[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18119-18121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-9582]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-39; Amendment 39-10426; AD 98-07-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Series Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes existing airworthiness directive
(AD) 96-13-04, applicable to Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 series turbofan
engines, that currently requires removing and replacing a rigid low
pressure (LP) fuel system tube assembly with a tube assembly
incorporating flexible sections and revised clip points in order to
preclude cracking and subsequent fuel leakage. This amendment requires
replacing one of the flexible fuel tube assemblies installed in
accordance with AD 96-13-04 with an alternate flexible fuel tube
assembly that is not prone to rupture. This AD also requires immediate
replacement of any rigid fuel tubes not previously removed from service
as required by AD 96-13-04. The amendment is prompted by reports of
fuel line rupture on one of the flexible fuel tube assemblies installed
in accordance with AD 96-13-04. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection
inside the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled engine
fire.
DATES: Effective April 29, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 29, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 15, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-39, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain
the docket number in the subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Rolls-Royce, plc, P.O. Box 31, Moor Lane, Derby, DE248BJ, United
Kingdom; telephone 1332-249428, fax 1332-249423. This information may
be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7176, fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 11, 1996, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 96-13-04,
Amendment 39-9672 (61 FR 36622, July 12, 1996), applicable to Rolls-
Royce, plc (R-R) Model RB211-535E4 and -535E4-B turbofan engines, to
require removing and replacing the existing rigid low pressure (LP)
fuel system tube assembly, part number (P/N) UL16692, with tube
assembly, P/N AE709623-1 or P/N 163521538, having flexible sections and
revised clip points to preclude cracking and subsequent fuel leakage.
That action was prompted by multiple reports of fuel leaks. That
condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel system leak, which
could result in rapid atomization of fuel and an engine fire.
Since the issuance of that AD, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK),
received 11 reports of fuel leaks from flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N
AE709623-1, installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04, including two
inflight engine shutdowns, one go-around, and one diversion as of
December 16, 1997. A failure of the flexible fuel tube assembly could
result in high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection inside
the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled engine fire.
This engine model is manufactured in the UK and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of R-R
Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-73-C297, Revision 1, dated January 9,
1998, that describes procedures for replacing flexible fuel tube
assembly, P/N AE709623-1, with an alternate flexible fuel tube
assembly, P/N 163521538, that is not prone to rupture.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD
supersedes AD 96-13-04 to require replacing one of the
[[Page 18120]]
flexible fuel tube assemblies, P/N AE709623-1, installed in accordance
with AD 96-13-04 with an alternate flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N
163521538, that is not prone to rupture. This AD requires full
compliance prior to exceeding 60 days after the effective date of the
AD. The compliance time was established based upon the risk to flight
safety and parts availability. This AD also requires, prior to further
flight, replacement of any rigid fuel tubes that have not been removed
from service in accordance with AD 96-13-04. These actions are required
to be accomplished in accordance with the SB described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires immediate adoption of this
regulation, notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon is
impracticable, and good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 94-ANE-39.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-9672 (61 FR
36622, July 12, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-10426, to read as follows:
98-07-07 Rolls-Royce, plc: Amendment 39-10426. Docket 94-ANE-39.
Supersedes AD 96-13-04, Amendment 39-9672.
Applicability: Rolls-Royce, plc. (R-R) Models RB211-535E4 and -
535E4-B turbofan engines installed on but not limited to Boeing 757
series and Tupolev 204 series aircraft.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with
paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific
proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection
inside the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled
engine fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to further flight, remove from service rigid low
pressure (LP) fuel system tube assembly, part number (P/N) UL16692,
and replace with flexible fuel tube, P/N 163521538.
(b) Remove from service flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N
AE709623-1, installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04, and replace it
with alternate flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N 163521538, in
accordance with R-R Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-73-C297,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 1998. Replace all fuel tube assemblies
prior to exceeding 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or
at the next shop visit, whichever occurs first.
(c) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as the
induction of an engine into the shop for any reason.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following R-R SB:
Document No. RB.211-73-C297.
Pages: 1-8.
Revision: 1.
Date: January 8, 1998.
Total pages: 8.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Rolls-Royce, plc, P.O. Box 31,
Moor Lane, Derby, DE248BJ, United Kingdom;
[[Page 18121]]
telephone 1332-249428, fax 1332-249423. Copies may be inspected at
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 1998.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 2, 1998.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-9582 Filed 4-13-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P