2010-23-20: Gas generator turbine (GGT) shafts

2010-23-20 General Electric Company (GE): Amendment 39-16509; Docket No. FAA-2010-0732; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-04-AD. Effective Date (a) This AD is effective December 22, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to GE CT7-9C and -9C3 turboprop engines with gas generator turbine (GGT) shafts, part number (P/N) 6068T44P02, that have a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of this AD, installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, EADS CASA (formerly Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) CN-235 series airplanes. Table 1--Affected GGT Shaft S/Ns Affected Shaft S/Ns GATHHCPC GATHHJR7 GATHHJR9 GATHHKG6 GATHHM9R GATHHWM3 GATHJ4ED GATHJ9FL GATHJ19J GATHJE8P GATHJWWR GATHK0KM GATHK2N1 GATHK3M3 GATHK90K GATHK96D GATHKF9R GATHKH36 GATHKMP7 GATHKRKN NCE715DA Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of a manufacturing quality problem. We are issuing this AD to detectnonconforming GGT shaft land balance-cuts, which could result in the shaft failing before its published life limit, and which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed at the first shop visit after the effective date of this AD, or within 5,000 cycles-since-new, whichever occurs first, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection for Nonconforming Land Balance-Cuts (f) For CT7-9C and -9C3 engines with a GGT shaft, P/N 6068T44P02, that has a S/N listed in Table 1 of this AD, installed, inspect the shaft for nonconforming land balance-cuts. Use the Accomplishment Instructions 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(4) of GE CT7-TP Alert Service Bulletin 72-A0501, Revision 01, dated March 3, 2010, to perform the inspection. (g) If you find any nonconforming land balance-cuts, remove the shaft from service. Alternative Methods of Compliance (h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (i) For more information about this AD, contact Walter Meibaum, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7119; fax (781) 238-7199; e-mail: walter.meibaum@faa.gov. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use GE CT7-TP Alert Service Bulletin 72-A0501, Revision 01, dated March 3, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of GE CT7-TP Alert Service Bulletin 72-A0501, Revision 01, dated March 3, 2010, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, GE-Aviation,Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; e-mail geae.aoc@ge.com; telephone (513) 552-3272; fax (513) 552-3329. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7125. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_ locations.html.