[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29586-29588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4713]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-12-AD; Amendment 39-14609; AD 2006-11-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Series Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-22B series, RB211-524B, -524C2, -
524D4, -524G2, -524G3, and -524H series, and RB211-535C and -535E 
series turbofan engines with high pressure compressor (HPC) stage 3 
disc assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) LK46210, LK58278, LK67634, 
LK76036, UL11706, UL15358, UL22577, UL22578, and UL24738 installed. 
This AD requires removing from service certain disc assemblies before 
they reach their full published life if not modified with anticorrosion 
protection. This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the 
corrosion risk on HPC stage 3 disc assemblies that have not yet been 
modified with sufficient application of anticorrosion protection. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion-induced uncontained disc 
failure, resulting in damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 27, 2006. The Director of the 
Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations as of February 24, 2004 
(69 FR 2661, January 20, 2004).

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 
011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245-418.
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information, at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7178; 
fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with a 
proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to RR RB211-22B series, RB211-
524B, -524C2, -524D4, -524G2, -524G3, and -524H series, and RB211-535C 
and -535E series turbofan engines with HPC stage 3 disc assemblies, P/
Ns LK46210, LK58278, LK67634, LK76036, UL11706, UL15358, UL22577, 
UL22578, and UL24738 installed. We published the proposed AD in the 
Federal Register on July 28, 2005 (70 FR 43659). That action proposed 
to require removing from service certain disc assemblies before they 
reach their full published life if not modified with anticorrosion 
protection.

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.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on 
the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1,000 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 31 
workhours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per workhour. Required parts will cost about $38,000 per 
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to 
U.S. operators to be $40,015,000.

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 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. 2003-NE-12-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 39-13434 (69 FR

[[Page 29587]]

2661, January 20, 2004) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-14609, to read as follows:

2006-11-05 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-14609. Docket No. 2003-NE-
12-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective June 27, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-01-20.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-22B series, 
RB211-524B, -524C2, -524D4, -524G2, -524G3, and -524H series, and 
RB211-535C and -535E series turbofan engines with high pressure 
compressor (HPC) stage 3 disc assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) 
LK46210, LK58278, LK67634, LK76036, UL11706, UL15358, UL22577, 
UL22578, and UL24738 installed. These engines are installed on, but 
not limited to, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Lockheed L-1011, 
and Tupolev Tu204 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the 
corrosion risk on HPC stage 3 disc assemblies that have not yet been 
modified with sufficient application of anticorrosion protection. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent corrosion-
induced uncontained disc failure, resulting in 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.

Removal of HPC Stage 3 Discs

    (f) Remove from service affected HPC stage 3 disc assemblies 
identified in the following Table 1, using one of the following 
criteria:

                                 Table 1.--Affected HPC Stage 3 Disc Assemblies
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                                                                                               Rework band for
                                                   Rework band for                               cyclic life
                                                     cyclic life         Rework band for     accumulated on P/Ns
                                                 accumulated on disc       cyclic life        LK76036, UL11706,
                 Engine model                      assemblies P/Ns     accumulated on disc    UL15358, UL22577,
                                                 LK46210 and LK58278  assembly P/N LK67634  UL22578, and UL24738
                                                   (pre RR service       (pre RR SB No.     disc assemblies (pre
                                                  bulletin (SB) No.      RB.211-72-5420)    RR SB No. RB.211-72-
                                                   RB.211-72-5420)                                  9434)
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-22B series...................................           4,000-6,200          7,000-10,000         11,500-14,000
-535E4 series.................................                   N/A                   N/A          9,000-15,000
-524B-02, B-B-02, B3-02, and B4 series, Pre SB           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000         11,500-14,000
 No. 72-7730..................................
-524B2 and C2 series, Pre SB No. 72-7730......           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000         11,500-14,000
-524B2-B-19 and C2-B-19, SB No. 72-7730.......           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000          8,500-11,000
-524D4 series, Pre SB No. 72-7730.............           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000         11,500-14,000
-524D4-B series, SB No. 72-7730...............           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000          8,500-11,000
-524G2, G3, H, and H2 series..................           4,000-6,000           7,000-9,000          8,500-11,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) For discs that entered into service before 1990, remove disc 
and rework as specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, on or before 
January 4, 2007, but not to exceed the upper cyclic limit in Table 1 
of this AD before rework. Discs reworked may not exceed the 
manufacturer's published cyclic limit in the time limits section of 
the manual.
    (2) For discs that entered into service in 1990 or later, remove 
disc within the cyclic life rework bands in Table 1 of this AD, or 
within 17 years after the date of the disc assembly entering into 
service, whichever is sooner, but not to exceed the upper cyclic 
limit of Table 1 of this AD before rework. Discs reworked may not 
exceed the manufacturer's published cyclic limit in the time limits 
section of the manual.
    (3) For disc assemblies that when new, were modified with an 
application of anticorrosion protection and re-marked to P/N LK76036 
(not previously machined) as specified by Part 1 of the original 
issue of RR service bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-5420, dated April 
20, 1979, remove RB211-22B disc assemblies before accumulating 
10,000 cycles-in-service (CIS), and remove RB211-524 disc assemblies 
before accumulating 9,000 CIS.
    (4) If the disc assembly date of entry into service cannot be 
determined, the date of disc manufacture may be obtained from RR and 
used instead.
    (5) Discs in RB211-535C operation are unaffected by the interim 
rework cyclic band limits in Table 1 of this AD, but must meet the 
calendar life requirements of either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable.

Optional Rework of HPC Stage 3 Discs

    (g) Rework HPC stage 3 disc assemblies that were removed in 
paragraph (f) of this AD as follows:
    (1) For disc assemblies that when new, were modified with an 
application of anticorrosion protection and re-marked to P/N LK76036 
(not previously machined) as specified by Part 1 of the original 
issue of RR SB RB.211-72-5420, dated April 20, 1979, rework disc 
assemblies and re-mark to either LK76034 or LK78814 using paragraph 
2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR SB No. RB.211-72-5420, 
Revision 4, dated February 29, 1980. This rework constitutes 
terminating action to the removal requirements in paragraph (f) of 
this AD.
    (2) For all other disc assemblies, rework using Paragraph 3.B. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR SB No. RB.211-72-9434, 
Revision 4, dated January 12, 2000. This rework constitutes 
terminating action to the removal requirements in paragraph (f) of 
this AD.


    Note 1: If rework is done on disc assemblies that are removed 
before the disc assembly reaches the lower life of the cyclic life 
rework band in Table 1 of this AD, artificial aging of the disc to 
the lower life of the rework band, at time of rework, is required.

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.

Related Information

    (i) Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive 004-01-94, 
dated January 4, 2002, and RR Mandatory Service Bulletin No. RB.211-
72-9661, Revision 4, dated January 4, 2002, pertain to the subject 
of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-
5420, Revision 4, dated February 29, 1980, and Rolls-Royce plc 
Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-9434, Revision 4, dated January 12, 
2000, to perform the rework required by this AD. The Director of the 
Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference 
of these service bulletins in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51, as of February 24, 2004 (69 FR 2661, January 20, 2004). 
You can get copies from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, 
DE248BJ; telephone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245-418. 
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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030,

[[Page 29588]]

or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 15, 2006.
Rober J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4713 Filed 5-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P