The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to GE CF6-50C series turbofan engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on June 24, 2009 (74 FR 30018). That action proposed to require reworking certain forward fan stator cases, installing a fan module secondary containment shield on Airbus A300 series airplanes, and eliminating GE Service Bulletin (SB) No. CF6-50 S/B 72-0986, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2007, as an acceptable compliance method.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments willbe available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Change Service Bulletin References
One commenter, Airbus, requests that we reference the latest revision of GE SB No. CF6-50 S/B 72-0985 in the AD, which is Revision 3, dated August 22, 2007.
We agree. We changed the SB references in the AD to Revision 3.
Request To Remove European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD Reference
Airbus requests that we remove the reference to EASA AD 2004-0007 from the AD, as it has been cancelled by EASA.
We agree and have removed the EASA AD reference.
Request To Include GE SB No. CF6-50 S/B 72-0986
One commenter, Tradewinds Airlines, requests that we include GE SB No. CF6-50 S/B 72-0986 in the AD, as this will give credit for previous installation of required shields.
We agree. If shields have been previously installed per GE SB No. CF6-50 S/B 72-0986, CF6-50 S/B 72-0986, Revision 01, or CF6-50 S/B 72- 0986, Revision 02, credit will be allowed for that previous installation.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 40 CF6-50C series turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2.5 work hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $9,451 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $386,040.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of theUnited States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, "General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a "significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15075 (72 FR 30249, May 31, 2007), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-16093, to read as follows: