[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21067-21069]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10022]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-29-AD; Amendment 39-12192; AD 2001-08-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly 
Allison Engine Company) AE 3007 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine 
Company) AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 
3007A1P, and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines. This action requires initial 
and repetitive inspections for bearing material contamination of the 
engine oil system. This amendment is prompted by reports of rapid 
failures of the No. 1 bearing. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to detect the rapid failure of the No. 1 bearing, which could 
result in smoke in the cabin and an uncommanded in-flight engine 
shutdown.

DATES: Effective May 14, 2001. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of May 14, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 26, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-29-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: [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 
Allison Engine Company, Inc., P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206 USA, 
Phone: (317) 230-6400; Fax: (317) 230-4243. 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: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7836; fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Rolls-Royce Corporation (RR) (formerly 
Allison Engine Company) has notified the FAA that there is a design 
problem with the No. 1 bearing installed on the AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, 
AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P, and AE 3007A3 turbofan 
engines. This can lead to an event involving smoke in cabin, followed 
by an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. RR has determined that 
this problem is the result of the rapid failure of the number 1 bearing 
installed on the AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE 
3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in the rapid failure of the number 1 
bearing, which could result in smoke in the cabin and an uncommanded 
in-flight engine shutdown.
    RR is developing a number of design modifications for affected 
models which, if installed, may reduce the rate of No. 1 bearing 
distress. The FAA may take additional mandatory action to incorporate 
these modifications and to eliminate the need for the inspections 
mandated by this AD. The compliance time of this AD was chosen based on 
the failure sequence of the number 1 bearing.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Rolls-
Royce Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AE 3007A-A-79-027, dated August 17, 
2000, that provides procedures for inspecting for bearing material 
contamination of the engine oil system.

Determination of an Unsafe Condition

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to require initial and repetitive inspections for bearing 
material contamination of the engine oil system, to prevent events 
caused by the rapid failure of the

[[Page 21068]]

number 1 bearing. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the ASB described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that 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 2000-NE-29-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined 
in Executive Order No. 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this final rule.
    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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-08-15  Rolls-Royce Corporation: Amendment 39-12192. Docket 
2000-NE-29-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) AE 
3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P, 
and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but 
not limited to, Embraer Model EMB-145, EMB-145ER, EMB-145MR, EMB-
145LR, EMB-135ER and EMB-135LR airplanes.

    Note 1: This 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 (c) 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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, 
unless already done.

Compliance

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To detect the rapid failure of the No. 1 bearing, which could 
result in smoke in the cabin and an uncommanded in-flight engine 
shutdown, do the following:

Inspection for Bearing Material Contamination of the Oil System

    (a) Inspect for bearing material contamination of the oil system 
in accordance with 2.A.(1) through 2.A.(2) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Rolls-Royce alert service bulletin (ASB) No. AE 
3007A-A-79-027, dated August 17, 2000, as follows:
    (1) Do an initial inspection within 30 flight hours, or three 
flight days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.
    (2) Thereafter, inspect for every 30 flight hours, or every 
three flight days, whichever occurs first.

Terminating Action

    (b) Incorporation of Embraer Service Bulletin 145-79-0001, dated 
April 24, 1998, is considered terminating action for the inspections 
required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.
    (e) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Rolls-Royce 
alert service bulletin No. AE 3007A-A-79-027, dated August 17, 2000.
    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 Allison Engine Company, Inc., 
P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206 USA, Phone:

[[Page 21069]]

317-230-6400; Fax: 317-230-4243. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 2001.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 16, 2001.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-10022 Filed 4-26-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U