[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45811-45813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19565]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 45811]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0235; Product Identifier 2018-NE-08-AD; Amendment 
39-19367; AD 2018-17-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Tay 
620-15 Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 620-15 turbofan engines. 
This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan 
blade retention lug failures. This AD requires reviewing the engine 
maintenance records and replacing the LPC fan blade with a part 
eligible for installation if the dry-film lubricant (DFL) treatment 
limit is exceeded. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 16, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 16, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 
15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33-7086-1883; fax: 
+49 (0) 33-7086-3276. 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-
0235.

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-
0235; or in person at the 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 address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
Docket Operations, 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: Barbara Caufield, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7146; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RRD Tay 620-15 
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 
30, 2018 (83 FR 18758). The NPRM was prompted by reports of LPC fan 
blade retention lug failures. The NPRM proposed to require reviewing 
the engine maintenance records and replacing the LPC fan blade with a 
part eligible for installation if the DFL treatment limit is exceeded. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2018-0013, dated January 17, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    Fractures of low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade retention 
lugs were reported on engines subjected to a high number of Dry Film 
Lubrication (DFL) treatments. Subsequent investigation determined 
that, as a consequence, the retention lugs of the affected LPC (fan) 
blades had been exposed to excessive high stress cycles.
    This condition, if not detected or corrected, could lead to 
failure of LPC fan blade retention lug(s), high vibration, reduced 
thrust, or in-flight shut down, possibly resulting in reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls Royce 
Deutschland (RRD) issued Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) TAY-72-A1834 (hereafter referred to as `the NMSB') to provide 
identification and replacement instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
determination of number of DFL treatments applied to the LPC fan 
blades and, based on that determination, replacement. This [EASA] AD 
also introduces a maximum allowable number of DFL treatments 
applicable to the LPC fan blades.

    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-2018-0235.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except 
for minor editorial changes.
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RRD ALERT NMSB TAY-72-A1834, dated November 17, 2017. 
The Alert NMSB describes procedures for reviewing the maintenance 
records and replacing the LPC fan blade with a serviceable part. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed RRD NMSB TAY-70-1050, Revision 9, dated July 14, 2010.

[[Page 45812]]

The NMSB defines a basic engine life management program suitable for 
RRD Tay engines in aircraft that are engaged in non-airline operations.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 25 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Record search to establish number of    1.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0         $127.50       $3,187.50
 LPC blade DFL applications.             hour = $127.50.
Lost life for a LPC blade set and       4.0 work-hours x $85 per          16,550          16,890         422,250
 replacement of blades.                  hour = $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):

2018-17-13 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-19367; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0235; Product Identifier 2018-NE-08-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 
620-15 turbofan engines with low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan 
blades, having part numbers (P/Ns) JR30649, JR31702, JR31983, 
JR33863, or JR33864, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of LPC fan blade retention lug 
failures. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan 
blade retention lug. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
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) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the number of dry-film lubricant (DFL) treatments that 
were applied to the LPC fan blade by reviewing the maintenance 
records or using an alternative method in steps C or N, as 
applicable, of the Accomplishment Instruction, paragraph 3, of RRD 
ALERT Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) TAY-72-A1834, dated 
November 17, 2017.
    (2) Depending on the results of the records review, do the 
following, as applicable:
    (i) If the number of DFL treatments is fewer than 13, mark the 
LPC fan blade dovetail root with a suffix code during the next 
scheduled LPC fan blade removal using steps H or R, as applicable, 
of the Accomplishment Instruction, paragraph 3, of RRD ALERT NMSB 
TAY-72-A1834, dated November 17, 2017.
    (ii) If the number of DFL treatments is 13 or more, replace the 
affected LPC fan blade with a part eligible for installation within 
500 flight hours after effective date of this AD.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected 
LPC fan blade on any engine unless it has been determined that the 
LPC fan blade has had fewer than 13 DFL treatments and has been 
marked in accordance with the instructions of RRD ALERT NMSB TAY-72-
A1834, dated November 17, 2017.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD,

[[Page 45813]]

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 
(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 Barbara 
Caufield, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7146; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-
0013, dated January 17, 2018, 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 Docket No. FAA-
2018-0235.

(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 Deutschland Ltd & Co KG ALERT Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin TAY-72-A1834, dated November 17, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 15827 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33-7086-1883; fax: +49 
(0) 33-7086-3276.
    (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 August 29, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19565 Filed 9-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P