[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]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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