[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11305-11308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5263]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-NE-11-AD; Amendment 39-13517; AD 2004-05-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland (RRD) (Formerly 
Rolls-Royce, plc) TAY 611-8, TAY 620-15, TAY 650-15, and TAY 651-54 
Series 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 RRD TAY 611-8, TAY 620-15, TAY 650-15, and TAY 651-54 series 
turbofan engines with ice-impact panels installed in the low pressure 
(LP) compressor case. This AD requires

[[Page 11306]]

inspecting all ice-impact panels and fillers in the LP compressor case 
for certain conditions, and if necessary, replacing any ice-impact 
panels and fillers that have those conditions. This AD results from two 
reports of ice-impact panels that released during flight, one of which 
resulted in reduction of power in both engines. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent release of ice-impact panels due to improper bonding that 
can result in loss of thrust in both engines.

DATES: Effective March 25, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of March 25, 2004.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by May 10, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
     By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 2004-NE-11-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
     By fax: (781) 238-7055.
     By e-mail: [email protected]
    You can get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, D-15827 Dahlewitz, 
Germany; telephone 49 (0) 33-7086-1768; fax 49 (0) 33-7086-3356.
    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: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7747; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain RRD TAY 611-8, TAY 620-15, TAY 
650-15, and TAY 651-54 series turbofan engines. The LBA advises that 
they received two reports of ice-impact panels that separated from LP 
compressor cases during icing conditions and caused significant 
reductions of thrust in the engines. In one case, on a Fokker F.28 Mk. 
0070, the panels separated almost simultaneously in both TAY 620-15 
turbofan engines and reduced the thrust of the engines to the point 
that the airplane made an emergency, off-airport landing. That landing 
resulted in damage to the airplane landing gear and bottom side of the 
airplane fuselage. In the other case, the panels released on a single 
TAY 620-15 turbofan engine installed on a Fokker F.28 Mk.0100 airplane. 
The original configuration of ice-impact panels used 36 small ice-
impact panels. Rolls-Royce, plc Service Bulletin (SB) No. TAY-72-1326 
introduced six large panels instead of the 36 small panels. Repair 
procedures TV5451R or HRS3491 allow replacing six adjacent small panels 
of the 36-panel configuration with a single large panel.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RRD SB No. 
TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, dated February 5, 2004; and RRD SB No. TAY-72-
1631, dated February 6, 2004; that describe procedures for inspecting, 
and if necessary, replacing the ice-impact panels on the LP compressor 
case. The LBA classified these service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued AD D-2004-055R1, dated January 24, 2004; and AD D-2004-090, 
dated February 12, 2004; in order to ensure the airworthiness of these 
RRD engines in Germany.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The RRD SBs specify calendar dates for the compliance times. We 
have included compliance times based on engine cycles with the calendar 
date as an end date. We used a risk analysis from RRD to determine the 
engine cycles for the compliance times.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in Germany and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept us informed of the situation 
described above. We have examined the findings of the LBA, 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

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other RRD TAY 611-8, TAY 620-15, TAY 650-15, and TAY 651-54 
series turbofan engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent release of ice-impact panels due to improper bonding that 
can result in loss of thrust in both engines. This AD requires 
inspecting, and if necessary replacing, ice-impact panels on the LP 
compressor cases. You must use the service information described 
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that occurs during icing 
conditions, and the compliance times for the actions equate to about 
two months after the effective date of this AD, we require the 
immediate adoption of this AD. We have found that notice and 
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

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 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.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

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. 2004-NE-11-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

[[Page 11307]]

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 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. 2004-NE-11-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:

200X-05-22 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (Formerly 
Rolls-Royce, plc): Amendment 39-13517. Docket No. 2004-NE-11-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
25, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to RRD TAY 611-8, TAY 620-15, TAY 650-15, 
and TAY 651-54 series turbofan engines with ice-impact panels 
installed in the low pressure (LP) compressor case that conform to 
Rolls-Royce, plc (RR) Service Bulletin (SB) No. TAY-72-1326 or were 
repaired using repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491. These engines 
are installed on, but not limited to, Fokker F.28 Mk.0070 and 
Mk.0100 series airplanes, Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV series 
airplanes, and Boeing Company 727-100 series airplanes modified in 
accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA8472SW (727-
QF).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from two reports of ice-impact panels that 
released during flight, one of which resulted in reduction of power 
in both engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent release of ice-
impact panels due to improper bonding that can result in loss of 
thrust in both engines.

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.

Inspecting the Ice-impact Panels for Movement and Moisture on the Panel 
and Damage to the Blue Filler on Airplanes That Have Two or Three 
Engines With the Affected Ice-impact Panels

    (f) For airplanes that have two TAY 620-15 or TAY 650-15 engines 
with ice-impact panels, and the ice-impact panels on any of those 
engines incorporate RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 or were repaired using 
repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, do the following.
    (1) Within 500 cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective date 
of this AD, but no later than August 15, 2004, inspect for the 
condition of the ice-impact panels and blue fillers on one or two 
engines so that no more than one engine with ice-impact panels and 
fillers that need to be inspected remains on the airplane. Use 
3.B.(1) through 3.D.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB 
No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, dated February 5, 2004.
    (2) Within 1,500 CIS after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect for the condition of the ice-impact panels and blue fillers 
on the remaining engine. Use 3.B.(1) through 3.D.(2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, 
dated February 5, 2004.
    (g) For airplanes that have two or three TAY 651-54 engines with 
ice-impact panels incorporated with RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 standard 
or were repaired using repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, do the 
following.
    (1) Within 500 cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective date 
of this AD, but no later than October 1, 2004, inspect for the 
condition of the ice-impact panels and blue fillers on one or two 
engines so that no more than one engine with ice-impact panels and 
fillers that need to be inspected remains on the airplane. Use 
3.B.(1) through 3.D.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB 
No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, dated February 5, 2004.
    (2) Within 1,500 CIS after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect for the condition of the ice-impact panels and blue fillers 
on the remaining engine. Use 3.B.(1) through 3.D.(2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, 
dated February 5, 2004.
    (h) For airplanes that have two TAY 611-8 engines with ice-
impact panels, incorporated with RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 standard or 
were repaired using repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, do the 
following.
    (1) Within 372 flight hours (FH) after the effective date of 
this AD inspect the ice-impact panels on one engine. Use 3.B.(1) 
through 3.D.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. 
TAY-72-1631, dated February 6, 2004.
    (2) Within 900 FH after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the ice-impact panels on the remaining engine. Use 3.B.(1) through 
3.D.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. TAY-72-
1631, dated February 6, 2004.

Inspecting the Ice-impact Panels for Movement and Moisture on the Panel 
and Damage to the Blue Filler on Airplanes That Have One Engine With 
the Affected Ice-impact Panels

    (i) For airplanes that have one TAY 620-15, TAY 650-15, or TAY 
651-54 engine with ice-impact panels incorporated with RR SB No. 
TAY-72-1326 standard or were repaired using repair procedures 
TV5415R or HRS3491, within 1,500 CIS after the effective date of 
this AD, inspect for the condition of the ice-impact panels and blue 
fillers on the engine. Use 3.B.(1) through 3.D.(2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, 
dated February 5, 2004.
    (j) For airplanes that have one TAY 611-8 engine with ice-impact 
panels incorporated with RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 standard or

[[Page 11308]]

were repaired using repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, within 900 
FH after the effective date of this AD, inspect for the condition of 
the ice-impact panels and blue fillers on the engine. Use 3.B.(1) 
through 3.D.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. 
TAY-72-1631, dated February 6, 2004.

Installing Engines That Are Not Inspected

    (k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any TAY 
620-15, TAY 650-15, or TAY 651-54 engine with ice-impact panels, if 
those ice-impact panels incorporate RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 or were 
repaired using repair procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, unless the 
panels and blue fillers are inspected for condition using 3.B.(1) 
through 3.D.(2) (in-service) or 3.H.(1) through 3.K.(1)(b) (at 
overhaul or shop visit) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB 
No. TAY-72-1627, Revision 2, dated February 5, 2004.
    (l) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any TAY 
611-8 engine with ice-impact panels, if those ice-impact panels 
incorporate RR SB No. TAY-72-1326 or were repaired using repair 
procedures TV5415R or HRS3491, unless the panels are inspected for 
condition using 3.B.(1) through 3.D.(1)(a) (in-service) or 3.H.(1) 
through 3.K.(1) (at overhaul or shop visit) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of RRD SB No. TAY-72-1631, dated February 6, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) 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

    (n) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 to 
perform the inspections required by this AD. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the 
documents listed in Table 1 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy from Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, D-15827 Dahlewitz, Germany; 
telephone 49 (0) 33-7086-1768; fax 49 (0) 33-7086-3356. You may 
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. Table 1 follows:

                                      Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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    Service bulletin No.                 Page                      Revision                      Date
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TAY-72-1627, Total Pages--22  All.......................  2.........................  February 5, 2004.
TAY-72-1631, Total Pages--19  All.......................  Original..................  February 6, 2004.
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Related Information

    (o) Luftfahrt-Bundesamt airworthiness directive (AD) D-2004-
055R1, dated January 24, 2004; and AD D-2004-090, dated February 12, 
2004; also address the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 3, 2004.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-5263 Filed 3-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P