[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 86 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23620-23622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10984]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
Dart 528, 529, 529D, 531, 532, 535, 542, and 552 Series Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly Rolls-Royce 
plc) Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-7E, -7H, -
8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, -7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 535-2, -
7R, 542-4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-2, 552-7, and -7R turboprop 
engines. This proposed AD would require removal of any Sermetel coating 
(Omat 7/46) from certain high pressure (HP) turbine discs and 
intermediate pressure (IP) turbine discs, and inspection of discs after 
coating removal. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of Sermetel 
coating (Omat 7/46) applied to certain turbine discs which, if allowed 
to remain on the discs would react adversely with the disc dry film 
lubricant, and could result in uncontained HP or IP turbine disc 
failure, resulting in possible damage to the airplane. The actions 
specified in this proposed AD are intended to prevent uncontained HP or 
IP turbine disc failure, which could result in damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by July 7, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
    [sbull] By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2003-NE-10-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
    [sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected].
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-10-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. If a person contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and 
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will 
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You may get more information about 
plain language at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Discussion

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority 
for

[[Page 23621]]

Germany, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist 
on RRD Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-7E, -7H, 
-8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, -7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 535-2, -
7R, 542 -4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-2, 552-7, and -7R turboprop 
engines. The LBA advises that some HP and IP turbine discs have had 
Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) applied, in accordance with a local repair 
scheme, and also have dry film lubricant applied. This coating, when 
combined with the application of dry film lubricant, may have a 
detrimental effect on the discs leading to uncontained HP or IP turbine 
disc failure, which could result in damage to the airplane.
    The dry film lubricant is graphite-based and in a typical corrosive 
environment, acts as an electrolyte when combined with Sermetel 
coating. This results in an accelerated form of corrosion pitting which 
could lead to initiation of cracks.

Relevant Service Information

    RRD has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin No. Da72-540, dated 
December 23, 2002. This MSB describes procedures for determining if 
certain HP and IP turbine discs have Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) 
combined with the application of a dry film lubricant and describes 
procedures for removing the coating and fully inspecting the discs once 
the coating is removed. The LBA classified this MSB as mandatory and 
issued airworthiness directive LTA 2003-015, dated February 6, 2003, in 
order to ensure the airworthiness of these RRD engines in Germany.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These RRD Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-
7E, -7H, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, -7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 
535-2, -7R, 542-4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-2, 552-7, and -7R 
turboprop engines, manufactured in Germany, are 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 LBA has kept us informed of the situation 
described above. We have examined the LBA's findings, 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. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
removal of any Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) from certain HP turbine 
discs (except for engines with RRD Service Bulletin No. Da72-533, 
Revision 3, dated October 2001, incorporated) and IP turbine discs, and 
full inspection of discs after coating removal.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Costs of Compliance

    There are approximately 1,400 RRD Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -
8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-7E, -7H, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, 
-7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 535-2, -7R, 542-4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-2, 
552-7, and -7R turboprop engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 130 engines installed on airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate 
that it would take approximately 12 work hours per engine to perform 
the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Required parts are not anticipated. Based on these figures, the 
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$93,600.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-10-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Docket No. 2003-NE-10-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness 
directive (AD) action by July 7, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD is applicable to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(RRD) (formerly Rolls-Royce plc) Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -8H, 
-8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-7E, -7H, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, -
7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 535-2, -7R, 542-4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-
2, 552-7, and -7R turboprop engines with an HP turbine disc or IP 
turbine disc that has an SN listed in Table 1 of this AD installed. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited, Model HS 748 Series 2A and 2B airplanes, 
Fokker Aircraft B.V., F.27 Friendship Mark 200, 400, 500, and 600 
airplanes, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-159 ``Gulfstream 
I'' airplanes, Maryland Air Industries, Inc. F-7F, F-27A, F-27G, F-
27J, F-27M, FH-227B, FH-227C, FH-227 D, and FH-227 E airplanes, and 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd Model YS-11, YS-11A-200, YS-11A-
300, YS-11A-500, and YS-11A-600 airplanes. Table 1 follows:

[[Page 23622]]



                                        Table 1.--Affected Turbine Discs
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                                                                                                   Turbine disc
                                                                                                   cycles-since-
         Turbine disc serial No.              Turbine disc stage         Date when coating was       new when
                                                                                applied             coating was
                                                                                                      applied
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DETN128.................................  HP........................  31. Mar 01................            4356
DETN155.................................  HP........................  22. Jun 99................               0
DETN3541................................  HP........................  17. Apr 01................            2850
DETN3542................................  HP........................  16. Jan 01................            6053
LA759...................................  HP........................  27. Oct 00................            5858
LP219...................................  HP........................  23. Nov 99................            6688
LW376...................................  HP........................  21. Jul 99................            3302
LX484...................................  HP........................  22. Feb 00................            4632
LZ299...................................  HP........................  23. Dec 99................            5839
LZ404...................................  HP........................  13. Jul 01................             630
LZ555...................................  HP........................  30. Aug 00................            2158
LZ564...................................  HP........................  15. Mar 01................            4204
SG612...................................  HP........................  20. Apr 00................            5735
SH195...................................  HP........................  16. Dec 99................            5349
DETN25..................................  IP........................  30. Aug 00................            2158
DETN238.................................  IP........................  31. Mar 01................            4356
DETN240.................................  IP........................  18. Apr 01................               0
DETN944.................................  IP........................  04. Mar 00................            2200
DETN2666................................  IP........................  17. Apr 01................            2850
DETN5538................................  IP........................  16. Jul 01................             630
DETN6400................................  IP........................  14. Apr 99................               0
LA407...................................  IP........................  22. Jun 00................            5736
LA858...................................  IP........................  27. Oct 00................            5858
LB99....................................  IP........................  13. Aug 99................            9093
LE284...................................  IP........................  24. Dec 99................            5679
LN87....................................  IP........................  10. May 99................            5829
LP519...................................  IP........................  23. Nov 99................            6688
LW517...................................  IP........................  22. Dec 99................            5865
LX214...................................  IP........................  09. Dec 00................            6498
LX379...................................  IP........................  22. Feb 00................            4632
LZ248...................................  IP........................  23. Dec 99................            5839
LZ385...................................  IP........................  17. Oct 01................            9072
LZ603...................................  IP........................  22. Jun 99................               0
SG554...................................  IP........................  20. Apr 00................            5735
SH863...................................  IP........................  16. Dec 99................            5349
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of Sermetel coating (Omat 7/
46) applied to certain turbine discs which, if allowed to remain on 
the discs would react adversely with the disc dry film lubricant, 
causing uncontained HP or IP turbine disc failure, which could 
result in damage to the airplane. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent HP or IP turbine disc failure, which could 
result in damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless 
already done.

Determining if Action Is Required

    (f) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the SN of the HP turbine disc and the IP turbine disc. If 
none of the HP and IP turbine discs with SN's listed in Table 1 are 
installed in the engine, no further action is required.
    (g) If one or more of the discs with SNs listed in Table 1 of 
this AD are installed in the engine, do the following:
    (1) If the engine has had a full overhaul of the turbine after 
the shop visit at which the Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) was 
applied, no further action is required.
    (2) If only the HP turbine disc is listed in Table 1, and the 
engine has RRD Service Bulletin No. Da72-533, Revision 3, dated 
October 2001, incorporated, no further action is required.

Removal of Sermetel Coating and Disc Inspection

    (3) Before accumulating 10,000 flight cycles since the coating 
was applied, completely remove Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) from HP 
turbine discs and LP turbine discs. Information on coating removal 
can be found in RRD Overhaul Processes Manual, Overhaul Process 114.
    (4) Visually inspect HP turbine discs and LP turbine discs, and 
return to service discs that pass inspection. Information on disc 
pass or fail inspection criteria can be found in the RRD Engine 
Overhaul Manual, Chapter 72-6-1.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) Alternative methods of compliance must be requested in 
accordance with 14 CFR part 39.19, and must be approved by the 
Manager, Engine Certification Office.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) None.

Related Information

    (j) The subject of this AD is addressed in LBA airworthiness 
directive LTA 2003-015, dated February 6, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 29, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-10984 Filed 5-2-03; 8:45 am]
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