[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58107-58109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26572]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1117; Product Identifier 94-ANE-39-AD; Amendment
39-19112; AD 2017-24-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-24-08 for
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 required
replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies. This
AD retains the requirement in AD 2014-24-08 to remove the LP fuel
filter-to-HP fuel pump tube, adds new compliance thresholds, and
requires installation of new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump
inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. This AD was
prompted by fuel leaks that 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. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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, 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-2017-1117.
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-
1117; 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 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 Document
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede 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
applied to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 26, 2017 (82 FR 24262). The NPRM proposed to continue
to require replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube
assemblies. That NPRM also proposed to require installation of new HP
fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube
assemblies and flanged adaptor.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Change Installation Prohibition
American Airlines (AAL) and FedEx Express stated the proposed AD
would prohibit reinstallation of earlier HP fuel pump to FFG and FFG to
HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies. AAL and FedEx Express
request clarification that the HP fuel tube does not require
replacement if removed simply to gain access to other components.
FedEx is concerned that the current wording would result in
serviceable tube assemblies having to be replaced in a line environment
when components such as the FFG or fuel pump are replaced as part of
fuel system troubleshooting. AAL didn't justify their request.
We agree. This AD requires replacement of the affected parts before
they exceed 4,750 engine flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours
(FH), or at a shop visit, whichever occurs first. To address this
comment, we deleted the Installations Prohibition paragraph and
integrated the previous restrictions into paragraph (h), Definitions,
adding the statement that ``The reinstallation of affected parts,
removed to facilitate on-wing/in-service maintenance of adjacent
components, is acceptable within the limits prescribed by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.''
Request To Change Applicability
AAL and UPS requested clarification of shop visit. They would like
to clarify the shop visit definition as, ``For the purpose of this AD,
a shop visit is defined as the separation of major mating module
flanges to perform maintenance or overhaul, excluding the removal or
replacement of the high speed gearbox, or for the sole purpose of
transporting the engine without performing subsequent maintenance or
overhaul.'' They gave no justification for the requested change.
[[Page 58108]]
We disagree. The shop visit definition is intended to require the
replacement of parts when the engine is in a shop for maintenance or
overhaul with no exceptions, consistent with the associated service
bulletin. We did not change this AD.
Request To Add Credit for Previous Actions
UPS stated the proposed AD requires incorporation of Service
Bulletins (SBs) RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1 and RB.211-73-G230, Revision
3. UPS requests this AD give credit for previous incorporation of any
prior revision of these two service bulletins.
We agree. Corrective action done prior to the effective date of
this AD using earlier revisions of the cited service bulletins is
acceptable. We added a new section Credit for Previous Actions after
paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Change Required Actions
UPS requested that the pre-SB RB.211-73-H131 part numbers be listed
in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, to clarify only pre-SB RB.73-H131
engines are affected.
We agree. We revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Request To Change Compliance Time
UPS stated the proposed AD section (g)(1) requires incorporation of
SB RB.211-73-H131 before the LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube
exceeds 4,750 FC or 15,000 FH. These time and cycle limits appear to
have originated with SB RB.211-73-E355, which UPS has previously
interpreted as ``soft limits'' rather than ``hard limits'' due to the
verbiage used in the SB. UPS requests the final rule include a drawdown
period of 400 cycles/800 hours to allow time for operators to
incorporate these modifications on those engines which already exceed
the stated thresholds. UPS justified the request to prevent operational
disruptions. RR has reviewed the original technical justification for
introducing the life limits and modifications. Given the lives of the
UPS fleet, a 400 flight cycle extension does not have an appreciable
effect on engine safety. The dual engine in-flight shut down rate
remains below the continued airworthiness threshold.
We agree. A RR review supports the requested drawdown plan. We
revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Request To Define Engine Hours/Cycles Since New
UPS requests that the compliance thresholds be listed as (engine or
part) hours/cycles since new or since last accomplishment of SB RB.211-
73-E355, whichever is sooner. They state that SB RB.211-73-E355
installs a new LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube.
We partially agree. We agree that time since accomplishing SB
RB.211-73-E355 is equivalent to time since new for the replaced part.
We disagree that the compliance thresholds need to be changed as this
AD already specifies compliance before ``the part exceeds 4,750 engine
flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours (FH), since new''. We did not
change this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Rolls-Royce plc has issued 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 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 100 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replacement of fuel tube assemblies... 8.5 work-hours x $85 per $17,800.00 $18,522.50 $1,852,250.00
hour = $722.50.
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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
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
[[Page 58109]]
(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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (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:
2017-24-08 Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA 2017-1117; Amendment 39-
19112; Product Identifier 94-ANE-39-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 16, 2018.
(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 number (P/N) UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, or
163521545, installed; or HP fuel pump-to-fuel flow governor (FFG),
P/N UL16691 or UL37214, installed; or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill
return tube assemblies, P/N UL16690 or UL37213, installed; 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) Remove LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assembly, P/N
UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, and 163521545, and replace with a
part eligible for installation, at the applicable compliance times
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever
occurs first, using the Accomplishment Instructions of RR Service
Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014.
(i) At the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD,
or
(ii) at the later of the following:
(A) Before the part exceeds 4,750 engine flight cycles (FC) or
15,000 flight hours (FH), since new, whichever occurs first, or
(B) Within 400 FC or 800 FH, whichever occurs first, after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) 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) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation
excludes the following: 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 UL37214; or FFG-to-HP pump
inlet overspill return tube assembly, P/N UL16690 or UL37213; or
flanged adaptor, P/N UL37218. The reinstallation of affected parts,
removed to facilitate on-wing/in-service maintenance of adjacent
components is acceptable within the limits prescribed by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is the induction of
an engine into the shop for maintenance or overhaul.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the corrective action required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if you performed these actions
before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-
H131, original issue, dated May 10, 2013 or RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-
G230, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2012, respectively.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 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-2017-1117.
(l) 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) Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-H131,
Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014.
(ii) RR SB RB.211-73-G230, Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016.
(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, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA.
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 November 22, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26572 Filed 12-8-17; 8:45 am]
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