[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21169-21171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09913]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0287; Product Identifier 2018-NE-10-AD; Amendment 
39-19263; AD 2018-09-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbojet 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 Rolls-
Royce plc (RR) Viper Mk. 601-22 turbojet engines. This AD requires 
removing the oil pump assembly, part number (P/N) V112027, and oil 
pressure filter, P/N V21264, from service and replacing them with parts 
eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by a report of an 
engine failure caused by installation of an incorrect oil filter. We 
are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 24, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 24, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 25, 2018.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact DA 
Services Operations Room at Rolls-Royce plc, Defense Sector Bristol, 
WH-70, P.O. Box 3, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QE, United Kingdom; phone: +44 
(0) 117 97 90700; fax: +44 (0) 117 97 95498; email: royce.com">defence-operations-room@rolls-royce.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0287.

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-2018-
0287; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2017-0197, dated October 6, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
MCAI), to address an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    An engine mainline bearing failure occurred on a Viper Mk. 632-
43 engine because of debris being present in the engine oil system. 
The debris entered the oil system through a damaged oil pressure 
filter. Further investigation of this event revealed that, although 
the oil pump assembly was of post-modification (mod) CV4559 
standard, the oil pressure filter fitted on the oil pump assembly 
was a pre-mod CV 4559 standard (Part Number (P/N) V21264). The 
purpose of modification CV4559 is to replace the oil pressure filter 
P/N V21264 with a more robust oil pressure filter (P/N 2526). Mod 
CV4559 was introduced in service by R-R Service Bulletin (SB) 72-
198.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an 
engine mainline bearing failure, possibly resulting in a complete 
loss of thrust and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, R-R issued Alert 
SB 72-A208, providing instructions to identify and replace pre-
modification oil filters.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of all oil pressure filters P/N V21264 found to be 
installed on post-mod CV4559 oil pump assemblies. This AD also 
requires replacement of all pre-mod CV4559 oil pump assemblies (P/N 
V112027) with post-mod oil pump assemblies (P/N V112225 or P/N 
NPN11962).

    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-2018-0287.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RR Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) Mk. 601-22 Number 72-
A208, dated September 2017. The ASB describes procedures for inspecting 
and replacing a pre-modification oil pump assembly and oil pressure 
filter with parts eligible for installation. 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

    This product has been approved by 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 the relevant 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires inspecting the oil pump assembly and oil pressure 
filter and replacing pre-modification parts with parts eligible for 
installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the compliance time for the action is less than the time 
required for public comment. EASA made a determination of an unsafe 
condition warranting regulatory action and compliance within 25 flight 
hours or 30 days. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, 
for the reason stated above, we find that

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good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0287 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-10-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule 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 final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 32 engines 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect and replace the oil filter....  3 work-hours x $85 per              $200            $455         $14,560
                                         hour = $255.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the oil pump assembly.................  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $200            $540
                                                 $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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, 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):

2018-09-07 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19263; Docket No. FAA-2018-
0287; Product Identifier 2018-NE-10-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 24, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Viper Mk. 601-22 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7900, Engine Oil 
System (Airframe Furnished).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an engine failure caused by 
the installation of an incorrect oil filter. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent a failure of the engine oil system. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could

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result in loss of engine thrust control, and reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For engines with an oil pump assembly, part number (P/N) 
V112225 or P/N NPN11962, installed:
    (i) After the effective date of this AD, within 30 days or 25 
flight hours, whichever occurs first, inspect the oil pump assembly 
to determine the P/N of the oil pressure filter in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 2.A.(3), of RR Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) Mk. 601-22 Number 72-A208, dated September 
2017.
    (ii) If an oil pressure filter, P/N V21264, is installed, 
replace the oil pressure filter before the next flight with oil 
filter, P/N 2526, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Paragraph 2.A.(3)(b), of RR ASB Mk. 601-22 Number 72-
A208, dated September 2017.
    (2) For engines with an oil pump assembly, P/N V112027, 
installed:
    (i) After the effective date of this AD, within 30 days or 25 
flight hours, whichever occurs first, replace the oil pump assembly 
with oil pump assembly, P/N V112225 or P/N NPN11962, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 2.A.(2), of RR ASB 
Mk. 601-22 Number 72-A208, dated September 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an oil pump 
assembly, P/N V112027, or an oil pressure filter, P/N V21264, on any 
engine, nor return any engine to service with an oil pump assembly, 
P/N V112027, or an oil pressure filter, P/N V21264, installed.

(i) 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j)(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.

(j) 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-
0197, dated October 6, 2017, for more information. You may examine 
the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0287.

(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 Alert Service Bulletin Mk. 601-22 Number 72-
A208, dated September 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Rolls-Royce plc service information identified in this 
AD, contact DA Services Operations Room at Rolls-Royce plc, Defense 
Sector Bristol, WH-70, P.O. Box 3, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QE, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 (0) 117 97 90700; fax: +44 (0) 117 97 95498; 
email: royce.com">defence-operations-room@rolls-royce.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 April 25, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09913 Filed 5-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P