[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 219 (Thursday, November 13, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64268-64270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-27924]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-68-AD; Amendment 39-13362; AD 2003-22-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
Models Tay 650-15 and 651-54 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly Rolls-
Royce plc) models Tay 650-15 and 651-54 turbofan engines with certain 
part numbered fan blades and fan discs. That AD currently requires 
initial and repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections of fan blades 
for cracks, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. In 
addition, that AD requires recording instances when engines are 
operated in a stabilized manner in newly prohibited ranges. This ad has 
the same requirements. In addition, this AD requires recording 
instances when engines are operated inadvertently in reverse thrust in 
prohibited ranges, and requires before further flight, initial and 
repetitive ultrasonic inspections of fan blades for cracks and if 
necessary, dispositioning of fan blades and fan discs, if certain 
reverse thrust events occurred. This AD is prompted by updated 
prohibited ranges of engine operation and the introduction of an N1 
Alert System in Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes with Tay 650-15 
engines installed. We are issuing this AD to prevent fan blade 
failures, which can result in an uncontained engine failure, engine 
fire, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2003. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of December 18, 2003.

ADDRESSES:
    You can get the service information identified in this AD from 
Rolls-Royce plc, Technical Publications Department, PO Box 31, Derby, 
England DE248BJ; telephone 44 1332 242424, fax 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, 
Aircraft 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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland 
Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly Rolls-Royce plc) models Tay 650-15 and 651-
54 turbofan engines with certain part numbered fan blades and fan 
discs. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 28, 
2003 (68 FR 31642). That action proposed to require initial and 
repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections of fan blades for cracks, 
and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. In addition, 
that action proposed to require recording instances when engines are 
operated in a stabilized manner in newly prohibited ranges. That action 
also proposed to require recording instances when engines are operated 
inadvertently in reverse thrust in prohibited ranges, and proposed to 
require, before further flight, initial and repetitive ultrasonic 
inspections of fan blades for cracks, and, if necessary, dispositioning 
of fan blades and fan discs, if certain reverse thrust events occurred.

Comments

    We provided the public with the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request For 1-Cycle Extension

    One commenter states that according to Table 1 of the NPRM, if a 
powerback event is performed with a Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 
airplane that is not equipped with the N1 Alert System, and the pilot 
believes the fan speed (N1) reached or exceeded 57%, for 7.5 seconds or 
more, the pilot must stop the flight. The flight data recorder must be 
checked to determine whether or not 57% N1 was exceeded and duration 
was exceeded. If N1 and duration exceeded the limits, the fan blades 
must be inspected. The airplane can be returned to service only after 
these steps have been done. The commenter requests that we change Table 
1 of the AD to allow a 1-cycle extension before downloading the data 
from the flight data recorder. This extension would be allowed only if 
the flight crew stated that the powerback event was in the N1 range of 
57% to 75% range for 2 seconds or less.
    The FAA agrees. This request is based on a previously approved 
alternative method of compliance, for AD 2001-22-18. We have added a 
paragraph to this AD that allows a 1 flight-cycle extension for Tay 
650-15 engines with an N1 alert system not installed, or installed but 
not operative, if a powerback event is in the N1 range of 57% to 75% N1 
for 2 seconds or less. We have also added a reference to that paragraph 
in Table 1 of the AD.

Request for 50-Cycle Allowance

    One commenter states that according to Table 1 of the NPRM, if a 
nonpowerback reverse thrust event is performed with a Fokker Model F.28 
Mark 0100 airplane that is not equipped with the N1 Alert System, and 
the N1 speed was above idle, then before the next flight, the data from 
the flight data recorder must be downloaded to determine whether the N1 
limit and duration were exceeded, and if they were, the fan blades must 
be inspected before further flight. The commenter states that this 
conflicts with RRD Service Bulletin (SB) No. Tay 72-1447, which only 
requires that the inspection be done within 50 cycles of the suspect 
event, if it is confirmed that the N1 limit and duration were exceeded. 
The SB cycle allowance is only applicable if it can be determined that 
the engine does not already have an event during which the reverse 
thrust exceeded idle and has not had the 1,000 to 1,500 cycle follow-

[[Page 64269]]

up inspection. The commenter requests the 50-cycle allowance be 
incorporated into the AD.
    The FAA agrees. The intent of the proposed AD is to follow the 
requirements of RRD SB No. Tay 72-1447, Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002. 
We have identified areas in Table 1 of the NPRM that need improvement. 
We have changed the wording in the fifth column of Table 1, item 
(1)(ii)(A), of this AD, to be less restrictive and to encompass the 50-
cycle allowance specified in the SB, for Tay 650-15 engines.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

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 
47998, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. That 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. The 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since the 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
    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. 98-ANE-68-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 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 removing Amendment 39-12497 (66 FR 
56755, November 13, 2001) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-13362, to read as follows:

