2023-20-08: Engine (Turbine/Turboprop)

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: 2023-20-08 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22567; Docket No. FAA-2023-1988; Project Identifier AD-2023-00991-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 19, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability General Electric Company (GE) Model CF6-80C2B1F, CF6-80C2B2F, CF6-80C2B4F, CF6-80C2B5F, CF6-80C2B6F, CF6-80C2B7F, and CF6-80C2K1F engines, having engine serial numbers (S/Ns) 630-136 through 630-156 inclusive, and engine S/Ns 707-510 through 707-645 inclusive, which have accumulated less than 400 engine cycles since new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine (Turbine/Turboprop). (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an uncontained engine fire and consequent manufacturer investigation which revealed that certain bearings were installed improperly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent premature bearing failure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine fire and damage to the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For affected engines, within 15 engine cycles after the effective date of this AD, inspect the magnetic chip detector (MCD) for metallic particles that cover more than 10 percent of the probe tip, and if necessary, do a material composition analysis as applicable, in accordance with paragraph 3., Accomplishment Instructions, of GE CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-1631, R00, dated August 25, 2023 (GE SB 72-1631). (2) Thereafter, at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through (iii), inspect the MCD for metallic particles that cover more than 10 percent of the probe tip, and if necessary, do a material composition analysis as applicable, in accordance with paragraph 3., Accomplishment Instructions, of GE SB 72-1631. (i) For engines that have accumulated less than 100 engine CSN, within 25 engine cycles after the previous inspection. (ii) For engines that have accumulated 100 or more and less than 200 engine CSN, within 50 engine cycles after the previous inspection. (iii) For engines that have accumulated 200 or more and less than 399 engine CSN, within 100 engine cycles after the previous inspection. (3) If bearing material is detected during any inspection and analysis required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, before further flight, remove the engine from service. (h) Reporting If a positive identification of bearing material was made during the inspection and analysis required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, submit a report within 10 days after the positive identification or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. The report must include the MCD probe tip inspection results, material composition analysis, the engine serial number, and number of engine CSN. Submit the report to GE Aviation Fleet Support in accordance with paragraph 3., Accomplishment Instructions, of GE SB 72-1631. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) 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) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: sungmo.d.cho@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) General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 Service Bulletin 72-1631, R00, dated August 25, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, 1 Newman Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: (513) 552-3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.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 September 29, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-22145 Filed 10-2-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P