[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 111 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27684-27686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11992]



[[Page 27684]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0082; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-42-AD; 
Amendment 39-15914; AD 2009-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation AE 2100D2, AE 
2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J Turboprop 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 
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 
2100J turboprop engines with certain propeller gearbox (PGB) shaft-and-
carrier assemblies installed. These engines are U.S. type-certificated 
but as of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military 
airplanes. This AD requires monitoring a certain population of PGB 
shaft-and-carrier assemblies for vibration during flight, and 
borescope-inspecting the PGB shaft for cracks if vibration is 
experienced. This AD would also require removing the affected 
population of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies from service and 
installing serviceable PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies. This AD 
results from a report of a crack found in the forward cone of a PGB 
shaft in an RRC AE 2100D3 turboprop engine that was removed from 
service due to high vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
separation of the propeller from the airplane, which could result in 
injury, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 26, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of June 26, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by August 10, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (847) 294-7870; fax (847) 294-7834.
    Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 
46206; telephone (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail: 
royce.com">indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com for the service information 
identified in this AD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In March of 2007, the Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office received a report of a crack found in the forward 
cone of a PGB shaft. The PGB shaft was installed in an RRC AE 2100D3 
turboprop engine that was removed from service due to high vibration. 
RRC investigated and determined that a certain population of PGB shaft-
and-carrier assemblies could fail due to cracks developing in the 
forward shaft cone. The affected population, manufactured before June 
2005, could have a high stress concentration in the bottom of a certain 
drilled hole, due to improper surface finish. RRC issued alert service 
bulletins to borescope-inspect the affected population of PGB shafts 
for cracks. Based on the inspection results, we determined that AD 
action is necessary. These engines are U.S. type-certificated, but as 
of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military 
airplanes. Failure to inspect the PGB shaft forward cone for cracks 
could result in separation of the propeller from the airplane, which 
could result in injury, and damage to the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RRC Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Revision 1, dated February 18, 
2008, RRC SB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 1, dated February 18, 
2008, and RRC SB No. AE 2100J-A-72-071, Revision 1, dated February 18, 
2008. Those SBs list the affected population of PGB shaft-and-carrier 
assemblies by serial number (SN).

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use 
these turboprop 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 engines of the same type design. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent separation of the propeller from the airplane, which 
could result in injury, and damage to the airplane. This AD requires:
     Monitoring the affected population of PGB shaft-and-
carrier assemblies for vibration during flight;
     Borescope-inspecting the forward cone of the PGB shaft for 
cracking if vibration is experienced; and
     Removing the affected PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly at 
the next shop visit for PGB inspection or repair. Replacing the 
affected PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly with a shaft and carrier 
assembly that is eligible for installation, is terminating action for 
the vibration monitoring required by this AD.
    You must use the service information described previously to 
determine SN applicability of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are no domestic operators of these RRC AE 2100D2, AE 
2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J turboprop engines as of the effective 
date of this AD, notice and opportunity for public comment before 
issuing this AD are unnecessary. A situation exists that allows the 
immediate adoption of this regulation.

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 send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0082; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-42-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor

[[Page 27685]]

union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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:

2009-11-04 Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine 
Company): Amendment 39-15914. Docket No. FAA-2009-0082; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-NE-42-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 26, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, 
AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J turboprop engines with certain 
serial number (SN) propeller gearbox (PGB) shaft-and-carrier 
assemblies installed. These engines are U.S. type-certificated but 
as of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military 
airplanes. For the SNs affected, see the Effectivity section of the 
applicable service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD.

 Table 1--Applicable Lists of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier Assemblies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         For engine model:               Reference service bulletin:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A.............  AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Revision 1,
                                     dated February 18, 2008.
AE 2100D3.........................  AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 1,
                                     dated February 18, 2008.
AE 2100J..........................  AE 2100J-A-72-071, Revision 1, dated
                                     February 18, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are U.S. type-certificated and are installed on, 
but not limited to, Lockheed Martin C130-J and Lockheed/Alenia C-27J 
military airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of a crack found in the 
forward cone of a PGB shaft in an RRC AE 2100D3 turboprop engine 
that was removed from service due to high vibration. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent separation of the propeller from the airplane, 
which could result in injury, 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.

Monitoring for PGB Vibration During Flight

    (f) During flight, monitor affected engines for vibration in the 
PGB shaft and carrier assemblies, using the vibration monitoring 
system in the cockpit.
    (g) Whenever a vibration message is displayed on the airplane's 
Advisory Caution and Warning System, borescope-inspect the PGB 
shaft-and-carrier assembly for cracks, before any additional 
flights.
    (h) If any crack is found, remove the engine from service.
    (i) Guidance on borescope-inspecting, vibration monitoring, and 
fault isolation procedures can be found in the applicable service 
bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD.

 Table 2--Information on Borescope-Inspecting, Vibration Monitoring, and
                       Fault Isolation Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         For engine model:               Reference service bulletin:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A.............  AE 2100D2-A-72-074, dated April 7,
                                     2008.
AE 2100D3.........................  AE 2100D3-A-72-258, dated April 7,
                                     2008.

[[Page 27686]]

 
AE 2100J..........................  AE 2100J-A-72-070, dated September
                                     17, 2007.
                                    AE 2100J-A-72-073, dated October 11,
                                     2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Terminating Action--Removal of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier 
Assemblies

    (j) At the next shop visit for PGB inspection or repair after 
the effective date of this AD, remove the affected PGB shaft-and-
carrier assembly from service and install an eligible PGB shaft-and-
carrier assembly.
    (k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any PGB 
shaft and carrier assembly in any aircraft if it was removed for 
cracks.

Definition

    (l) For the purpose of this AD, a PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly 
is eligible for installation if it was manufactured after June 2005, 
or if it is P/N 23087076 or P/N 23087077.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft 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

    (n) Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, 
IN 46206; telephone: (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail: 
royce.com">indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com, for the service information 
identified in this AD.
    (o) Contact Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 E. Devon 
Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone (847) 294-7870, fax (847) 294-7834, for more information 
about this AD.
    (p) You must use the service information specified in Table 3 of 
this AD to determine the SNs of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies 
affected by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 3 of 
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 
46206; telephone (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail: 
royce.com">indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com for a copy of this service 
information. You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 
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, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

                                       Table 3--Incorporation by Reference
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        Service bulletin no.                    Page               Revision                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Total Pages: 5..  All.....................               1  February 18, 2008.
AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Total Pages: 16.  All.....................               1  February 18, 2008.
AE 2100J-A-72-071, Total Pages: 4...  All.....................               1  February 18, 2008.
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    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11992 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P