2003-22-14 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-13362. 
Docket No. 98-ANE-68-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-22-18, Amendment 39-
12497.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 18, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-22-18.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
(formerly Rolls-Royce plc) models Tay 650-15 turbofan engines with 
fan blades, part numbers (P/Ns) JR31911, JR31912, JR33865, JR33866, 
JR35120, or JR35121, installed in fan discs P/N JR31198A, and Tay 
651-54 turbofan engines with fan blades P/Ns JR31911, JR31912, 
JR33865, or JR33866, installed in fan discs P/N JR34563A. These 
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Fokker Model F.28 Mark 
0100, and Boeing 727-100 series airplanes modified in accordance 
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA8472SW (727-QF).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by updated prohibited ranges of engine 
operation and the introduction of an N1 Alert System in Fokker Model 
F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes with Tay 650-15 engines installed. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fan blade 
failures, which can result in an uncontained engine failure, engine 
fire, and damage to the airplane.

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.

Record Operation in Prohibited Operating Ranges

    (f) If an engine is operated inadvertently in reverse thrust 
within the prohibited ranges described in RRD Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. Tay 72-1447, Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002, paragraph 1.C., as 
applicable by engine model, then before further flight make an entry 
in the engine records that reflects that operation. If known, 
include the stabilized N1 speed in the engine records.

Inspections

    (g) Perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (UI) 
of fan blades each time an engine is operated inadvertently in 
reverse thrust within the prohibited ranges described in RRD SB No. 
Tay 72-1447, Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002, paragraph 1.C., as 
specified in the following Table 1:

                               Table 1. Initial and Repetitive Inspection Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       N1 alert system
Airplane and engine   status (installed      Was this a        If inadvertent
       model         per Fokker SB F100-  powerback event?     reverse thrust       Then before next flight:
                           31-060)                               event was:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Fokker 0100;     (i) Installed and   (A) No............  Between 57% and    Perform UI and if necessary,
 Tay 650-15.          operative.                              75% N1 speed for   disposition parts in accordance
                                                              7.5 seconds or     with paragraphs 3. and 3.A. of
                                                              more.              RRD SB No. Tay 72-1447,
                                                                                 Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002.
                                         (B) Yes...........  Between 57% and    Perform UI and if necessary,
                                                              75% N1 speed for   disposition parts in accordance
                                                              7.5 seconds or     with paragraphs 3. and 3.B. of
                                                              more.              RRD SB No. Tay 72-1447,
                                                                                 Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002.

[[Page 64270]]

 
                     (ii) Not            (A) No............  N1 speed above     Perform paragraphs 3. and 3.A.
                      installed, or                           idle for any       of RRD SB No. Tay 72-1447,
                      installed but not                       reason.            Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002,
                      operative.                                                 unless it can be proven by
                                                                                 flight data recorder
                                                                                 information that engine
                                                                                 operation between 57% and 75%
                                                                                 N1 speed lasted less than 7.5.
                                                                                 seconds.
                                         (B) Yes...........  Between 57% and    If it can be determined that the
                                                              75% N1 speed.      event lasted for 2 seconds or
                                                                                 less, go to paragraph (h) of
                                                                                 this AD. Otherwise, perform UI
                                                                                 and if necessary, disposition
                                                                                 parts in accordance with
                                                                                 paragraphs 3. and 3.B. of RRD
                                                                                 SB No. Tay 72-1447, Revision 4,
                                                                                 dated May 8, 2002, unless it
                                                                                 can be proven by flight data
                                                                                 recorder information that
                                                                                 engine operation between 57%
                                                                                 and 75% N1 speed lasted less
                                                                                 than 7.5 seconds.
(2) Boeing 727-QF;   Not applicable....  Not applicable....  Between 57% and    Perform UI and if necessary,
 Tay 651-54.                                                  75% N1 speed for   disposition parts in accordance
                                                              7.5 seconds or     with paragraphs 3. and 3.A. of
                                                              more, or if the    RRD SB No. Tay 72-1447,
                                                              parameters         Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002.
                                                              cannot be
                                                              confirmed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One Flight-Cycle Allowance for Tay 650-15 Engines

    (h) You may operate a Tay 650-15 engine that has an N1 alert 
system installed but not operative, or that does not have an N1 
alert system installed, for 1 flight cycle before downloading the 
flight data recorder information as required in (1)(ii)(B) of Table 
1 of this AD, if the flight crew determines that the operation in 
the prohibited speed range during a powerback event was 2 seconds or 
less.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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 part 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No. Tay 72-1447, 
Revision 4, dated May 8, 2002, to perform the inspections 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, Technical Publications Department, PO Box 31, 
Derby, England DE248BJ; telephone 44 1332 242424, fax 44 1332 
249936. You can review copies 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.

Related Information

    (k) CAA airworthiness directives 008-10-97, dated October 31, 
1997, and 001-12-97, dated December 19, 1997 also address the 
subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 31, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-27924 Filed 11-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P