[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 235 (Thursday, December 6, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63341-63343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-30266]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 
884, 892, 892B, and 895 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc 
RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines. 
This proposal would require reapplication of dry film lubricant to low 
pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade roots. This proposal is prompted by 
an aborted take-off resulting from LPC fan blade loss. Since this 
event, four additional cracked LPC fan blade roots have been reported. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent LPC 
fan blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and 
possible aircraft damage.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 4, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. 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 the proposed rule may be obtained 
from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 
011-44-1332-242-424; fax: 011-44-1332-245-418. This information may be 
examined,

[[Page 63342]]

by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Mead, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone: (781) 
238-7744, fax: (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NE-12-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom (U.K.), recently notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 
884, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines. The CAA advises that a 
Trent 800 series powered aircraft experienced an aborted take-off as a 
result of an inability to achieve the commanded exhaust pressure ratio 
(EPR) on the Number 1 engine. Ground inspection of the engine revealed 
loss of one LPC fan blade. Since this event, four additional LPC fan 
blade roots have been reported cracked. Loss of the LPC fan blade 
resulted from high stresses and subsequent cracking in the fan blade 
root. Investigation by the engine manufacturer has shown that regular 
reapplication of dry film lubricant on the LPC fan blade root results 
in reduced blade to disk friction during engine operation and hence 
reduced blade root stressing. The FAA concurs with the manufacturer's 
determination as to the optimum times to perform the reapplication of 
the dry film lubricant, as provided in this proposal. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent LPC fan blade 
loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and possible 
aircraft damage.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Rolls-Royce has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) RB.211-72-
D347, Revision 2, dated May 30, 2001, that requires initial and 
reapplication of dry film lubricant to LPC fan blade roots. The CAA 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 001-03-2001 
in order to ensure the airworthiness of these Rolls-Royce engines in 
the U.K.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in the U.K. 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.

Proposed Requirements of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 
892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines of the same type design , 
the proposed AD would require initial and reapplication of dry film 
lubricant to LPC blade roots. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the SB described previously.

Economic Impact

    The FAA estimates that 88 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates 
that it would take approximately 6 work hours per engine to accomplish 
the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the total labor cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $31,680 to accomplish 
each application of lubricant. The FAA estimates that operators will 
apply lubricant an average of 1.5 times per year, making the total 
annual cost of compliance with this proposal $ 47,520.

Regulatory Impact

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 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 proposed rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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.

[[Page 63343]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 892B, and 895 
series turbofan engines with low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade 
part numbers: FK 30838, FK30840, FK30842, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, 
FW13175, or FW18548. These engines are installed on, but not limited 
to Boeing 777 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 (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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, 
unless already done.
    To prevent LPC fan blade loss, which could result in an 
uncontained engine failure and possible aircraft damage, accomplish 
the following:

         Table 1.--Initial and Repetitive Application Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Initial compliance        Repetitive
   LPT Fan blade part Nos.          criteria         compliance criteria
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FK30842, FK30840, and         Before achieving 600  Repeat at intervals
 FK30838.                      cycles since          not exceeding 600
                               installation.         cycles since last
                                                     compliance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FW12961, FW12960, FW12962,    Before achieving      Repeat at intervals
 FW13175, FW18548.             1200 cycles since     not exceeding 1200
                               installation.         cycles since last
                                                     compliance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Apply an approved dry film lubricant to low pressure 
compressor (LPC) fan blade roots as specified in Table 1 above. 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 72-31-11-300-801-R00 (Repair 
Scheme FRS A031 by air spray method only) or engine manual 72-31-11-
R001 (Repair Scheme FRS A028) contain procedures for renewing the 
dry film lubricant on the blade roots. For purposes of this AD, 
approved lubricants are Dow Corning 321R (Rolls-Royce (RR) Omat item 
4/52), Rocol Dry Moly Spray (RR Omat item 4/52), Molydag 709 (RR 
Omat item 444), or PL.237/R1 (RR Omat item 4/43).

Fan Blades Exceeding Initial Application Thresholds

    (b) For blades that have, on the effective date of the AD, more 
cycles since installation than the initial compliance criteria in 
Table 1 of this AD, inspect blades within 100 cycles in service 
after the effective date 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, Engine Certification Office (ECO). 
Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, ECO.

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

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance 
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 done.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Civil Aviation 
Authority Airworthiness Directive 001-03-2001, dated March 2, 2001.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2001.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-30266 Filed 12-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U