AD 2001-10-12

Effective June 7, 2001.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before July 23, 2001.

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-58-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: “9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov”. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.

Kevin Donovan, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7743, fax (238) 238-7199.

On January 5, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-01-09, Amendment 39-11506 (65 FR 1771) to require removal of certain unapproved parts before further flight. That amendment was prompted by findings that life-limited parts, with inaccurate records, have been introduced into the field and might be installed on the affected engines. That condition, if not corrected, could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA discovered a compressor rotor during an audit with suspected military markings. The manufacturer confirmed that the marking was an electro-etched Low Cycle Fatigue Cycles (LCFC) marking used strictly on military parts. The original AD, AD 2000-01-09, did not identify this particular compressor rotor or the three additional rotors containing unapproved parts discovered at other locations during subsequent audits.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CJ610 series turbojet and CF700 series turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD supersedes AD 2000-01-09 to require removal before further flight of the additional unapproved parts not listed in the original AD that have been introduced into the field and might be installed on the affected engines.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 99-NE-58-AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

Accordingly, pursuant to 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:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: