[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 210 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61737-61739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-27152]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-42-AD; Amendment 39-13349; AD 2003-22-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Trent 556-61 Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce (RR) plc RB211 Trent 556-61 turbofan engines. This 
AD requires a gauge inspection of the space between the high pressure 
(HP) fuel tubes adaptor face and seals, and a gauge inspection of the 
space between the fuel flow transmitter and seals, for evidence of 
permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting flanges, 
and replacement of parts if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report 
of fuel leaking from the engine fan cowl during an aircraft taxi. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result 
in an engine fire.

DATES: Effective November 14, 2003. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference

[[Page 61738]]

of certain publications listed in the regulations as of November 14, 
2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES:
    Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this AD:
    [sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2003-NE-42-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
    [sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-
44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936.
    You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service 
information, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-
7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 all RR plc RB211 
Trent 556-61 engines with serial numbers (SNs) before 71125, except for 
those SNs that are listed in Table 1 of this AD. The CAA advises that 
fuel was observed running from the engine fan cowl doors during an 
aircraft taxi. Further investigation revealed the source of the fuel 
leak to be permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting 
flanges at the fuel flow meter resulting in a significant fuel leak, 
which could result in an engine fire. The CAA also advises that the 
distortion of the flange is not aggravated by service use, but by 
exposure to fuel pressures that extrudes the seal through the gap 
between the flanges.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR plc 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211-73-AE200, dated July 11, 2003, that 
describes procedures for the following:
    [sbull] Gauge inspection of the space between the HP fuel tubes 
adaptor face and the seals, and replacement of the seal gasket and 
tube, if necessary; and
    [sbull] Gauge inspection of the space between the fuel flow 
transmitter and the seals, and replacement of the seal gasket and tube, 
if necessary.
    The CAA classified this service bulletin as alert and issued AD G-
2003-0001, dated July 15, 2003, in order to ensure the airworthiness of 
these RR plc engines in the U.K.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    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. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use 
these engines, the possibility exists that the engines could be used on 
airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. The 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on 
other RR plc Trent 556-61 engines of the same type design. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result in 
an engine fire. You must use the service information described 
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine 
model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the 
immediate adoption of this regulation.

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

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative 
methods of compliance, and altered products. 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.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-42-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 rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us 
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this 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 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 with you. You may get more information about plain 
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and 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.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 regulation:

1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and

[[Page 61739]]

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.

    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD 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-42-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-22-02 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13349. Docket No. 2003-NE-
42-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
14, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 556-
61 engines with serial numbers (SNs) before 71125, except for those 
SNs that are listed in the following Table 1 of this AD.

              Table 1.--Engine SNs Not Affected by This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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       71001          71003          71006          71012         71013
       71015          71016          71017          71020         71021
       71022          71023          71032          71037         71053
       71060          71064          71068          71069         71070
       71072          71073          71074          71076         71077
       71078          71079          71080          71083         71084
       71085          71086          71087          71088         71089
       71090          71091          71092          71093         71094
       71095          70196          71097          71098         71099
       71100          71101          71102          71104         71105
       71106          71107          71108          71109         71110
       71111          71112          71113          71114         71115
       71116          71117          71118          71120         71121
       71122          71123   .............  .............  ............
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    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340 
airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by a report of fuel leaking from the 
engine fan cowl during an aircraft taxi. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result in an engine fire.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Credit for Previous Compliance

    (f) For engines that have incorporated RR Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. RB.211-73-AE200, dated July 11, 2003, no further action is 
required.

One-Time Gauge Inspections

    (g) Before further flight, gauge inspect the space between the 
high pressure (HP) fuel tubes adaptor face and seals and the space 
between the fuel flow transmitter and the seals for evidence of 
permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting 
flanges, and replace parts if necessary. Use paragraphs 3.A. through 
3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-73-
AE200, dated July 11, 2003, to do the inspections and parts 
replacements.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Rolls-Royce plc ASB No. RB.211-73-AE200, dated 
July 11, 2003, to perform the actions required by this AD. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy from Rolls-Royce plc, 
P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; telephone: 011-44-1332-
242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936. You may review copies at the 
Federal Aviation Administration, New England Executive Park, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

Related Information

    (j) CAA airworthiness directive G-2003-0001, dated July 15, 
2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 20, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-27152 Filed 10-29-03; 8:45 am]
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