[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57514-57515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22758]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-14-AD; Amendment 39-12877; AD 2002-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Models Spey 506-14A, 
555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P Turbojet Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), that 
is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Spey 506-14A, 555-15, 555-15H, 
555-15N, and 555-15P turbojet engines. This amendment requires 
replacing certain stage 2 low pressure turbine (LPT) blades with new 
redesigned stage 2 LPT blades. This amendment is prompted by several 
reports of failures of stage 2 LPT blades. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the stage 2 LPT blades, 
which could result in an engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective October 16, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of October 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby DE24 6BJ, UK; Telephone 
44 (0) 1332 242424; fax 44 (0) 1332 249936. This information may be 
examined, by appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration (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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is 
applicable to RR Spey 506-14A, 555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P 
turbojet engines was published in the Federal Register on April 18, 
2002 (67 FR 19134). That action proposed to require replacing certain 
stage 2 low pressure turbine (LPT) blades with new redesigned stage 2 
LPT blades in accordance with service bulletin (SB) No. Sp72-1064, 
Revision 1, dated February 1, 2001.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it 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, 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 a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

2002-18-03 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-12877. Docket No. 2001-NE-
14-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Rolls-Royce 
plc (RR) Spey 506-14A, 555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P 
turbojet engines with stage 2 low pressure turbine (LPT) blades, 
part numbers (P/N's) JR34024 or JR34069 installed. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to British Aerospace Airbus Ltd. BAC 
1-11 and Fokker F.28 Mark 1000, Mark 2000, Mark 3000, and Mark 4000 
airplanes.


[[Page 57515]]


    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 (b) 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 failure of the stage 2 LPT blades, which could result 
in an engine shutdown, do the following:
    (a) Replace existing stage 2 LPT blades P/N's JR34024 and 
JR34069 with complete sets of serviceable blades in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of RR service bulletin Sp72-1064, 
Revision 1, dated February 2001, and the following compliance times:
    (1) For RR Spey 506-14A engines, replace blades at the next 
piece-part opportunity, but no later than June 30, 2010.
    (2) For Spey 555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P turbojet 
engines, replace blades at the next piece-part opportunity, but no 
later than December 31, 2005.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference

    (d) The stage 2 LPT blades replacement must be done in 
accordance with Rolls-Royce plc SB No. Sp72-1064, Revision 1, dated 
February 2001. 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, Derby DE24 6BJ, UK; Telephone 44 (0) 1332 242424; fax 44 (0) 
1332 249936. Copies may be inspected, by appointment, 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in CAA airworthiness 
directive 005-07-2000, dated July 21, 2000.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 16, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 29, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-22758 Filed 9-10-02; 8:45 am]
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