[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7899-7902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02724]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1109; Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, 
XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was 
prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the low-pressure compressor 
(LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and LPC OGV outer mount ring 
assembly. The analysis predicted that when the front engine mount is in 
the fail-safe condition, the most highly stressed LPC OGV outer mount 
ring assembly has a life that could be substantially less than one shop 
visit interval. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive 
inspections of the OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the 
results of the inspections, possible replacement of the OGV outer mount 
ring assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30, 
2020.

[[Page 7900]]


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 NPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, 
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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-2019-
1109; 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 (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-2019-1109; 
Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E'' at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. 
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the 
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, 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 NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that 
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be 
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2019-0234, dated September 19, 2019 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    The purpose of the engine mount is to position the engine 
relative to the pylon and to transfer all loads and rotational 
moments between the engine and pylon. The front engine mount support 
structure (EMSS) consists of the low pressure compressor (LPC) 
outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and OGV outer mount ring assembly. 
Revised analysis of these parts, when the front engine mount (FEM) 
is engaged in the fail-safe condition, has now been undertaken using 
more advanced modelling techniques. This analysis predicts that, 
once the FEM is in the fail-safe condition, the most highly stressed 
LPC OGV has a life that could be substantially less than one shop 
visit interval.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the EMSS, possibly resulting in engine separation and 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
introduced inspections to protect against the FEM entering the 
failsafe condition following a failure of the OGV outer mount ring 
assembly lugs, and published the NMSB to provide instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the OGV outer mount ring assembly lug 
fillet area and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective action(s).

    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-2019-1109.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 
17, 2019. The NMSB describes procedures for performing fluorescent 
penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly. 
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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive FPIs of the 
LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly, and depending on the results of the 
inspections, possible replacement of the OGV outer mount ring assembly.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 
2019, identifies a more immediate

[[Page 7901]]

compliance time for RRD Trent XWB turbofan engine models with engine 
serial numbers (ESNs) 21021, 21032, 21033, 21038, 21041, 21043, 21044, 
21065, 21088, and 21188. This proposed AD does not include this more 
immediate compliance time for these RRD Trent XWB turbofan engine 
models as they are not installed on aircraft in the U.S. registry.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 26 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    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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FPI the LPC OGV outer mount ring        3 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $255          $6,630
 assembly.                               hour = $255.
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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 
aircraft that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the LPC OGV outer mount ring         8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680.      $2,418,121      $2,418,801
 assembly (KH10678).
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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.
    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 Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2019-1109; 
Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by March 30, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB-75, 
XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7120, Engine Mount 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the low-
pressure compressor (LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and OGV 
outer mount ring assembly. The analysis predicted that when the 
front engine mount is in the fail-safe condition, the most highly 
stressed LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly has a life that could be 
substantially less than one shop visit interval. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the front engine mount support 
structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
engine separation, reduced control of the airplane, and loss of the 
airplane.

[[Page 7902]]

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For affected RRD Trent XWB turbofan engines with 1,700 
flight cycles since new (FCSN) or greater as of the effective date 
of this AD:
    (i) Within 300 flight cycles (FC) after the effective date of 
this AD, perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the LPC 
OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    (ii) Use Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., as 
applicable, of Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 
2019, to perform the FPI of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer 
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC after the previous inspection.
    (2) For affected RRD Trent XWB turbofan engines with fewer than 
1,700 FCSN as of the effective date of this AD:
    (i) Before exceeding 2,000 FCSN after the effective date of this 
AD, perform an FPI of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    (ii) Use Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., as 
applicable, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 
17, 2019, to perform the FPI of LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    (iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer 
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC after the previous inspection.
    (3) If, during any FPI required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, an LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly discrepancy is 
detected, as defined in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.A or 3.B, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 
17, 2019, repeat the FPI within the interval specified in 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., of RR Alert 
NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2019.
    (4) If, during any FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of 
this AD, an LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly is rejected as a 
result of the FPI, as defined in the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.A or 3.B, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated 
December 17, 2019:
    (i) Before further flight, replace the LPC OGV outer mount ring 
assembly with a part eligible for installation.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer 
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC of the previous inspection.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3, of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated 
December 17, 2019, are not required by this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial and repetitive FPIs that are 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed 
the FPIs before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB 
Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2019, or Initial 
Issue, dated August 13, 2019.

(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 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 
2019-0234, dated September 19, 2019, 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-2019-1109.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: 
https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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 February 6, 2020.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02724 Filed 2-11-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P