Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80C2 series turbofan engines with certain thrust reverser ballscrew gearbox assembly adjustable-length end actuators installed. This proposed AD would require initial visual inspections and repetitive replacements of the \3/8\-inch rod-ends installed on the thrust reverser ballscrew gearbox assembly adjustable- length end actuators, along with optional terminating action to those repetitive replacements. This proposed AD would also require initial visual inspections and replacements, if necessary, of the other hardware connecting the thrust reverser transcowls to the engine. This proposed AD results from reports of four failures of rod-ends on certain thrust reverser ballscrew gearbox assembly adjustable-length end actuators, leading to partial or complete separation of the transcowl from the engine and airplane during thrust reversal. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of thrust control, asymmetric thrust, increased stopping distance, and possibly hazardous debris on the runway, which could result in unsafe landings.