[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 77 (Monday, April 22, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16602-16605]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07942]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0611; Product Identifier 2018-NE-21-AD; Amendment 
39-19620; AD 2019-07-09]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, 
Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 
1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan 
engines. This AD was prompted by reports of intermediate-pressure 
compressor (IPC) rotor seal failures. This AD requires initial and 
repetitive on-wing borescope inspections (BSIs) of affected IPC rotor 
seals and removing any cracked parts from service. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 28, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 28, 2019.

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: royce.com">corporate.care@rolls-royce.com; 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-2018-0611.

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-
0611; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

[[Page 16603]]

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 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: 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 a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RR Trent 1000-A2, 
Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-
H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 turbofan model 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2018 
(83 FR 39380). The NPRM was prompted by reports of IPC rotor seal 
failures. The NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive on-wing 
BSIs of affected IPC rotor seals, and removing any cracked parts from 
service. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0095, dated April 24, 2018 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    During an engine shop visit, an affected seal was found with 
cracking at the seal head. Propagation of such cracking may lead to 
failure, causing secondary impact damage to the IPC module.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
engine power loss, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, RR published the 
NMSB, providing instructions for on-wing borescope inspections. RR 
previously issued NMSB TRENT 1000 72-J353, which contains 
instructions for in-shop inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive borescope inspections of the front face of the affected 
seals and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrections action(s).

    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-2018-0611.

Addition of Engine Models to Applicability

    We have added the RR Trent 1000-AE2 and Trent 1000-CE2 model 
turbofan engines to the applicability of this AD. These engine models 
were not included in the NPRM because they had not been validated by 
the FAA when the NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 9, 
2018 (83 FR 39380). These models were both validated by the FAA and 
added to Type Certificate Data E00076EN on December 20, 2018. Both 
engine models were identified in EASA AD 2018-0095 and are subject to 
the same unsafe condition as the other models listed in the 
Applicability of this AD.
    Neither the RR Trent 1000-AE2 nor the Trent 1000-CE2 turbofan 
engine is installed on any airplane of U.S. registry. Therefore, we did 
not revise our cost estimate in the Costs of Compliance section of this 
AD. Since our revision to the Applicability section of this AD does not 
add any additional burden to the public, we find good cause that notice 
and opportunity for additional public comment on this AD are 
unnecessary.

Addition of Replacement Cost Estimate

    We added an estimated cost for replacement of the IPC rotor seal to 
this AD. Although this estimated cost was omitted from the NPRM, we are 
not adding any additional burden to the public since we have not 
changed the required actions of this AD. We are adding the cost of the 
IPC rotor seal simply to clarify the potential costs of this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Boeing 
Company supported the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor 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 RR Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 
72-J353, Revision 2, dated February 14, 2018; RR Service Bulletin (SB) 
Trent 1000 72-J704, Initial Issue, dated June 23, 2017; and RR Alert 
NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017. RR 
NMSB Trent 1000 72-J353 describes procedures for performing BSI of the 
front and rear face of the IPC rotor seal and defines acceptance and 
rejection criteria. RR SB Trent 1000 72-J704 introduces a revised IPC. 
RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929 describes procedures for performing 
BSI of the front face of the IPC rotor seal and defines acceptance and 
rejection criteria. 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 28 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 IPC rotor seal................  7 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $595         $16,660
                                         hour = $595.
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[[Page 16604]]

    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 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace IPC rotor seal.....................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680.         $81,992         $82,672
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2019-07-09 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19620; Docket No. FAA-2018-
0611; Product Identifier 2018-NE-21-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 28, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 
1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-
E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and 
Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines with intermediate-pressure 
compressor (IPC) rotor seal, part number (P/N) KH77674, installed.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of IPC rotor seal failures. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent an IPC rotor seal failure. 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) Perform an on-wing borescope inspection (BSI) of the IPC 
rotor seal using the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 3, of RR 
Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AJ929, 
Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017, as follows:
    (i) For engines with an IPC rotor seal with 300 cycles since new 
(CSN) or more as of the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI 
before the IPC rotor seal accumulates 400 flight cycles (FCs) after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For engines with an IPC rotor seal with less than 300 CSN 
as of the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI before the IPC 
rotor seal accumulates 300 CSN or within 100 FCs after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is later.
    (iii) For engines that were modified to incorporate RR Service 
Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72-J704, Initial Issue, dated June 23, 
2017, before the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI before the 
IPC rotor seal accumulates 400 FCs since the shop visit modification 
or before the next flight, whichever occurs later.
    (2) Repeat the on-wing BSI at intervals in accordance with 
Figure 2 of RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929, Initial Issue, dated 
November 23, 2017.
    (3) An in-shop inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Paragraph 3, of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-J353, Revision 
2, dated February 14, 2018, may be substituted for an on-wing BSI as 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, within the 
compliance times specified by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (4) If a crack is found on the front face of the seal that is at 
or beyond the rejection limits specified in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of 
RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 
2017, replace the IPC rotor seal with a part eligible for 
installation before further flight.

(h) Operating Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not operate an aircraft 
that has two engines installed that are both required by this AD to 
complete either the 50 FCs interval inspections or the single 100 
FCs fly-on period as specified in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of RR Alert 
NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017.

(i) Non-Required Action

    None of the reporting requirements referenced in RR Alert NMSB 
Trent 1000 72-

[[Page 16605]]

AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017; RR SB Trent 1000 72-
J704, Initial Issue, dated June 23, 2017; or RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-
J353, Revision 2, dated February 14, 2018, are required by this AD.

(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 (k)(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 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0095, dated April 24, 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 it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0611.

(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) Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) Trent 1000 72-J353, Revision 2, dated February 14, 2018.
    (ii) RR Service Bulletin Trent 1000 72-J704, Initial Issue, 
dated June 23, 2017.
    (iii) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ929, Initial Issue, dated 
November 23, 2017.
    (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: royce.com">corporate.care@rolls-royce.com; 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 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 15, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-07942 Filed 4-19-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P