2023-21-07: Turbine Engine Reduction Gear

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186 (83 FR 6125, February 13, 2018); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-21-07 General Electric Company: Amendment 39-22579; Docket No. FAA-2022-1314; Project Identifier AD-2021-00811-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 11, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2018-03-13, Amendment 39-19186 (83 FR 6125, February 13, 2018). (c) Applicability This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) Model CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7210, Turbine Engine Reduction Gear. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of a main propeller shaft on a GE Model CT7-9B model engine, resulting in the loss of the propeller. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the main propeller shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could cause in-flight loss of the propeller, loss of engine thrust control, 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 CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, and CT7-9B2 model engines, using the compliance times specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform initial and repetitive visual inspections, fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs), and ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the main propeller shaft. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER06NO23.056 (2) For affected CT7-7A, CT7-7A1, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 model engines, using the compliance times specified in Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, perform initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller shaft. ER06NO23.057 (3) Perform the visual inspections, FPIs, and USIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD as follows: (i) Prior to performance of the inspections, clean the main propeller shaft flange using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of GE Service Bulletin (SB) CT7-TP 72-0541 R01, dated November 18, 2021 (GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541). (ii) Visually inspect the main propeller shaft for wear, corrosion, and cracking using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1), of GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541. (iii) Spot-FPI the area on the main propeller shaft flange face using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(2)(a), of GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541. (iv) USI the two dowel pin holes of the main propeller shaft using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(3)(a), of GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541. (4) If a crack or rejectable indication is found during the initial and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, or USIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the main propeller shaft from service and replace it with a part eligible for installation. (5) For all affected engines, if the main propeller shaft CSN is unknown, use the propeller gearbox (PGB) CSN. If the PGB CSN is unknown, assume the inspection threshold is exceeded. (h) Optional Terminating Action Accomplishing the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable by engine model, constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) For affected CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-7A, and CT7-7A1 model engines, revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) and the operator's existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the information in Figure 3 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. ER06NO23.058 (2) For affected CT7-9B, CT7-9B1, CT7-9B2, CT7-9C, and CT7-9C3 model engines, revise the ALS of the existing MM and the operator's existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the information in Figure 4 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. ER06NO23.059 (3) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (k) of this AD, no alternative inspection times or intervals may be approved for this main propeller shaft. (4) The optional terminating actions in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (i) Definition For the purpose of this AD, a "part eligible for installation" is a main propeller shaft that has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) or (2), and (3) of this AD, and there was no crack or rejectable indication. (j) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the initial visual inspection, FPI, and USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD if you performed these initial inspections before the effective date of this AD in accordance with GE SB CT7-TP 72-0541 R00, dated September 9, 2021. (k) 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 (l) 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. (l) 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. (m) 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) Service Bulletin CT7-TP 72-0541 R01, dated November 18, 2021. (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 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on October 20, 2023. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-24386 Filed 11-3-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P