[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 97 (Monday, May 20, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22738-22740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-10233]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 97 / Monday, May 20, 2019 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 22738]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-1034; Product Identifier 2018-NE-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-22-
24 which applies to certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 model turbofan engines. AD 2008-22-24
requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of installed
low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade roots on-wing and during
overhaul, and relubrication according to accumulated life cycles. Since
we issued AD 2008-22-24, RR determined the need to expand the
inspections to engines operating under additional flight profiles and
to extend the inspection intervals for certain affected engines. This
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections to detect
cracks on the installed LPC fan blade roots on-wing or at engine
overhaul. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 1, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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://www.aeromanager.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.
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-
1034; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 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: Matthew Smith, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-1034;
Product Identifier 2018-NE-38-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued AD 2008-22-24, Amendment 39-15721 (73 FR 65511, November
4, 2008), (``AD 2008-22-24''), for certain RR RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 model turbofan engines. AD 2008-22-24
requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of installed LPC
fan blade roots on-wing and during overhaul, and relubrication
according to accumulated life cycles. AD 2008-22-24 resulted from the
discovery of cracks in LPC fan blade roots. We issued AD 2008-22-24 to
detect cracks in LPC fan blade roots, which if not detected, could lead
to uncontained multiple fan blade failure and damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2008-22-24 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2008-22-24, it was reported that some engines
were operated outside the profiles initially specified, and RR
introduced new flight profiles to mitigate the risk of overflying the
recommended flight profiles. Consequently, RR extended the inspection
intervals for engines operating within RB211-535E4-B-37 flight profiles
C, D and E. Additionally, RR introduced inspection instructions for
engines operating within RB211-535E4-C-37 flight profile F and RB211-
535E4-37 flight profile G. Also since we issued AD 2008-22-24, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2018-0202R1,
dated September 25, 2018, which requires initial and repetitive
ultrasonic inspections of installed LPC fan blade roots.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
(NMSB) No. RB.211-72-AC879, Revision 9, dated April 23, 2018 and Rolls-
Royce Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-72-C946, Revision 4, dated June 22,
2010. Rolls-Royce NMSB RB.211-72-AC879 describes procedures for
performing inspections of high cyclic life LPC fan
[[Page 22739]]
blade roots on-wing or at overhaul, and re-lubrication of the LPC fan
blade roots during overhaul. Rolls-Royce SB RB.211-72-C946 introduces a
revised LPC fan blade featuring a redefined dry film lubricant
application. 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
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2008-22-24.
The proposed AD would extend these requirements to engines operating
under additional flight profiles and add the RB211-535E4-C-37 model
turbofan engines to the applicability of this AD. This proposed AD
would require initial and repetitive inspections of LPC fan blade roots
on-wing or at engine overhaul, and replacement of blades that exceed
the criteria in the Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB RB211-72-AC879, Revision 9,
dated April 23, 2018.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 512 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection of LPC fan blade set....... 7 workhours x $85 per $0 $595 $304,640
hour = $595.
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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
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of LPC fan blade............... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340. $77,916 $78,256
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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
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
(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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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)
2008-22-24, Amendment 39-15721 (73 FR 65511, November 4, 2008), and
adding the following new AD:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2018-1034; Product Identifier 2018-
NE-38-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 1, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2008-22-24, Amendment 39-15721 (73 FR 65511,
November 4, 2008).
[[Page 22740]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, RB211-535E4-C-37, and RB-211-535E4-B-75 model turbofan
engines except those with fan blades that have all incorporated
Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-72-C946, Revision 4, dated
June 22, 2010 (or any earlier revision).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by small cracks found in the low-pressure
compressor (LPC) fan blade roots on the conclave root flank during
an engine overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the
LPC fan blade roots. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in uncontained LPC fan blade release, damage to the engine,
and damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For engine models being used in the flight profiles
indicated in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform initial
and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the affected fan blades in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.,
3.B., and 3.C., of Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) RB211-72-AC879, Revision 9, dated April 23, 2018, as
follows:
(i) Perform an initial ultrasonic root or surface wave
inspection of each LPC fan blade before exceeding the inspection
threshold as indicated in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or
within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(ii) Thereafter, perform a repetitive ultrasonic root or surface
wave inspection of each LPC fan blade at intervals not to exceed
engine flight cycles (EFCs) since the previous inspection using the
applicable EFCs specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Flight Profile Inspection Intervals
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Initial inspection Reinspection Reinspection
Model Flight profile threshold, EFCs interval; root interval; surface
since new probe method wave probe method
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
535 E4-37....................... B and G........... 15,000 EFCs....... 850 EFCs.......... 700 EFCs.
535E4-C-37...................... F................. 15,000 EFCs....... 850 EFCs.......... 700 EFCs.
535E4-B-37...................... E and C........... 20,000 EFCs....... 1,200 EFCs........ 1,000 EFCs.
535E4-B-75...................... All............... 20,000 EFCs....... 1,200 EFCs........ 1,000 EFCs.
535E4-37........................ A................. 20,000 EFCs....... 1,400 EFCs........ 1,150 EFCs.
535E4-B-37...................... D................. 20,000 EFCs....... 1,500 EFCs........ 1,200 EFCs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For engine models that, after the effective date of this AD,
change flight profiles, inspect the affected fan blades before
exceeding the initial threshold of the new flight profile or
reinspection interval, as applicable, or within 200 EFCs after
changing flight profiles, whichever occurs later, without exceeding
the previous flight profile initial inspection threshold or
reinspection interval.
(3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or
(2) of this AD, any crack is found in the affected fan blades that
exceeds the criteria in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.A., 3.B., or 3.C., of Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB RB211-72-AC879,
Revision 9, dated April 23, 2018, before the next flight, replace
the LPC fan blade with a LPC fan blade eligible for installation.
(h) Optional Terminating Action
Modification of any RR RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, RB211-
535E4-C-37, and RB-211-535E4-B-75 model turbofan engine in
accordance with Rolls-Royce SB RB.211-72-C946, Revision 4, dated
June 22, 2010, constitutes terminating action to this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
Any initial ultrasonic inspection accomplished before the
effective date of this AD that uses Rolls-Royce NMSB No. RB.211-72-
C879, Revision 8, dated November 18, 2015, or earlier versions,
meets the requirement of the initial inspection, as applicable. Any
repetitive ultrasonic inspection accomplished before the effective
date of this AD that uses RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-C879, Revision 8,
dated November 18, 2015, or earlier versions, meets the requirement
of that single repetitive inspection, as applicable. Further
repetitive inspections, as mandated by paragraph (g) of this AD, are
still required.
(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 Matthew Smith,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7735; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2018-0202R1, dated September 25, 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-2018-1034.
(3) For RR service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-
44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936. You may view this
referenced 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 13, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-10233 Filed 5-17-19; 8:45 am]
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