[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62482-62485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24594]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0538; Product Identifier 2012-NE-47-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for certain Rolls-
Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 model turbofan
engines. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
by modifying the inspection threshold for ultrasonic inspections (UIs)
of the affected low-pressure (LP) compressor blades for both standard
operations and non-standard operations (NSO). This action also revises
the service information references. The FAA is proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over
those in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the
public the chance to comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on August 14, 2018 (83 FR 40161), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 30, 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 https://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 SNPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 44
(0)1332 242424; fax: 44 (0)1332 249936; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine and 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0538; 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 SNPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI),
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0538;
Product Identifier 2012-NE-47-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
SNPRM because of those comments.
[[Page 62483]]
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this SNPRM.
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD
2017-03-02, Amendment 39-18793 (82 FR 10701, February 15, 2017), (``AD
2017-03-02'') that would apply to certain RR RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-
60, and 772B-60 model turbofan engines. AD 2017-03-02 resulted from
revised service information to reduce the inspection threshold of the
UI for the LP compressor blades. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on August 14, 2018 (83 FR 40161). The NPRM was prompted by LP
compressor blade partial airfoil release events. The NPRM proposed to
require initial and repetitive UIs of the affected LP compressor blade
and replacement of the LP compressor blade with a part eligible for
installation if the LP compressor blade fails an inspection.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2018-0188R1, dated September 5, 2018 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of LP compressor partial aerofoil
blade release events on RR Trent 700 engines. While primary
containment of the released sections was achieved in each case, some
of the releases did exhibit secondary effects that are considered to
present a potential hazard.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to LP
compressor blade release with possible consequent loss of the engine
nose cowl, under cowl fires and forward projection of secondary
debris, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and/or injury
to persons on the ground.
To address this potential unsafe condition, RR published NMSB
RB.211-72-G872, providing inspection instructions and, consequently,
EASA issued AD 2012-0247 to require a one-time inspection of the
higher life LP compressor blades. After identification of a
population of these LP compressor blades that were incorrectly
inspected, RR issued NMSB RB.211-72-H311 and, consequently, EASA
issued AD 2013-0060, retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2012-
0247, which was superseded, to require a one-time re-inspection of
the affected blades.
After that AD was issued, to mitigate the risk of further
partial LP compressor blade release events, RR issued NMSB RB.211-
72-AH465, providing instructions for ultrasonic inspection of the
affected parts to detect sub-surface anomalies in the aerofoil.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0031, superseding [EASA] AD 2013-
0060, to require repetitive inspections of all affected LP
compressor blades and, depending on findings, replacement.
Thereafter, EASA issued AD 2016-0141, retaining the requirements of
[EASA] AD 2014-0031, which was superseded, to reduce inspection
threshold (RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH465 Revision 2). Prompted by
further analysis, EASA issued AD 2017-0241, retaining the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0141, which was superseded, further
reducing the inspection threshold and interval (RR Alert NMSB
RB.211-72-AH465 Revision 4).
Since EASA AD 2017-0241 was issued, RR issued the NMSB to
distinguish between standard operations and NSO and to determine the
applicable inspection threshold and interval. The flight cycles (FC)
accumulated by operators conducting NSO have to be calculated using
the beta factor shown in Table of the NMSB. The NMSB also
introduces, for engines that have accumulated more than 600 FC or
standard duty cycles (SDC, for engines used in NSO), a closing date
by which these have to be inspected at least once.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0241, which is superseded, and requires
implementation of the changes introduced.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0538.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the manufacturer determined the need
to modify the inspection threshold for UIs and to distinguish between
operators conducting standard operations and NSO. The manufacturer also
determined the need to require inspection of engines that have
accumulated greater than 600 flight cycles (FCs) or standard duty
cycles (SDCs) for engines used in NSO.
