[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 165 (Monday, August 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40681-40683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18133]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0652; Product Identifier 2017-NE-18-AD; Amendment
39-18997; AD 2017-17-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and
Trent XWB-84 turbofan engines. This AD requires inspection of the
intermediate-pressure (IP) turbine stage 2 locking plates. This AD was
prompted by a report of several IP turbine stage 2 locking plates
cracked during module assembly. We are issuing this AD to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 12, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
12, 2017.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 12, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: 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.
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. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,
Policy and Innovation Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. 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-2017-
0652.
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-2017-
0652; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), 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, FAA,
ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0652; Directorate
Identifier 2017-NE-18-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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
with FAA personnel concerning this AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2017-0088, dated May 16, 2017 (referred to hereinafter as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an
[[Page 40682]]
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
During module assembly, cracking was observed on several
intermediate pressure (IP) turbine stage 2 locking plates from one
particular supplier. These locking plates form part of the IP
turbine stage 2 assembly, providing axial retention of the IP
turbine stage 2 blades onto the disk, and constitute a seal for the
local air system. These locking plates are pre-bent during
manufacture and are pressed flat during installation such that they
fit between grooves in the IP stage 2 disk and blades. There are 16
locking plates, Part Number (P/N) KH12922 or P/N KH16183, installed
on an IP turbine stage 2 assembly. It is possible that parts,
manufactured by this supplier, may have cracked during module
assembly, without those cracks being detectable prior to release to
service of an engine. Propagation of cracks during engine operation
may lead to loss of a locking plate. Missing locking plates will
allow hot gas ingestion which will locally overheat the blade
retention features of the disk.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
accelerated fatigue of the blade retention features of the disk and
release of one or more IP turbine stage 2 blades, possibly resulting
in high energy uncontained debris release from the engine, with
consequent damage to, and reduced control of, the aeroplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0652.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
RR has issued Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent
XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017. The NMSB describes procedures to
inspect the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates. 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 and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of EASA,
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are issuing 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 AD requires inspection of the IP turbine stage 2 locking
plates.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find that
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than
30 days.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 0 engine installed on airplanes of
U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $255 $0
= $255.
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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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017-17-07 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-18997; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0652; Product Identifier 2017-NE-18-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 12, 2017.
[[Page 40683]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-
79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 turbofan engines with an engine
serial number (S/N) listed in Appendix 1 of RR Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April
11, 2017, and with intermediate-pressure (IP) turbine stage 2
locking plates, part number (P/N) KH12922 or KH16183, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 7250, Turbine/Turboprop
Engine/Turbine Section.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of several IP turbine stage 2
locking plates cracked during module assembly. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates,
uncontained release of the IP turbine stage 2 blades, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) Inspect the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates on-wing before
exceeding 750 engine flight cycles (FCs) since new, or within 100
engine FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later. Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A., of RR
Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017, to do the
inspection.
(2) Thereafter, re-inspect the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates
at intervals not to exceed 750 engine FCs since the last locking
plate inspection. Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A., of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017, to
do the inspection.
(i) If all IP turbine stage 2 locking plates installed on the
engine have an S/N beginning with 20452, or are not marked with an
S/N, the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of this
AD is not required.
(ii) If one or more IP turbine stage 2 locking plates are
missing, remove the engine from service within the compliance times
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(3), of
RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017.
(3) Inspect the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates during the
next engine shop visit (ESV) after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of RR
Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017, to do this
inspection. This in-shop inspection may be substituted for the on-
wing inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(ii) If one or more IP turbine stage 2 locking plates are
missing, use the acceptance criteria in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(3), of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738
dated April 11, 2017, to disposition the engine.
(g) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an engine
unless the IP turbine stage 2 locking plates were inspected using
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., of RR Alert
NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ESV is when the engine is subject
to a serviceability check and repair, rebuild, or overhaul.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, 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].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, 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 AD 2017-0088,
dated May 16, 2017, 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-2017-0642.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
Trent XWB 72-AJ738, dated April 11, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For RR 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.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
(5) You may view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 16, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18133 Filed 8-25-17; 8:45 am]
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