[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54220-54223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21677]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-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) 2013-15-
10 that applies to certain Rolls-Royce (RR) RB211 turbofan engines. AD 
2013-15-10 requires inspecting the intermediate-pressure compressor 
(IPC) rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks. This AD eliminates a 
terminating action, expands one inspection and eliminates others. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting the IPC rotor shaft rear balance 
land for cracks and eliminate certain other inspections. We are 
proposing this AD to detect cracking on the IPC rotor shaft rear 
balance land, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage 
to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 10, 
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: 011-44-1332-245418; email: 
http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: 
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-2007-
28059; 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, 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

[[Page 54221]]

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-2007-
28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-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 July 22, 2013, we issued AD 2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 
FR 54149, September 3, 2013), for all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 
556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 
772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, 895-17, 970-
84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84 turbofan 
engines. AD 2013-15-10 requires inspecting the IPC rotor shaft rear 
balance land for cracks and requires on-wing and in-shop inspections 
for the Trent 500, 700, 800, and 900 engines. AD 2013-15-10 resulted 
from detection of cracks in Trent 500, Trent 700 and Trent 800 IPC 
rotor shaft rear balance lands and analysis that determined similar 
cracks may exist in Trent 900 engines. We issued AD 2013-15-10 to 
detect cracking on the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land, which could 
lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2013-15-10 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 FR 54149, 
September 3, 2013), we determined that repetitive in-shop eddy current 
inspections (ECIs) are still required for certain RR RB211-Trent 700 
and 800 engines even after the terminating action in AD 2013-15-10 was 
accomplished. We also determined that on-wing inspections are not 
required for certain modified RR RB211-Trent 500 and 900 engines, and 
that certain in-shop visual inspections are not required for certain RR 
RB211-Trent 500, 700, 800, and 900 engines.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. 
RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011; RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-
G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AH059, dated December 11, 2012; and RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH058, 
dated December 13, 2012. These service bulletins describe procedures 
for inspecting the IPC shaft rear balance land on RB211-Trent 500, 700, 
800, and 900 engines.
    European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0152, dated June 20, 2014, 
corrected June 25, 2014, includes repetitive in-shop ECI, elimination 
of repetitive on-wing inspections, and elimination of in-shop visual 
inspections for certain engines.

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 retain the requirements of AD 2013-15-10 for 
inspecting the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks. This 
proposed AD would also require that the repetitive in-shop ECIs in AD 
2013-15-10 be performed even after modifying certain engines. This 
proposed AD would also eliminate repetitive on-wing inspections for 
certain other engines, and eliminate certain in-shop visual inspections 
for all engines.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 136 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 14 hours per engine to perform the inspections required by 
this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Replacement parts are 
estimated to cost about $2,271 per engine. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $470,696.

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 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:


[[Page 54222]]


    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-15-
10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 FR 54149, September 3, 2013), and adding the 
following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 
2007-NE-13-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 10, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (77 FR 
54149, September 3, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 553-61, 
553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 
768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 
892B-17, 895-17, 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84, 
and 980-84 turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in Trent 500, Trent 
700 and Trent 800 intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) rotor shaft 
rear balance lands and analysis that determined similar cracks may 
exist in Trent 900 engines. We are issuing this AD to detect 
cracking on the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land, which could lead 
to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD unless already done.

(1) RB211-Trent 700 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 625 cycles-in-service (CIS) after June 29, 2012, or 
before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear 
balance land. Use RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion System Alert 
Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. RB.211-72-AG270, 
Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(a) through 
3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for in-shop procedures, 
or paragraphs 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 3.B.(4)(a) through 
3.B.(4)(c), for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 625 cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). You may count CSLI from the last 
borescope inspection or the last ECI, whichever occurred later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, paragraphs 3.A. 
through 3.B., to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(2) RB211-Trent 800 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 475 CIS after June 29, 2012, or before the next 
flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 800 Series Propulsion System Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG264, 
Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(a) through 
3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c), for in-shop 
procedures, or paragraphs 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 
3.B.(4)(a) through 3.B.(4)(c), for on-wing procedures, to do the 
inspection.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 475 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, paragraphs 3.A. 
through 3.B., to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(3) RB211-Trent 500 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 340 CIS after October 8, 2013, or before the next 
flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 500 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH058, 
dated December 13, 2012, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(a) through 3.A.(2)(c), 
3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), and 3.A.(5)(a) through 3.A.(5)(c), 
for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 340 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-
72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, paragraphs 3.D.(4) through 
3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through 
3.D.(8)(w), and 3.D.(11) to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this AD.

(4) RB211-Trent 900 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 280 flight cycles after October 8, 2013, or before 
the next flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear balance 
land. Use RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012, paragraphs 3.A.(2)(a) 
through 3.A.(2)(c), 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), and 3.A.(5)(a) 
through 3.A.(5)(c) for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 280 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred last.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 
Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-
72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, paragraphs 3.D.(4) through 
3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through 
3.D.(8)(w), and 3.D.(11) to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this AD.

(5) RB211-Trent 500, RB211-Trent 700, RB211-Trent 800, and RB211-
Trent 900 Engines IPC Balance Weight Removal

    (i) RB211-Trent 500 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, part 
numbers (P/Ns) AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, 
AS44695-250, AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (ii) RB211-Trent 700 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (iii) RB211-Trent 800 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (iv) RB211-Trent 900 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (v) Once you have removed the IPC balance weights, P/Ns AS44695-
150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, AS44695-
275, and AS44695-300, do not re-install them on any IPC shaft rear 
balance land.

(6) RB211-Trent 500, RB211-Trent 700, RB211-Trent 800, and RB211-
Trent 900 Engines--Terminating Action to Repetitive Borescope 
Inspections

    (i) Removal of the IPC balance weights as described in paragraph 
(e)(5) of this AD terminates the repetitive borescope inspections of 
paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD. However, at each shop 
visit you must still do the ECI required by paragraphs (e)(1) 
through (e)(4) of this AD.
    (ii) Reserved.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) RB211-Trent 700 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 700 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 700 Series 
Propulsion System Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 1, dated 
December 14, 2009; or Revision 2, dated December 21, 2010; or 
Revision 3, dated February 25, 2011, you have met the requirements 
of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.

[[Page 54223]]

    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 700 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 700 and 
Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, 
Revision 1, dated September 27, 2010, you met the ECI requirement of 
paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this AD. However, you are still required to 
perform the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) 
and (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(2) RB211-Trent 800 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 800 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 800 Series 
Propulsion System Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 3, dated 
December 21, 2010; or Revision 4, dated February 25, 2011, you met 
the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 800 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 700 and 
Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, 
Revision 1, dated September 27, 2010, you met the ECI requirement of 
paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD. However, you are still required to 
perform the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(2)(ii) 
and (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(3) RB211-Trent 500 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 500 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 
Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated 
December 23, 2010, you met the requirement of paragraph (e)(3)(i) of 
this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 500 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 500 and 
Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, 
Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010, you met the ECI requirement of 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this AD. However, you are still required to 
perform the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(3)(ii) 
and (e)(3)(iii) of this AD.

(4) RB211-Trent 900 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 900 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 
Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated 
December 23, 2010, you met the requirements of paragraph (e)(4)(i) 
of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 900 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RB211 Trent 500 and 
Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, 
Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010, you met the ECI requirement of 
paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this AD. However, you are still required to 
perform the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(4)(ii) 
and (e)(4)(iii) of this AD.

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as the 
introduction of an engine into the shop and disassembly sufficient 
to expose the IPC module rear face.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(i) 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 2014-0152, 
dated June 20, 2014 and corrected on June 25, 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-2007-28059.
    (3) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 5, dated March 
21, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 
21, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 
7, 2011; RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011; 
RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012; and RR 
Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH058, dated December 13, 2012, which are 
not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from 
Rolls-Royce plc, using the contact information in paragraph (i)(4) 
of this AD.
    (4) 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-
245418; Internet: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
    (5) You may view this 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 28, 2014.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21677 Filed 9-10-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P