[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 3, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54149-54152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21108]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD;
Amendment 39-17526; AD 2013-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-10-12 for
all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-
61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17,
884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. AD 2012-10-12
required inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor
shaft rear balance land for cracks. We are issuing this AD to require
inspections of the IP compressor rotor shaft, as required by AD 2012-
10-12, to add on-wing
[[Page 54150]]
inspections for the Trent 500 engines, and to add on-wing and in-shop
inspections for the Trent 900 engines. This AD was prompted by
detection of a crack in a Trent 500 IP compressor rotor shaft rear
balance land during a shop visit. Further engineering evaluation, done
by RR, concluded that the cracking may also exist in Trent 900 engines.
We are issuing this AD to detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor
shaft rear balance land, which could lead to uncontained engine failure
and damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective October 8, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of certain publication listed in the AD as of October
8, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the IBR of certain
other publications listed in this AD as of June 29, 2012 (77 FR 31176,
May 25, 2012).
ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce
plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ;
phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7779;
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR 31176,
May 25, 2012). AD 2012-10-12 applied to the specified products. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2013 (78 FR 17300).
The NPRM proposed to require inspections of the IP compressor rotor
shaft, as required by AD 2012-10-12, on-wing inspections for the Trent
500 engines, and on-wing and in-shop inspections for the Trent 900
engines.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Not Include Revision Level of Service Bulletin (SB)
Texas Aero Engine Service LLC (TAESL) requested that we not include
the revision of the SB or that we include ``or later revision'' in the
AD. The commenter's justification for this request is that the SBs are
revised often.
We do not agree. The SBs contain unique methods that require IBR.
We do not know how a SB will be revised in the future; therefore, we
cannot use ``or later revision''. Any future revisions can be addressed
using paragraph (m) of this AD. We did not change the AD.
Request To Include an Alternate Method of Compliance
TAESL requested that RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401 be included as an
alternative means of compliance and that the requirement to perform an
eddy current inspection (ECI), on engines which have had the new
balance weights fitted using RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401, be removed. The
justification for this request is that the SB describes procedures for
replacing the existing balance weights with new balance weights.
We do not agree. The unsafe condition was identified in the
existing balance weights that were installed. RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401
introduces the new balance weights. In paragraph (j) of this AD we
mandate removal of the existing balance weights as terminating action,
as opposed to installation of the new balance weights. We did not IBR
RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401 because there could be future versions of the
balance weights that would also be acceptable. We did not change the
AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 17300, March 21, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 17300, March 21, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 136 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 14
hours per engine to perform the required inspections. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Replacement parts are estimated to cost about
$2,271 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the
AD on U.S. operators to be $470,696.
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.
We are 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
We have determined that 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,
[[Page 54151]]
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
(4) 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.
Adoption of 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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR 31176, May 25, 2012), and adding
the following new AD:
2013-15-10 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-17526; Docket No. FAA-2007-
28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 8, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR
31176, May 25, 2012).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 553-61,
553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61,
768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17,
892B-17, 895-17, 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84,
and 980-84 turbofan engines.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by detection of a crack in a Trent 500
intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor shaft rear balance land
with follow-on RR engineering evaluation concluding that cracking
may also exist in Trent 900 engines. We are issuing this AD to
detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land,
which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the
airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(f) RB211-Trent 700 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections
(1) Within 625 cycles-in-service (CIS) after June 29, 2012, or
before the next flight after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor
shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion
System Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin (NMASB) No. RB.211-
72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011, sections 3.A.(2)(a)
through 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for in-shop
procedures, or 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 3.B.(4)(a) through
3.B.(4)(c) for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
(2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 625 cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). You may count CSLI from the last
borescope inspection or the last eddy current inspection (ECI),
whichever occurred last.
(3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD,
perform an ECI and visually inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft
rear balance land, and visually inspect the balance weights. Use
RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No.
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.A.
through 3.C., to do the inspections.
(g) RB211-Trent 800 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections
(1) Within 475 CIS after June 29, 2012, or before the next
flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land.
Use RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System NMASB No. RB.211-72-
AG264, Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011, sections 3.A.(2)(b) through
3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for in-shop procedures,
or 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 3.B.(4)(a) through 3.B.(4)(c)
for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
(2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 475 CSLI. You
may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI,
whichever occurred last.
