[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 6, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 801-803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-31394]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0674; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-25-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 500, 700, 
and 800 Series 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 plc RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan 
engines. That AD currently requires replacing the fuel-to-oil heat 
exchanger (FOHE). This proposed AD would require replacing the FOHE on 
the RB211-Trent 500 and RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines in 
addition to the RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines. This proposed 
AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and 
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product, and results from 
the risk of engine FOHE blockage. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    In January 2008, a Boeing 777 powered by RB211-Trent 800 engines 
crashed short of the runway as a result of dual loss of engine 
response during the final stages of approach. The investigation of 
the incident has established that, under certain ambient conditions, 
ice can accumulate on the walls of the fuel pipes within the 
aircraft fuel system, which can then be released downstream when 
fuel flow demand is increased. This released ice can then collect on 
the FOHE front face and limit fuel flow through the FOHE. This type 
of icing event was previously unknown and creates ice concentrations 
into the fuel system beyond those specified in the certification 
requirements.
    In May 2009, an Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System 
(EICAS) surge message was set following a successful go-around 
maneuver on a single RB211-Trent 700 engine of an A330 aircraft. 
Subsequent analysis concluded the likely cause to be temporary ice 
accumulation causing fuel flow restriction in the FOHE. The incident 
has indicated the potential susceptibility to ice blockage for 
Airbus aircraft in combination with Rolls-Royce engines that feature 
similar fuel systems to the RB211-Trent 800.

    We are proposing this AD to prevent ice from blocking the FOHE, 
which could result in an unacceptable engine power loss and loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 5, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. 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.
    Contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; 
telephone 44 (0) 1332 242424; fax 44 (0) 1332 249936, for the service 
information identified in this proposed AD.

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 proposed 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 802]]

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0674; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-25-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    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 proposed 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 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).

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
2009-0142, dated July 13, 2009 to correct an unsafe condition on RB211-
Trent 800 series turbofan engines. We issued AD 2009-24-05 (74 FR 
62222, November 27, 2009) to correspond with that EASA AD. Since we 
issued that AD, EASA issued AD 2009-0257, dated December 3, 2009, to 
correct the same unsafe condition on RB211-Trent 500 and RB211-Trent 
700 series turbofan engines. That EASA AD states:

    In January 2008, a Boeing 777 powered by RB211-Trent 800 engines 
crashed short of the runway as a result of dual loss of engine 
response during the final stages of approach. The investigation of 
the incident has established that, under certain ambient conditions, 
ice can accumulate on the walls of the fuel pipes within the 
aircraft fuel system, which can then be released downstream when 
fuel flow demand is increased. This released ice can then collect on 
the FOHE front face and limit fuel flow through the FOHE. This type 
of icing event was previously unknown and creates ice concentrations 
into the fuel system beyond those specified in the certification 
requirements.
    In May 2009, an EICAS surge message was set following a 
successful go-around maneuver on a single Trent 700 engine of an 
A330 aircraft. Subsequent analysis concluded the likely cause to be 
temporary ice accumulation causing fuel flow restriction in the 
FOHE. The incident has indicated the potential susceptibility to ice 
blockage for Airbus aircraft in combination with Rolls-Royce engines 
that feature similar fuel systems to the RB211-Trent 800.

    To mitigate the risk of engine FOHE blockage, this proposed AD 
would require, for RB211-Trent 500, 700, and 800 series turbofan 
engines, replacing the existing FOHE with a FOHE incorporating the 
modifications specified in the applicable Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service 
Bulletin.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Rolls-Royce plc has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. RB.211-
79-AG346, dated October 23, 2009 for RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan 
engines, ASB No. RB.211-79-AG338, Revision 1, dated December 2, 2009 
for RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines, and ASB No. RB.211-79-
AG257, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2009 for RB211-Trent 800 series 
turbofan engines. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of the 
United Kingdom, and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, they have 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by EASA, and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design. This proposed AD would require replacing the 
existing FOHE on RB211-Trent 500 and RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan 
engines within 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
or before January 1, 2011, whichever occurs first, and on RB211-Trent 
800 series turbofan engines, replacing the existing FOHE within 6,000 
flight hours after January 4, 2010 (the effective date of FAA AD 2009-
24-05), or before January 1, 2011, whichever occurs first.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    The EASA AD 2009-0142, dated July 13, 2009, and EASA AD 2009-0257, 
dated December 3, 2009, require replacing the FOHE within 6,000 flight 
hours from July 10, 2009 or before January 1, 2011, whichever occurs 
first. This proposed AD would require replacing the FOHE on RB211-Trent 
500 and RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines within 6,000 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, or before January 1, 2011, 
whichever occurs first, and on RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines, 
replacing the FOHE within 6,000 flight hours after January 4, 2010 (the 
effective date of AD 2009-24-05), or before January 1, 2011, whichever 
occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
will affect about 138 RB211-Trent 800 series engines, and about 10 
RB211-Trent 700 series engines, installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry. There are currently no RB211-Trent 500 series engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will 
take about 8.5 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The 
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about 
$58,005 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
the AD on U.S. operators to be $8,685,380.

