[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 142 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42989-42991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17461]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0433; Directorate Identifier 94-ANE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 98-07-07,

[[Page 42990]]

which applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4 and RB211-535E4-B 
turbofan engines. AD 98-07-07 requires removing certain part number (P/
N) low-pressure (LP) fuel filter-to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube 
assemblies and installing flexible LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube 
assemblies. Since we issued AD 98-07-07, we received additional reports 
of fuel leaks that have resulted in a number of engine in-flight 
shutdowns. This proposed AD would expand the applicability of AD 98-07-
07 to include the RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engine. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent loss of fuel supply to the engine, which could lead 
to an in-flight shutdown of one or more engines, loss of thrust 
control, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 22, 
2014.

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 proposed AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, 
DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: 
http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Web site: https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0433; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The 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: Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [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. FAA-2014-0433; 
Directorate Identifier 94-ANE-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 April 2, 1998, we issued AD 98-07-07, Amendment 39-10426 (63 FR 
18119, April 14, 1998), for all RR RB211-535E4 and RB211-535E4-B 
turbofan engines. AD 98-07-07 superseded AD 96-13-04 and required 
removing LP fuel system tube assemblies, P/N UL16692 and AE709623-1, 
and installing LP fuel system tube assembly, P/N 163521538. AD 98-07-07 
resulted from reports of fuel line rupture on one of the flexible fuel 
tube assemblies installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04. We issued AD 
98-07-07 to prevent high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection 
inside the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled engine 
fire.

Actions Since AD 98-07-07 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 98-07-07, Amendment 39-10426 (63 FR 18119, April 
14, 1998), additional fuel leaks have occurred in LP fuel system tube 
assemblies resulting in engine in-flight shutdowns. Also since we 
issued AD 98-07-07, the European Aviation Safety Agency has issued AD 
2014-0123, dated May 15, 2014, which requires replacing affected fuel 
tube assemblies.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed RR Service Bulletin No. RB.211-73-H131, with 
Supplement, dated May 10, 2013 and RR Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
No. RB.211-73-E355, Revision 3, May 10, 2013. The service information 
describes procedures for removing and installing LP fuel system tube 
assemblies.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require removing LP fuel tube assemblies, P/
N UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, and 163521545 from service.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 500 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 
7.33 hours per engine to comply with this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts cost about $10,000 per 
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $5,311,525.

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 proposed 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

[[Page 42991]]

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 to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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

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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
98-07-07, Amendment 39-10426 (63 FR 18119, April 14, 1998), and adding 
the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2014-0433; Directorate Identifier 
94-ANE-39-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 22, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 98-07-07, Amendment 39-10426 (63 FR 18119, 
April 14, 1998).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, 
RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with low-
pressure (LP) fuel filter-to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube 
assembly, part number (P/N) UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, or 
163521545, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks that have resulted 
in a number of engine in-flight shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of fuel supply to the engine, which could lead to an 
in-flight shutdown of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, 
and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) After the effective date of this AD, remove from service all 
LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies, P/Ns UL16692, 
AE709623-1, 163521538, and 163521545, at the next part removal or 
during the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Reserved.

(f) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0123, 
dated May 15, 2014, for more information. You may examine the MCAI 
in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0433.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
Web site: https://www.aeromanager.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2014.
Thomas Boudreau,
Acting Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-17461 Filed 7-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P