[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8799-8802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04394]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0056; Product Identifier 2017-NE-29-AD; Amendment
39-19584; AD 2019-05-02]
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 superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-22-13 for
certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engine models. AD
2017-22-13 required an inspection of the drains mast and the
replacement or repair of the drains mast if a crack is found. This AD
retains this requirement, but adds repetitive inspections and expands
the population of affected RR RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engine models.
This AD was prompted by RR in-service findings that indicated a need to
include part number (P/N) FW29847 drains mast and additional RR RB211-
Trent 900 turbofan engines to the affected population. We are issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 27, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 27,
2019.
We must receive any comments on this AD by April 26, 2019.
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 AD, contact Rolls-Royce
plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)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 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-2019-0056.
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-2019-
0056; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 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: Besian Luga, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7750; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, November
7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-13''), for certain RR RB211-Trent 970-84 and
RB211-Trent 972-84 turbofan engines. AD 2017-22-13 required an
inspection of the drains mast and the replacement or repair of the
drains mast if a crack is found. AD 2017-22-13 resulted from cracks
found in the transition duct area
[[Page 8800]]
of the drains mast. We issued AD 2017-22-13 to visually inspect the
external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a
crack, and if a crack is found, to replace the drains mast or seal the
crack.
Actions Since AD 2017-22-13 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2017-22-13, RR in-service investigations found
cracks in the transition duct area of the drains mast. The RR
investigation originally highlighted that engines that have installed
the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR Service Bulletin (SB)
RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, were most at risk of
cracking. As a result, RR published Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11,
2018, to add engines with a drains mast, P/N KH31996, installed that
have installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211-
80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, and engines with a drains
mast, P/N FW29847, installed or have a drains mast, P/N KH31996, that
have not installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB
RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015. Also since we issued
AD 2017-22-13, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has
issued EASA AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018, which retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0075R1, dated May 5, 2017, but adds
repetitive inspections and expands the population of affected RR RB211-
Trent 900 turbofan engine models. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1,
dated July 11, 2018. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for
inspection, repair, and replacement of the drains mast. 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 Rolls-Royce SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August
11, 2015. The SB describes procedures for installing a new sub-idle
ejector system on the low-pressure compressor case.
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 visual inspections of the external areas of the
transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack. This AD also
requires, if a crack is found, replacement of the drains mast with a
part eligible for installation or sealing of the crack.
FAA's Justification and 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.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. 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-2019-0056 and product identifier
2017-NE-29-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 zero 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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Inspect the drains mast............... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $0
hour = $170.
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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.
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace the drains mast....................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $72,000 $72,085
Seal the drains mast.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85
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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.
[[Page 8801]]
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),
(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 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)
2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, November 7, 2017), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-05-02 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19584; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0056; Product Identifier 2017-NE-29-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective March 27, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550,
November 7, 2017).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84
and RB211-Trent 972-84 turbofan engines with a drains mast, part
number (P/N) KH31996 or FW29847, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7170, Powerplant/
Engine Drains.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by RR in-service findings that indicated a
need to include part number (P/N) FW29847 drains mast and additional
RR RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engines to the affected population. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drains mast. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine fire and
damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For Group 1 engines, within 24 months after November 22,
2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-22-13), or within 24 months time
since new, whichever occurs later, and thereafter, at intervals not
to exceed 24 months since previous inspection, visually inspect the
external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a
crack using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1), of RR
Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-71-AJ576,
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
If a crack is found, do one of the following before further
flight:
(i) Remove and replace the drains mast with a part eligible for
installation, or
(ii) Seal the crack using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(1).(c).(ii).(2), of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576,
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018, and within 100 flight cycles after
sealing the crack, remove and replace the drains mast with a part
eligible for installation.
(2) For Group 2 engines, within 24 months after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 24
months since previous inspection, visually inspect the external
areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack
using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1), of RR Alert
NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
If a crack is found, do one of the following before further
flight:
(i) Remove and replace the drains mast with a part eligible for
installation, or
(ii) Seal the crack using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A.(1).(c).(ii).(2), of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576,
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018, and within 100 flight cycles after
sealing the crack, remove and replace the drains mast with a part
eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
(1) For the purposes of this AD, ``Group 1'' engines are those
with a drains mast, P/N KH31996, installed that have installed the
sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision
2, dated August 11, 2015. ``Group 2'' engines are those engines with
a drains mast, P/N FW29847, installed or have a drains mast, P/N
KH31996, that have not installed the sub-idle ejector system
introduced in RR SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11,
2015.
(2) For the purposes of this AD, a part eligible for
installation is a drains mast with a part number not listed in this
AD or a part that has passed the inspection required by this AD.
(3) For the purposes of this AD, a flight cycle is a take-off
and landing.
(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 Besian Luga,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7750; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018, 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-2019-0056.
[[Page 8802]]
(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 Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Rolls-Royce plc service information identified in this
AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31,
Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)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 &
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 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 March 6, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04394 Filed 3-11-19; 8:45 am]
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