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 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

[[Page 803]]

responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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. 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 39-16092 (74 FR 
62222, November 27, 2009) and by adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2009-0674; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NE-25-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 5, 2010.

Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-05, Amendment 39-16092.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to:
    (1) Rolls-Royce plc models RB211-Trent 553-61, 556-61, 556B-61, 
560-61, 553A2-61, 556A2-61, 556B2-61, and 560A2-61 turbofan engines 
with fuel-to-oil heat exchangers (FOHEs) part number (P/N) 55027001-
1 or 55027001-11 installed; and
    (2) Rolls-Royce plc models RB211-Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 
and RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, 
and 895-17 turbofan engines with FOHEs P/N 55003001-1 or 55003001-11 
installed.
    (3) The RB211-Trent 500 series engines are installed on, but not 
limited to, Airbus A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. The RB211-
Trent 700 series engines are installed on, but not limited to, 
Airbus A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. The RB211-Trent 800 
series engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777 
series airplanes.

Reason

    (d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product, and results from the risk of engine FOHE blockage. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent ice from blocking the FOHE, which could 
result in an unacceptable engine power loss and loss of control of 
the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) For RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan engines and RB211-Trent 
700 series turbofan engines, unless already done, within 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, or before January 
1, 2011, whichever occurs first, do the following:
    (1) For RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan engines, replace the 
FOHE P/N 55027001-1 or 55027001-11, with an FOHE that incorporates 
the modifications specified in Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. RB.211-79-AG346, dated October 23, 2009.
    (2) For RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines, replace the 
FOHE, P/N 55003001-1 or 55003001-11, with an FOHE that incorporates 
the modifications specified in Rolls-Royce plc ASB No. RB.211-79-
AG338, Revision 1, dated December 2, 2009.
    (f) For RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines, unless already 
done, replace the FOHE, P/N 55003001-1 or 55003001-11, with an FOHE 
that incorporates the modifications specified in Rolls-Royce plc ASB 
No. RB.211-79-AG257, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2009 within 
6,000 flight hours from January 4, 2010 (the effective date of FAA 
AD 2009-24-05), or before January 1, 2011, whichever comes first.

FAA AD Differences

    (g) This AD differs from the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information (MCAI) by requiring replacing the FOHE within 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD for RB211-Trent 500 
and RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines or January 4, 2010 for 
RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines, rather than within 6,000 
flight hours from July 10, 2009.

Previous Credit

    (h) For RB211-Trent 700 series engines, replacement of the FOHE 
with an FOHE that incorporates the modifications specified in Rolls-
Royce plc ASB No. RB.211-79-AG338, dated September 29, 2009, 
complies with the replacement requirement specified in paragraph 
(e)(2) of this AD.
    (i) For RB211-Trent 800 series engines, replacement of the FOHE 
with an FOHE that incorporates the modifications specified in Rolls 
Royce plc ASB No. RB.211-79-AG257, dated June 24, 2009, complies 
with the replacement requirement specified in paragraph (f) of this 
AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI AD 2009-0142, dated July 13, 2009, MCAI AD 
2009-0257, dated December 3, 2009, for related information. Contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; telephone 44 (0) 
1332 242424; fax 44 (0) 1332 249936, for a copy of the service 
information referenced in this AD.
    (l) Contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-
7199, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 31, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-31394 Filed 1-5-10; 8:45 am]
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