AD 2019-16-02

This AD is effective September 13, 2019.

For service information identified in this final rule, contact GE Honda Aero Engines, LLC, 9050 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 350, West Chester, OH, 45069; phone 513-552-7820; email: info@honda-aero.com; internet: www.gehonda.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0352.

Michael Richardson-Bach, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; email: michael.richardson-bach@faa.gov.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GHAE HF120 model turbofan engines with a certain FPMU assembly. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2019 (84 FR 22986). The NPRM was prompted by an incident on a flight test engine that resulted in the loss of over-speed protection warning. GHAE's subsequent investigation found damage on the PMA drive gear teeth within the FPMU assembly, which was likely due to dynamic loads on the drive gear that exceeded the material capability. The NPRM proposed to require removal of a certain FPMU assembly and its replacement with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

GHAE commented that the Related Service Information section of the NPRM refers to “GHAE HF120 Service Bulletin (SB) 73-0016 R01, dated November 08, 2018.” GHAE recommended that the FAA revise the AD to refer to Revision 02, dated May 13, 2019. GHAE noted that GHAE HF120 SB 73-0016 R02 clarifies the interchangeability statement to eliminate confusion as to the FPMU part numbers that are eligible for installation.

The FAA agrees. The FAA revised the Related Service Information paragraph in this AD to refer to GHAE HF120 SB 73-0016 R02, dated May 13, 2019.

GHAE commented that it considers the FPMU an engine fuel control, falling under JASC Code 7321, Fuel Control/Turbine Engines. GHAE classifies the FPMU as 73-21-00 in its Engine Illustrated Parts Catalog. GHAE therefore recommended that the FAA change the JASC Code from 7314, Engine Fuel Pump, to 7321, Fuel Control/Turbine Engines.

The FAA agrees. The FAA revised the JASC Code in this AD as suggested by the commenter.

GHAE commented that the GHAE business address listed in the NPRM is incorrect. GHAE indicated its office suite number has changed. GHAE requested that the FAA change the address in this AD to Suite 350.

The FAA agrees. The FAA updated the address in this AD as suggested by the commenter.

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and

• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

The FAA reviewed GHAE HF120 SB 73-0016 R02, dated May 13, 2019. The SB describes procedures for replacement of the FPMU assembly with a part eligible for installation.

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 161 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Title 49 of the United 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.

The FAA is 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.

This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):