2023-04-19: Turbine Engine Compressor Section

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-04-19 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22366; Docket No. FAA-2023-0423; Project Identifier AD-2022-01525-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 27, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-110B1 and GE90-115B model turbofan engines with an installed high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stage 7-9 spool with part number (P/N) 2032M23G01, P/N 2032M23G02, P/N 2676M00G01, or P/N 2676M00G02, and a serial number listed in paragraph 4., Appendix-A, Table 1 of GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-0905 R00, dated July 25, 2022 (GE SB 72-0905). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation which revealed that florescent penetrant inspections (FPI) were not performed on the dovetail pressure face of certain HPC rotor stage 7-9 spools at overhaul. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of the HPC rotor stage 7-9 spool. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight shutdown, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform an FPI of the dovetail pressure face of the affected HPC rotor stage 7-9 spool in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1)(a) of GE SB 72-0905. (2) If, during the FPI required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, the HPC rotor stage 7-9 spool does not meet the part serviceability criteria in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1)(a) of GE SB 72-0905, before further flight, replace the compressor rotor stage 7-9 spool with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definition For the purpose of this AD, an "engine shop visit" is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except for the following situations, which do not constitute an engine shop visit: (i) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance; or (ii) Separation of engine flanges solely for the purpose of replacing the fan or propulsor without subsequent maintenance. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email it to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7236; email: Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) GE GE90-100 Service Bulletin 72-0905 R00, dated July 25, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552-3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; website: ge.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on February 25, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-04869 Filed 3-9-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P