) for information), by appointment, between One commenter requests clarification
General Electric Company (GE) CF6–45/ 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through of the previous on-wing inspection
–50 series turbofan engines. That AD Friday, except Federal holidays. See requirement. This commenter notes that
currently requires an initial and ADDRESSES for the location. the original AD required an on-wing
repetitive on-wing visual inspection of visual inspection and the proposed rule
the side links of the five-link forward Comments
does not. They asked if this was
mount assembly for cracks, and We provided the public the intentional or an oversight. Although
replacement of the side links and pylon opportunity to participate in the the proposed rule did not clearly state
attachment bolts and inspection of the development of this AD. We have that the previous on-wing inspection
fail-safe bolt and platform lug if the side considered the comments received. requirement was being replaced by a
links are cracked. That AD also requires shop-level inspection, the FAA’s actions
Definition of Exposure
a shop-level refurbishment of the side are intentional. The accomplishment
links as a terminating action to the on- One commenter proposes that the instructions in the referenced service
wing inspection program. This ad definition of exposure be revised as bulletins include fluorescent particle
requires inspecting and refurbishing the follows: ‘‘ * * * removal of one or more inspection or magnetic particle
side link at every exposure of the side bolts attaching the side links to the fan inspection as part of the refurbishment
link. This AD also requires the same frame front HPC case or removal of the process required at each exposure.
actions on certain part number side bolt attaching the side link to the mount Experience proves that these in-shop
links installed on CF6–80A turbofan platform while the engine is not inspections are more effective in
engines. This AD results from a report installed.’’ This commenter believes that detecting distress in the links than the
of a cracked side link. We are issuing the definition of exposure used in the previous on-wing visual inspection
this AD to prevent failure of the side proposed AD will create an undue requirement. The requirement for
links and possible engine separation burden on line maintenance operations, refurbishment at each exposure in this
from the airplane. and will eliminate any on-wing final rule will prevent stress corrosion
DATES: This AD becomes effective July
maintenance on the link and associated cracking of the links. We did not change
21, 2006. The Director of the Federal hardware. They also believe the the AD.
Register approved the incorporation by proposed definition will force operators
to replace the link assembly even for Conclusion
reference of certain publications listed
in the regulations as of July 21, 2006. bolt removal to facilitate other We have carefully reviewed the
maintenance and unrelated minor available data, including the comments
ADDRESSES: You can get the service
discrepancies. We do not agree that the received, and determined that air safety
information identified in this AD from definition of exposure should be relaxed
General Electric Aircraft Engines, CF6 and the public interest require adopting
to facilitate on-wing maintenance. The the AD as proposed.
Distribution Clerk, Room 132, 111 opportunity for coating distress of the
Merchant Street, Cincinnati, OH 45246. links occurs each time a bolt is Costs of Compliance
You may examine the AD docket at removed, regardless of where or when We estimate that this AD will affect
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the removal occurs. This definition of 195 engines installed on U.S. registered
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England exposure protects against coating airplanes per year. We also estimate that
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You distress that can lead to stress corrosion it will take 8.0 workhours per engine to
may examine the service information, at cracking of the links. We did not change perform the actions, and that the
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the AD. average labor rate is $65 per workhour.
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England This AD does not require parts. Based
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. Threshold Since Last Refurbishment
on these figures, we estimate the total
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: One commenter requests that a cost of this AD to U.S. operators to be
Karen Curtis, Aerospace Engineer, threshold since the last refurbishment $101,400 per year.
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine be allowed and that exposure be further
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and Propeller Directorate, 12 New defined to allow for staggering of Authority for This Rulemaking
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA serviceable assemblies within a Title 49 of the United States Code
01803; telephone (617) 238–7192; fax prescribed threshold since last specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
(617) 238–7199. refurbishment. This commenter believes rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,

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34808 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 116 / Friday, June 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations

