AD 2001-19-02

Effective October 9, 2001. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 9, 2001.

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

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-21-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. The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from GE Aircraft Engines, 1,000 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA 01910; Attention: CF34 Product Support Engineering, Mail Zone: 34017; telephone (781) 594-6323; fax (781) 594-0600. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Barbara Caulfield, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7146; fax (781) 238-7199.

The FAA recently received reports of five in-flight shutdowns of CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 engines, due to inadequate B-sump oil scavenging and subsequent oil release from the B-sump into the secondary air system. Four of these engines experienced internal fire due to oil ignition in the secondary air system; two of these engines experienced fan drive shaft separation due to heat distress; and one engine experienced an uncontained engine failure. The manufacturer has determined that the cause of inadequate B-sump oil scavenging in B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to deposits of coke. The manufacturers believes that the coke build up on the screens is the result of hot soak-back temperatures in the B-sump after each engine shutdown. Coke build up is causing scavenge screen blockage which can prevent the lube and scavenge oil pump fro effectively scavenging the oil from the B-sump during engine operation. Unscavanged oil accumulates in the B-sump, escapes across the carbon seal, and ignites in the secondary air system. This condition, if not corrected, could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) Alert Service Bulletins (ASB's) CF34-AL, 79-A0014, Revision 1, dated August 23, 2001, and ASB CF34-BJ 79-A0015, Revision 1, dated August 23, 2001, that describe procedures for initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of the B-sump scavenge screens.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other GE CF34-3A1, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent B-sump scavenge screen blockage due to coking, which could result in ignition of B-sump oil in the secondary air system, fan drive shaft separation, and uncontained engine failure. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections and cleaning of scavenge screens P/N's 4047T95P01 and 5054T86G02, installed in the B-sump oil scavenge system.

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 2001-NE-21-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:

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: