[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 144 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45079-45081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16119]
[[Page 45079]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0424; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00130-E;
Amendment 39-21171; AD 2020-15-08]
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: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-A2,
Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-
CE, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E, Trent
1000-E2, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H, Trent 1000-H2,
Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer identifying 38 low-pressure
compressor (LPC) front cases that have non-optimal properties that
could inhibit their ability to contain certain engine failures. This AD
requires removing the LPC front case from service and replacing it with
a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 31,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0424.
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-2020-
0424; 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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations 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: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all RRD Trent 1000-A,
Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-
C2, Trent 1000-CE, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-D2, Trent
1000-E, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H, Trent
1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2020
(85 FR 23929). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer identifying 38
LPC front cases that have non-optimal properties that could inhibit
their ability to contain certain engine failures. The NPRM proposed to
require removing the LPC front case from service and replacing it with
a part eligible for installation. The FAA is 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 2019-0286, dated November 26, 2019 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
Engineering analysis has identified that 38 LPC front cases have
non-optimal material properties. This could inhibit the intended
function of the LPC front case to contain certain engine failures.
This condition, if not corrected, could, in case of fan blade
failure, lead to high energy debris release, possibly resulting in
damage to, and reduced control of, the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce
developed an updated life management and issued the NMSB,
identifying those ESN that have an affected part installed, and
providing the corresponding limit (date) for in-shop front fan case
replacement.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal
from service of the affected engines to replace the affected parts.
This [EASA] AD also prohibits re-installation of affected parts.
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-2020-0424.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. Boeing Commercial Airplanes supported the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK294, dated July 16, 2019. The NMSB
contains the serial numbers of the affected LPC front cases, the engine
serial numbers on which these LPC front cases are installed, and the
date to remove each engine from service. 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects three engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 45080]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Remove and replace the LPC front case. 390 work-hours x $85 per $1,238,654 $1,271,804 $3,815,412
hour = $33,150.
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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.
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) 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.
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):
2020-15-08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21171; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0424; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00130-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000-A, Trent
1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-C2,
Trent 1000-CE, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-D2, Trent
1000-E, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H,
Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model
turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer identifying 38 low-
pressure compressor (LPC) front cases, part number (P/N) KH26266
with individual serial numbers (S/Ns), that have non-optimal
properties that could inhibit their ability to contain certain
engine failures. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the LPC front case when subjected to high-energy debris release. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained
release of high-energy debris, 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
After the effective date of this AD, no later than the required
removal date specified in Appendix 1 of Rolls-Royce Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK294, dated July
16, 2019 (``Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK294''):
(1) Remove LPC front case, P/N KH26266 and with a S/N identified
in Appendix 1 of Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK294, and
(2) Replace the LPC front case with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) 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 (i)(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.
(i) 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
2019-0286, dated November 26, 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 Docket No. FAA-
2020-0424.
(j) 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) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
Trent 1000 72-AK294, dated July 16, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For RR 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.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
[[Page 45081]]
(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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 10, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16119 Filed 7-24-20; 8:45 am]
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