Also, since the FAA issued the NPRM, EASA issued EASA AD 2018-
0188R1, dated September 5, 2018, which requires UIs of each affected LP
compressor blade within the compliance time specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3, of RR Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5, dated July 26,
2018 (``the NMSB''). The FAA also determined the need to revise the
references to the service information in this AD because, since the
publication of the NPRM, RR published the NMSB.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Update Service Information
A commenter requested that the FAA update all service information
references from RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 4, to Revision
5. The commenter indicated that updated service information contains
all the inspection compliance time and requirements as Revision 4, but
Revision 5 also addresses NSO.
The FAA agrees to reference the latest revision of the service
information in this proposed AD.
Support for the AD
The Air Line Pilots Association International supported the NPRM as
written.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5, dated
July 26, 2018. The NMSB describes procedures for performing a UI of the
LP compressor blades. 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. The FAA is proposing this AD because it 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. Certain changes described above
expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, the FAA has determined that
it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional
opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.
Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM
This SNPRM would require initial and repetitive UIs of the affected
LP compressor blades and, depending on the results, their replacement
with a part eligible for installation.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 56 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
[[Page 62484]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
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 LP compressor blade........... 44 work-hours x $85 per $0 $3,740 $209,440
hour = $3,740.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
engines that might need this replacement.
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace LP compressor blade (one blade per 77 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $103,000 $103,510
engine sets). $510.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in
our cost estimate.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2018-0538; Product Identifier 2012-
NE-47-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by December 30, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-03-02, Amendment 39-18793 (82 FR 10701,
February 15, 2017).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-
60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines, with low-pressure (LP) compressor
blade, part number (P/N) FK23411, FK25441, FK25968, FW11901,
FW15393, FW23643, FW23741, FW23744, KH23403, or KH23404, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by LP compressor blade partial airfoil
release events. While released sections were contained in each case,
projection of secondary debris and effects could present a potential
hazard. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent LP compressor blade
airfoil separation. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in 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) Within the compliance time specified in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and
[[Page 62485]]
thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles (FCs) or
Standard Duty Cycle (SDCs) for Non-Standard Operations (NSO), as
applicable, since the last ultrasonic inspection (UI), perform a UI
of each affected LP compressor blade in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3, of RR Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5,
dated July 26, 2018.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Paragraph 1.D of Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB
RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5, dated July 26, 2018, describes how to
determine the applicable SDCs. The Time Limits Manual (TLM), 05-00-
01, defines NSO.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15NO19.580
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, a LP compressor blade is rejected by the UI, as defined in
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3, of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-
72-AH465, Revision 5, dated July 26, 2018, before further flight, or
before returning the LP compressor blade to service, whichever
occurs first, remove the affected LP compressor blade from service
and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected
LP compressor blade on an engine unless the LP compressor blade
meets the conditions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) or (2) of this
AD, as applicable.
(1) The affected part has not exceeded 1,200 FC or SDCs (for
NSO) since new, or since inspection in accordance with RR Alert NMSB
RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5, dated July 26, 2018, or since an
inspection as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
(2) Prior to installation, the affected part has passed an
ultrasonic inspection in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3 of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH465, Revision 5, dated July
26, 2018, are not required by this AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for LP compressor blade UIs required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if you performed the UI before the
effective date of this AD using:
(1) The instructions referenced in the mandatory inspection
paragraph of the applicable engine TLM, provided the compliance
times of this AD are not exceeded; or
(2) RR NMSB RB.211-72-G702, dated May 23, 2011; RR NMSB RB.211-
72-G872, Revision 2, dated March 8, 2013, or earlier versions; RR
NMSB RB.211-72-H311, dated March 8, 2013; RR NMSB RB.211-72-AH465,
Revision 4, dated October 3, 2017, or earlier versions; Engine
Manual E-Trent-1RR, Task 72-31-11-200-806; or Airbus A330 Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 72-31-41-270-801, or AMM Task 72-31-
41-270-802.
(k) 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 (l)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2018-0188R1, dated September 5, 2018, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2018-0538.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom;
phone: 44 (0)1332 242424; fax: 44 (0)1332 249936; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and 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 November 6, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24594 Filed 11-14-19; 8:45 am]
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