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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2547; Project Identifier AD-2024-00334-E;
Amendment 39-22987; AD-2025-05-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) Model CT7-2E1 engines. This AD was
prompted by a revised analysis using an updated stress model, which
calculated that the actual life limit of the CT7-2E1 stage 2 turbine
aft cooling plate is less than the current life limit. This AD requires
revision of the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing
CT7-2E1 engine maintenance manual (EMM) and the operator's existing
approved maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate a reduced life limit for this part. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2547; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 ; phone:
(781) 238-7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GE Model CT7-2E1
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2024
(89 FR 96618). The NPRM was prompted by a revised analysis using an
updated stress model, which calculated that the actual life limit of
the GE Model CT7-2E1 engine stage 2 turbine aft cooling plate is less
than the current life limit. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
revision of the ALS of the existing CT7-2E1 EMM and the operator's
existing approved maintenance program or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate a reduced life limit for the stage 2 turbine
aft cooling plate part number 5166T27P01. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects eight CT7-2E1 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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ACTION
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LABOR COST
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PARTS COST
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COST PER PRODUCT
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COST ON U.S. OPERATORS
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| Revise the ALS. |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85. |
$0
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$85
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$680
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Authority for This Rulemaking
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.
Regulatory Findings
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
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