GE has notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on GE CF6-80E1A2 turbofan engines. GE advises that Airbus Industrie has revised their analyses of Airbus A330 airplane engine mount loads. The revised analyses predict a reduction in calculated low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) life capability for forward mount platforms made from cast material. Airbus Industrie has updated the airplane maintenance manual with revised inspection thresholds and intervals for the affected engine mount components. These revised inspection thresholds and intervals are published in Chapter 5 of the engine manual. This AD is necessary to make those inspection thresholds and intervals mandatory for all operators.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use these GE CF6-80E1A2 turbofan engines, the possibility exists that the engines could be used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in thefuture. The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other GE CF6-80E1A2 turbofan engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine separation that could result from cracking of the forward engine mount platform. This AD requires initial and repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections of cast material forward engine mount platforms, P/Ns 1520M53G04 and 1846M24G15. The thresholds and intervals were established to be consistent with inspections required by the airframe manufacturer.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Sine there are currently no domestic operators of GE CF6-80E1A2 turbofan engines, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-27-AD" in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of our communications with you. You may get more information about plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will nothave 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 the regulation:
1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a "significant rule" under the 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 by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-27-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: