[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38627-38630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13135]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) 
Models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) models 
BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines. That AD currently 
requires initial and repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections of 
fan discs, part numbers (P/Ns) BRR18803, BRR19248, and BRR20791 for 
cracks, and if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This 
proposed AD would require the same inspections of these fan discs, with 
certain old design P/N fan blades installed. This proposed AD would 
extend the inspection interval for certain fan discs having new design 
P/N fan blades installed. Also, this proposed AD would add as optional 
terminating action to the repetitive inspections, installation of 
certain P/N new fan discs, certain P/N new fan blades, and engine fan 
speed (N1) Keep Out Zone software. This proposed AD results from a 
revised RRD service bulletin (SB) that introduces relaxed inspection 
intervals for certain P/N combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and 
introduces improved design fan discs and fan blades. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the fan disc that could result 
in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September 6, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2000-NE-48-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 identified in this proposed AD 
from Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany, telephone: International Access Code 011, 
Country Code 49, (0) 33-7086-1768, fax: International Access Code 011, 
Country Code 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.

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:

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. 2000-NE-48-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 verbally, 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.

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

    On April 1, 2003, the FAA issued AD 2003-07-11, Amendment 39-13107 
(68 FR 17727, April 11, 2003). That AD requires initial and repetitive 
visual and ultrasonic inspections of fan discs, P/Ns BRR18803, 
BRR19248, and BRR20791,

[[Page 38628]]

for cracks, and if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.

Actions Since AD 2003-07-11 Was Issued

    Since AD 2003-07-11 was issued, RRD has reevaluated the existing 
repetitive inspection interval requirements, and has introduced new 
design fan discs and fan blades.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RRD SB No. 
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, that describes 
procedures for removing any dry film lubricant coating from the front 
face of the fan disc to improve visual inspections, and initial and 
repetitive inspections for cracks in fan discs. That SB also introduces 
the installation of a new design fan disc and new design fan blades. 
The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the aviation authority for 
Germany, classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 
2000-348, Revision 6, dated March 31, 2005, in order to ensure the 
airworthiness of these RRD models BR700-710A1-10 turbofan engines and 
BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines in Germany.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although the visual inspection requirements of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-
72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, do not specifically 
define the pass or fail criteria for fan discs, this proposed AD would 
specifically instruct the rejection of fan discs that have visual 
cracks. We communicated with RRD and confirmed that the intent of the 
service bulletin is to require the owner or operator to default to 
appropriate maintenance manuals for pass or fail criteria. We 
subsequently reviewed the maintenance manuals and confirmed that no 
cracks are allowed in the fan discs.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in Germany 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. In keeping with this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA 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 the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require:
     For fan disc P/N BRR18803, BRR19248, BRR20791, BRR24829, 
BRR24829, or FW33929 installed, initial and repetitive inspections for 
cracks.
     As optional terminating action to the repetitive 
inspection requirements of the proposed AD, installation of a new fan 
disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades P/N FW33513 or P/N FW33980, and N1 
Keep Out Zone software.
    The proposed AD would require that you do the inspections using the 
service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 500 RRD models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 
turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We 
estimate that 400 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would 
be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take 
about 7 work hours per engine to perform the inspections, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. We estimate the total labor 
cost for performing one inspection of the U.S. fleet to be $182,000. 
New design fan discs and fan blades would cost about $150,000 per 
engine. Based on these figures, the total cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $60,182,000. The manufacturer has 
stated that it may provide the new fan disc and new fan blades at no 
cost to operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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. 2000-NE-48-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 removing Amendment 39-13107 (68 FR 
17727, April 11, 2003) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to 
read as follows:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (formerly Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH): Docket No. 2000-
NE-48-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by September 6, 
2005.

[[Page 38629]]

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-07-11, Amendment 39-13107.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
(formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce 
GmbH) models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. 
BD-700-1A10, BD-700-1A11, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. G-V series 
airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a revised RRD service bulletin (SB) 
that introduces relaxed inspection intervals for certain P/N 
combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and introduces improved 
design fan discs and fan blades. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to detect and prevent cracks in the fan disc that could 
result in an uncontained engine failure 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.

Initial Inspection

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 Installed and Fan 
Blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (f) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 
installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the 
following:
    (1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 75 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or 
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N 
BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (g) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with serial numbers (SNs) 11452 
and lower, and BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12352 and lower, with 
fan disc P/N BRR20791 installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or 
BRR23178 installed, do the following:
    (1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 150 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or 
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.
    (h) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with SNs 11453 and higher, and 
BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12353 and higher with fan discs P/N 
BRR20791 installed, do the following:
    (1) Visually or ultrasonically inspect fan discs within 150 
flight cycles-since-new (CSN). Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Repetitive Inspections

    (i) Except for engines listed in paragraph (j) of this AD, 
perform repetitive inspections using the criteria in paragraphs (f) 
through (g)(4), and (k) of this AD.
    (j) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with SNs 11453 and higher, and 
BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12353 and higher with fan discs P/N 
BRR20791 installed, perform repetitive inspections using the 
criteria in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(4), and (k) of this AD.
    (k) For fan discs P/Ns BRR18803, BRR19248, and BRR20791, with 
fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the following:
    (1) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection before 
accumulating 500 hours-since-new. Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003, or 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, perform a visual and an ultrasonic inspection 
before accumulating 500 hours since the last visual or ultrasonic 
inspection.

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N 
FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776 Installed

    (1) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR20791, BRR24829, or FW33929 
installed, and fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or 
FW34776 installed, do the following:

Initial Inspection

    (1) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection of the fan disc 
at time of installation of new fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, 
FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776. Use paragraphs A through F of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Repetitive Inspections

    (3) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection of the fan disc 
within 375 flight CSLI or 600 flight hours since-last-inspection, 
whichever occurs first. Use paragraphs A through F of the applicable 
Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. 
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the 
inspection; and
    (4) Repeat the fan disc visual and ultrasonic inspection within 
750 flight CSLI or 1,100 flight hours since-last-inspection, 
whichever occurs first. Use paragraphs A through F of the applicable 
Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. 
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the 
inspection; and
    (5) Thereafter, perform repetitive visual and ultrasonic 
inspections of the fan disc within every 1,500 flight CSLI or 2,200 
flight hours since-last-inspection, whichever occurs first. Use 
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (6) If any cracks are found, remove disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Optional Terminating Action

    (m) Installation of a new fan disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades, 
P/N FW33513, or P/N FW33980, and N1 Keep Out Zone software with EEC 
P/Ns 1501KDC02-010, or 1501KDC03-010, or 1501KDC05-010, or 
1520KDC05-010, or 1520KDC05R-010, or 1520KDC07-010, or

[[Page 38630]]

1520KDC08-010, is optional terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections required by this AD.

Inspection Reporting Requirements

    (n) Report defects in accordance with the applicable Part 1 or 
Part 2 of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 
2003. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (o) 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.

Related Information

    (p) LBA airworthiness directive 2000-348, Revision 6, dated 
March 31, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 28, 2005.
Diane S. Romanosky,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13135 Filed 7-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P