[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60658-60660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23432]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0562; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-29-AD;
Amendment 39-17603; AD 2013-19-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) AD 2012-04-13,
for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-
61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61; and RB211 Trent
768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60; and RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17,
884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17; and RB211-524G2-T-19, -524G3-T-
19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19 turbofan engines that have a high-
pressure (HP) compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc installed, with a
certain part number (P/N) installed. AD 2012-04-13 required repetitive
inspections of the axial dovetail slots and follow-on corrective action
depending on findings. This new AD expands the population of affected
parts. This AD also changes, for the purposes of this AD, the
definition of ``engine shop visit.'' This AD was prompted by reports of
additional affected HP compressor rotor discs that require the same
action. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the HP compressor
stage 1 and 2 disc posts, which could result in failure of the disc
post and HP compressor blades, damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective November 6, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 6,
2013.
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 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483,
March 7, 2012), (``AD 2012-04-13''). AD 2012-04-13 applied to the
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May
14, 2013 (78 FR 28161). The NPRM proposed to continue to require
repetitive inspections of the axial dovetail slots and follow-on
corrective action depending on findings. The NPRM also proposed to
expand the population of affected parts, and to change, for the
purposes of this AD, the definition of ``engine shop visit.
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.
Support for the Proposed AD
The Boeing Company supports the NPRM (78 FR 28161, May 14, 2013) as
written.
We made no change to this AD.
Request To Revise Definition of Engine Shop Visit
American Airlines (AAL) and RR requested that we change the
definition of engine shop visit. The commenters noted that the
definition of engine shop visit in the NPRM (78 FR 28161, May 14, 2013)
differs from that in RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 3, dated January 11, 2013. AAL also indicated
that the definition of engine shop visit in the NPRM, if adopted, would
dramatically increase turn time and costs and affect availability of
spare engines.
We agree. We revised this AD by changing the definition of engine
shop visit to read: ``For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop
visit'' is whenever the HP compressor rotor is accessible and the
compressor blades have been removed.''
[[Page 60659]]
Request To Correct Paragraph Designations in Compliance Section
AAL requested that we correct references in the compliance section
of the NPRM (78 FR 28161, May 14, 2013) that did not refer to the
correct paragraph designation.
We agree. The references should be to ``paragraph (f)'' or
``paragraph (f)(2),'' as applicable, rather than to ``paragraph (e).''
We changed this AD by revising several references in the compliance
section and the Credit for Previous Action paragraph from ``paragraph
(e)'' to ``paragraph (f)'' or to ``paragraph (f)(2),'' as applicable.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described. We determined that these changes
will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about 432 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 20
hours per product to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per hour. No parts are required. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $734,400.
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,
(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)
2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, March 7, 2012) and adding
the following new AD:
2013-19-21 Rolls Royce plc: Amendment 39-17603; Docket No. FAA-2010-
0562; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-29-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 6, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR
13483, March 7, 2012).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model
turbofan engines that have a high-pressure (HP) compressor stage 1
to 4 rotor disc installed, with a part number (P/N) listed in Table
1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:
(1) RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61,
556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61; and
(2) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60; and
(3) RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-
17, and 895-17; and
(4) RB211-524G2-T-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19.
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Affected HP Compressor Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Disc
P/Ns by Engine Model
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HP Compressor stage 1 to 4
Engine model rotor disc P/N
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1. RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556- FK30524 or FW88340.
61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-
61, and 560A2[dash]61.
2. RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B- FK22745, FK24031, FK23313,
60. FK25502, FK26185, FK32129,
FW20195, FW20196, FW20197,
FW20638, FW23711, FW88695,
FW88696, FW88697, FW88698,
FW88699, FW88700, FW88701,
FW88702, or FW88703.
3. RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, FK24009, FK26167, FK32580,
884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17. FW11590, FW61622, FW88723,
FW88724, or FW88725.
4. RB211-524G2-T-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H- FK25502, FW20195, FW23711,
T-36, and -524H2-T-19. FW88695, FW88696, or FW88697.
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(d) Unsafe Condition
We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the HP compressor
stage 1 and 2 disc posts, which could result in failure of the disc
post and HP compressor blades, damage to the engine, and damage to
the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 60660]]
(f) Cleaning and Inspection
(1) Clean and perform a fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the
HP compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc at the first shop visit after
accumulating 1,000 cycles since new (CSN) on the stage 1 to 4 rotor
disc or at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.E.(11) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB)
No. RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 3, dated January 11, 2013, to do the
cleaning and inspection.
(3) Thereafter, at every engine shop visit, clean and inspect as
required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(4) If on the effective date of this AD, an engine with an
affected part has 1,000 CSN or more, and is in the shop, clean and
inspect as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD before returning
the engine to service.
(5) If cracks or anomalies are found during the inspection
required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, accomplish the applicable
corrective actions before returning the engine to service.
(g) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is whenever
the HP compressor rotor is accessible and the compressor blades have
been removed.
(h) Credit for Previous Action
If you performed cleanings and inspections before the effective
date of this AD using RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 1, dated
June 6, 2008, or Revision 2, dated June 8, 2011, then you met the
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact, 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 No. 2013-0042,
dated February 26, 2013, for related information. You may examine
this AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2010-0562-0023.
(k) 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.
(i) Rolls Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-AF964. Revision 3, dated January 11, 2013.
(ii) None.
(3) 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-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp;
or download from https://www.aeromanager.com.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information 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 September 18, 2013.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Directorate Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23432 Filed 10-1-13; 8:45 am]
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