AD 97-06-15

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF34 series turbofan engines was published in the Federal Register on December 18, 1995, (60 FR 65035). That action proposed to reduce the allowable operating cyclic life limit for affected high pressure compressor (HPC) stage 1 rotor disks. Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. There are approximately 440 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 150 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, and that it will take approximately zero additionalwork hours per engine to accomplish the required actions. Required parts will cost approximately $7,667 per engine, based on the estimated current part cost, prorated downward by a factor equal to the quotient of the difference between the original cyclic life limit (9,000 cycles) and the revised cyclic life limit (6,000 cycles) divided by the original cyclic life limit. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,150,000. The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is nota "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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES." List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air Transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment 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: PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701. 39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: