[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 101 (Friday, May 26, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24262-24264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10440]


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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) 2014-24-
08 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with certain low-
pressure (LP) fuel filter-to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube 
assemblies, or HP fuel pump-to-fuel flow governor (FFG) or FFG-to-HP 
pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor 
installed. AD 2014-24-08 requires replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-
HP fuel pump tube assemblies. Since we issued AD 2014-24-08, fuel leaks 
have occurred at the flanged joints of the HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube 
assembly and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assembly. This 
proposed AD would retain the original AD requirements and also require 
installation of new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet 
overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. We are proposing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 10, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR

[[Page 24263]]

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 NPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 
8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0433.

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, 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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; 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 NPRM. 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 NPRM. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    On November 20, 2014, we issued AD 2014-24-08, Amendment 39-18041 
(79 FR 71308, December 2, 2014), ``AD 2014-24-08,'' for all RB211-
535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. AD 
2014-24-08 expands the applicability to include the RB211-535E4-C-37 
turbofan engine and requires removal from service of additional part 
number (P/N) LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies. AD 2014-
24-08 resulted from reports of fuel leaks that resulted in engine in-
flight shutdowns. We issued AD 2014-24-08 to prevent loss of fuel 
supply to the engine, which could lead to the in-flight shutdown of one 
or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2014-24-08 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2014-24-08, fuel leaks have occurred at the 
flanged joints of the HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet 
overspill return tube assemblies. Also since we issued AD 2014-24-08, 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2017-0006, 
dated January 10, 2017.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Rolls-Royce plc has issued Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-G230, 
Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016. The SB describes a modification (mod 
73-G230) and introduces new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump 
inlet overspill return tube assemblies with a larger O-ring groove on 
the end adaptor sealing face. RR has also issued Service Bulletin SB 
RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014. The SB introduces 
a new LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assembly. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

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 original AD requirements and also 
require installing new HP fuel pump-to-FFG or FFG-to-HP pump inlet 
overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. This proposed AD 
changes the compliance requirement for replacing the LP fuel filter-to-
HP fuel pump tube assembly adding a not to exceed flight hour/flight 
cycle life limit, consistent with the EASA AD requirements. This 
proposed AD would also prohibit re-installation of earlier HP fuel 
pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies, 
as well as LP fuel filter to HP pump tube assemblies, P/N AE709623-1.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 100 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
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Replacement of fuel tube            8.5 work-hours x $85 per       $17,800.00       $18,522.50    $1,852,250.00
 assemblies.                         hour = $722.50.
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[[Page 24264]]

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:

    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) 
2014-24-08, Amendment 39-18041 (79 FR 71308, December 2, 2014), 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 July 10, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-24-08, Amendment 39-18041 (79 FR 
71308, December 2, 2014).

(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 numbers (P/Ns) UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, or 
163521545 installed; or HP fuel pump-to-fuel flow governor (FFG) P/N 
UL16691 or P/N UL37214; or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return 
tube assemblies P/N UL16690 or P/N UL37213; or flanged adaptor, P/N 
UL37218 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

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

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, replace LP fuel filter-
to-HP fuel pump tube assembly, before the part exceeds 4,750 engine 
flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours (FH), since new, or during 
the next shop visit, whichever occurs first, using the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RR Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-
H131, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, for affected engines 
with an HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube assembly or FFG-to-HP pump inlet 
overspill return tube assembly, or flanged adaptor, installed, 
replace the parts concurrent with the actions specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, if applicable, or during the next shop visit, 
using the Accomplishment Instructions of RR SB RB.211-73-G230, 
Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
engine an LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assembly, P/N UL16692, 
AE709623-1, 163521538, or 163521545; HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube 
assembly, P/N UL16691 or P/N UL37214, or FFG-to-HP pump inlet 
overspill return tube assembly, P/N UL16690 or UL37213; or flanged 
adaptor, P/N UL37218.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is the induction of an 
engine into the shop for maintenance or overhaul. The separation of 
engine flanges solely for the purpose of transporting the engine 
without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine 
shop visit.

(j) 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. You may email your request to: [email protected].

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2017-0006, dated January 10, 2017, and EASA 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) RR SB RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014 
and RR SB RB.211-73-G230, Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016, can be 
obtained from RR, using the contact information in paragraph (k)(4) 
of this AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
Internet: https://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 5, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10440 Filed 5-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P