(3) At each shop visit, perform an ECI and visually inspect the
IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, and visually inspect
the balance weights. Use RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series
Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July
7, 2011, sections 3.A. through 3.C. and 3.D.(3) to do the
inspections.
(h) RB211-Trent 500 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections
(1) Within 340 CIS after the effective date of this AD,
borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land.
Use RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-
AH058, dated December 13, 2012, sections 3.A.(2)(a) through
3.A.(2)(c), 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), and 3.A.(5)(a) through
3.A.(5)(c) for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
(2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 340 CSLI. You
may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI,
whichever occurred last.
(3) At each shop visit, perform an ECI and visually inspect the
IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, and visually inspect
the balance weights. Use RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series
Propulsion Systems Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No.
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.D.(4)
through 3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through
3.D.(8)(w), 3.D.(11), 3.D.(12), and 3.D.(e) to do the inspections.
(i) RB211-Trent 900 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections
(l) Within 280 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance
land. Use RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No.
RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012, sections 3.A.(2)(a)
through 3.A.(2)(c), 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), 3.A.(5)(a)
through 3.A.(5)(c), and 3.D.(e) to do the inspection.
(2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 280 CSLI. You
may count from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI,
whichever occurred last.
(3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD,
perform an ECI and visually inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft
rear balance land, and visually inspect the balance weights. Use
RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No.
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.D.(4)
through 3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through
3.D.(8)(w), 3.D.(11), and 3.D.(12), to do the inspection.
(j) Mandatory Termination Action for RB211-Trent 700 and RB211-Trent
800 Engines
(1) For RB211-Trent 700 engines. At the next shop visit in which
any level of inspection or strip is scheduled to be carried out on
the IP compressor, remove the existing IP compressor balance
weights.
(2) For RB211-Trent 800 engines. At the next shop visit in which
any level of inspection or strip is scheduled to be carried out on
the IP compressor, remove the existing IP compressor balance
weights.
(3) Once you have removed the balance weights, do not re-install
them on any IP compressor shaft rear balance land.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) For RB211-Trent 700 series engines:
(i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 700 series
engine using RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion System NMASB No.
RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009, or Revision 2,
dated December 21, 2010, or Revision 3, dated February 25, 2011,
before the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(ii) If you performed the ECI and visual inspection of your
RB211-Trent 700 series engine using RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800
Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1,
dated September 27, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph
[[Page 54152]]
(f)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD.
(2) For RB211-Trent 800 series engines:
(i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 800 series
engine using RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System NMASB No.
RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 3, dated December 21, 2010, or Revision 4,
dated February 25, 2011, before the effective date of this AD, you
have satisfied the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of
your RB211-Trent 800 series engine using RB211 Trent 700 and Trent
800 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1,
dated September 27, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph
(g)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this AD.
(3) For RB211-Trent 500 and 900 series engines:
(i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 500 series
engine using RB211 Trent 500, 700 and 800 Series Propulsion Systems
NMASB No. RB.211-72-AF260, Revision 4, dated July 28, 2009, or using
RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No.
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010 before the
effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the ECIs required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
(ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of
your RB211-Trent 500 series engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent
900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2,
dated December 23, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph
(h)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this AD.
(4) For RB211-Trent 900 series engines:
(i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 900 series
engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems
NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010, before
the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the requirements
of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of
your RB211-Trent 900 series engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent
900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2,
dated December 23, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph
(i)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (i)(2) and (i)(3) of this AD.
(l) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as
introduction of an engine into the shop and disassembly sufficient
to expose the IP compressor module rear face.
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency, AD 2013-0002,
dated January 4, 2013, for more information. You may examine this AD
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2007-28059-0022.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
October 8, 2013.
(i) Rolls-Royce plc Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No.
RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AH059,
dated December 11, 2012.
(ii) Rolls-Royce plc Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No.
RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion Systems RB.211-72-AH058, dated
December 13, 2012.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 29, 2012, (77 FR 31176, May 25, 2012).
(i) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion System
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG270,
Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011.
(ii) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 and 800 Series Propulsion
Systems Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG085,
Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011.
(iii) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG264,
Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011.
(iv) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion System
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AF260,
Revision 5, dated July 7, 2011.
(v) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 and 900 Series Propulsion
Systems Non-Modification Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-G448,
Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011.
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby,
England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
245418; Internet: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 781-238-7125.
(7) You may also view this service information that is IBR at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 22, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-21108 Filed 8-30-13; 8:45 am]
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