[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65997-65999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27512]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535 Series 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-75, 
and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. The existing AD currently requires 
performing initial and repetitive visual and fluorescent penetrant 
inspections (FPI) of the low-pressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 
discs to detect cracks in the discs. Since we issued that AD, we 
determined that the definition of shop visit is too restrictive in the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would continue to require those 
inspections and would change the definition of a shop visit to be less 
restrictive. We are proposing this AD to correct the definition of shop 
visit, and to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, 
which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 27, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce 
plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 
242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7143; fax: 781-238-7199; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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.

[[Page 65998]]

FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-39-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 because of 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 20, 2011, we issued AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 
30529, May 26, 2011), for all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-
75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. That AD requires performing an 
initial FPI on the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs at the next 
engine shop inspection after the effective date of that AD. That AD 
also requires repetitive inspections at each engine shop visit after 
accumulating 1,500 cycles since last inspection of the LP turbine stage 
1, 2, and 3 discs. That AD resulted from several findings of cracking 
at the firtrees of LP turbine discs. We issued that AD to detect cracks 
in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an 
uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 30529, May 
26, 2011), we found that the definition of ``shop visit'' in the AD is 
too restrictive, in that it would require operators to inspect more 
often than required to ensure safety.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 588 RB211-535 
series turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it would take about 30 work-hours per product to 
comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. No parts are required. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,499,400.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined that the definition of shop visit is too 
restrictive, and to correct the unsafe condition described previously. 
This condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the 
same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the same requirements as AD 2011-11-
08 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), except the definition of shop visit has 
been redefined.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NE-39-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 27, 
2011.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 
30529, May 26, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, 
-535E4-B-75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by our determination that the definition of 
``shop visit'' in the existing AD is too restrictive, in that it 
would require operators to inspect more often than required to 
ensure safety. We are issuing this AD to correct the definition of 
shop visit, and to detect cracks in the low-pressure (LP) turbine 
stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained 
release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(1) Initial Inspection Requirements

    At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this 
AD, perform a visual and a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 
the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs.

(2) Repeat Inspection Requirements

    At each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since 
the last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2 and 3 discs, repeat 
the inspections specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(3) Remove Cracked Discs

    If you find cracks, remove the disc from service.

[[Page 65999]]

(f) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is 
induction of an engine into the shop for any purpose where:
    (1) All the blades are removed from the high-pressure (HP) 
compressor discs and the HP turbine disc, or
    (2) All the blades are removed from the intermediate pressure 
turbine disc.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(h) Related Information

    (1) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7143; fax: 781-
238-7199; e-mail: [email protected], for more information about 
this AD.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0244, dated November 9, 2009, and Rolls-Royce plc 
Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG272 for related information. 
Contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United 
Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-
mail: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, for a copy 
of this service information or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2011.
Peter A White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-27512 Filed 10-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P