[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5909-5911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01282]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-06; Amendment
39-18075; AD 2015-02-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboprop and
Turbofan Engines (Type Certificate Previously Held by Allison Engine
Company)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100 series turboprop engines and AE
3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by
reports of pitting in the wheel bores and subsequent RRC analysis that
concluded that lower life limits are needed for the affected turbine
wheels. This AD requires a reduction for the approved life limits of
the affected turbine wheels. This AD also requires an eddy current
inspection (ECI) of certain RRC engines with affected turbine wheels.
We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine
wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective March 11, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 11,
2015.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-06,
Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317-230-1667; email: royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0462, 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Document Management Facility, 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: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA,
2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7836; fax:
847-294-7834; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RRC AE 2100 series
turboprop engines and AE 3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2014 (79 FR
[[Page 5910]]
59461). The NPRM was prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores
and subsequent RRC analysis that concluded that lower life limits are
needed for the affected turbine wheels. The NPRM proposed to require
reducing the approved life limits of the affected turbine wheels and
performing an ECI of certain RRC engines with affected turbine wheels.
We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine
wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comment received. An anonymous
commenter supported the NPRM (79 FR 59461, October 2, 2014).
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes, e.g., verb
tense changes and word changes appropriate to a final rule. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 59461, October 2, 2014) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 59461, October 2, 2014).
Related Service Information
We reviewed:
Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE
2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013.
RR ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 25, 2013.
RR ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 25, 2013.
RR ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29,
2014.
RR ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, dated August 29,
2014.
RR ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013.
These service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting high-
pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 wheels and identify life-limit reduction
for all affected HPT wheels. You can find this information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0462.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 664 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1
hour to perform an ECI in the bore of the turbine wheel for affected
engines. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We estimate the pro-
rated replacement cost would be $30,688 for a 1st stage gas generator
turbine wheel; $63,693 for a HPT stage 1 wheel; $13,941 for an HPT
stage 2 wheel; and $13,186 for a 4th stage turbine wheel. We also
estimate that these parts would be replaced during an engine shop visit
at no additional labor cost. Based on these figures, we estimate the
total cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $11,317,969.
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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2015-02-08 Roll-Royce Corporation (Type Certificate previously held
by Allison Engine Company): Amendment 39-18075; Docket No. FAA-2014-
0462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-06-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective March 11, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2,
2100D2A, 2100D3, and 2100P turboprop engines and AE 3007A1, A1/1,
A1/3, A1E, A1P, A2, A3, C, C1, and C2 turbofan engines:
(1) With an installed 1st stage gas generator turbine wheel,
part number (P/N) 23079946, 23088906, or 23089692, all serial
numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013; and in
Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July
25, 2013.
(2) With an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 or HPT
stage 2 wheel, P/N 23079946, 23088906, 23088784, 23084520, 23084781,
23088817, or 23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 through Table 7 of
RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014,
except those S/Ns excluded by Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, and Table 5
of RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014.
(3) With an installed HPT stage 2 wheel, P/N 23084520 or
23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE
3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013, except those S/Ns excluded
by Table 1 of RRC ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013.
(4) With an installed 4th stage turbine wheel, P/N 23083536, all
S/Ns listed in Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July
25, 2013.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores
and subsequent RRC analysis that concluded that lower life
[[Page 5911]]
limits are needed for the affected turbine wheels. We are issuing
this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage
to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) For all RRC AE 3007A1, A1/1, A1/3, A1E, A1P, and A3 series
engines with an HPT stage 2 wheel P/N and S/N identified in RRC ASB
No. AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014, at each
shop visit after the effective date of this AD, eddy current inspect
the bore of the affected HPT stage 2 wheels. Use RRC ASB No. AE
3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, August 29, 2014, to do the inspection.
Do not return to service any wheel that fails the inspection
required by this AD.
(2) Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not
return to service any engine that has a turbine wheel with a P/N and
an S/N listed in any of the following RRC ASBs whose wheel life
exceeds the new life limits identified in the following RRC ASBs:
(i) RRC ASB No. AE 2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013;
(ii) RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 25, 2013;
(iii) RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 25, 2013;
(iv) RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29,
2014; or
(v) RRC ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013.
(f) Installation Prohibition
Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not install
an affected wheel, as identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, into
any RRC AE 3007C2 engine.
(g) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation without subsequent engine maintenance is not an
engine shop visit.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19
to make your request.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kyri Zaroyiannis,
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL
60018; phone: 847-294-7836; fax: 847-294-7834; email:
[email protected].
(j) 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 Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-
085, dated July 25, 2013.
(ii) Rolls-Royce ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 25,
2013.
(iii) Rolls-Royce ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 25,
2013.
(iv) Rolls-Royce ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated
August 29, 2014.
(v) Rolls-Royce ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, dated
August 29, 2014.
(vi) Rolls-Royce ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6,
2013.
(3) For RRC service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-
06, Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317-230-1667; email:
royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(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 January 13, 2015.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01282 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
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