section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] 1255, dated January 26, 2005, and CF6–80A
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, S/B 72–0797, dated January 26, 2005 to
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
Aviation Programs, describes in more perform the actions required by this AD. The
removing Amendment 39–9346 (60 FR Director of the Federal Register approved the
detail the scope of the Agency’s 46758, September 8, 1995) and by incorporation by reference of these service
authority. adding a new airworthiness directive, bulletins in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
We are issuing this rulemaking under Amendment 39–14650, to read as and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy of this
the authority described in subtitle VII, follows: service information from General Electric
part A, subpart III, section 44701, 2006–12–24 General Electric Company:
Aircraft Engines, CF6 Distribution Clerk,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Amendment 39–14650. Docket No. 95– Room 132, 111 Merchant Street, Cincinnati,
section, Congress charges the FAA with ANE–10–AD. OH 45246, or at the Office of the Federal
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite
air commerce by prescribing regulations Effective Date 700, Washington, DC.
for practices, methods, and procedures (a) This AD becomes effective July 21, Related Information
the Administrator finds necessary for 2006.
(j) None.
safety in air commerce. This regulation Affected ADs
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
is within the scope of that authority (b) This AD supersedes AD 95–17–15, June 8, 2006.
because it addresses an unsafe condition Amendment 39–9346. Thomas Boudreau,
that is likely to exist or develop on
Applicability Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
products identified in this rulemaking
(c) This AD applies to General Electric (GE) Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
action.
CF6–45/–50 and CF6–80A turbofan engines [FR Doc. 06–5426 Filed 6–15–06; 8:45 am]
Regulatory Findings with left-hand side links part numbers (P/Ns) BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
9204M94P01, 9204M94P03, and
We have determined that this AD will 9346M99P01, and right-hand side links, P/Ns
not have federalism implications under 9204M94P02, 9204M94P04, and
Executive Order 13132. This AD will DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
9346M99P02, installed on the five-link
not have a substantial direct effect on forward engine mount assembly (also known
Federal Aviation Administration
the States, on the relationship between as Configuration 2). These engines are
the national government and the States, installed on, but not limited to, Boeing
DC10–15, DC10–30, 767, and 747 series 14 CFR Part 39
or on the distribution of power and
airplanes and Airbus Industrie A300 and [Docket No. FAA–2006–24173; Directorate
responsibilities among the various
A310 series airplanes. Identifier 2005–NM–262–AD; Amendment
levels of government.
Unsafe Condition 39–14652; AD 2006–12–26]
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD: (d) This AD results from a report of a RIN 2120–AA64
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory cracked side link. We are issuing this AD to
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; prevent failure of the side links and possible Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
engine separation from the airplane. Model 777–200, –300, and –300ER
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures Compliance Series Airplanes
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (e) You are responsible for having the AGENCY: Federal Aviation
(3) Will not have a significant actions required by this AD performed at Administration (FAA), Department of
economic impact, positive or negative, every exposure of the side link. Transportation (DOT).
on a substantial number of small entities Inspecting and Refurbishing the Side Links ACTION: Final rule.
under the criteria of the Regulatory (f) Inspect and refurbish each side link at
Flexibility Act. every exposure of the side links. Use the SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
We prepared a summary of the costs following GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) service airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
to comply with this AD and placed it in bulletins (SBs): Boeing Model 777–200, –300, and
the AD Docket. You may get a copy of (1) For CF6–45/–50 series engines, use 3.A. –300ER series airplanes. This AD
this summary by sending a request to us through 3.E. of the Accomplishment requires a one-time inspection of the
at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Instructions of GEAE SB CF6–50 S/B 72– first bonding jumper aft of the bulkhead
1255, dated January 26, 2005. fitting to detect damage or failure and to
Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 95–ANE–10–
(2) For CF6–80A series engines, use 3.A.
AD’’ in your request. determine the mechanical integrity of its
through 3.E. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of GEAE SB CF6–80A S/B 72– electrical bonding path, and repair if
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 necessary; measuring the bonding
0797, dated January 26, 2005.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation resistance between the fitting for the
Definition of Exposure of Side Link fuel feed tube and the front spar in the
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety. (g) A side link is exposed when one or left and right main fuel tanks, and
more bolts that attach the side links to the fan repairing the bonding if necessary; and
Adoption of the Amendment frame—front high pressure compressor case applying additional sealant to
are removed, or when the bolt attaching the
■ Accordingly, under the authority side link to the mount platform is removed. completely cover the bulkhead fittings
delegated to me by the Administrator, inside the fuel tanks. This AD results
Alternative Methods of Compliance from fuel system reviews conducted by
the Federal Aviation Administration
amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: (h) The Manager, Engine Certification the manufacturer. We are issuing this
Office, has the authority to approve AD to prevent arcing or sparking during
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS alternative methods of compliance for this a lightning strike at the interface
DIRECTIVES AD if requested using the procedures found between the bulkhead fittings of the
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in 14 CFR 39.19.
engine fuel feed tube and the front spar
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Material Incorporated by Reference inside the fuel tank. This arcing or
continues to read as follows: (i) You must use General Electric Aircraft sparking could provide a potential
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Engines Service Bulletins CF6–50 S/B 72– ignition source inside the fuel tank,

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