[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 244 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 82302-82305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27897]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1032; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00856-E;
Amendment 39-21338; AD 2020-24-08]
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; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) (RRD) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60,
772B-60 and 772C-60 model turbofan engines. This AD requires
replacement of high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades with parts eligible
for installation before exceeding specified flight cycles since new.
This AD was prompted by several reports from the manufacturer that HPT
blades on RB211 Trent 700 model turbofan engines have been subject to
high levels of corrosion fatigue, leading to blade cracking and
eventual release, resulting in an aborted take-off and in-flight shut-
downs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 4,
2021.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 1, 2021.
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 final rule, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom, phone:
+44 (0)1332 242424; website: 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1032.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1032; 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, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No. 2018-0291, dated December 21, 2018 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
HP turbine blades on a number of Trent 700 engines have been
subject to high levels of corrosion fatigue, leading to blade
cracking and eventual release. This has caused a
[[Page 82303]]
number of aborted take-off and in-flight shut-down events. Sampling
has identified that corrosion fatigue affects blades at varying
rates, likely dependent on environmental, operational and individual
blade conditions.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to blade failure
and subsequent increased risk of high energy debris release,
possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control of, the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, RR issued the NMSB
to provide instructions for removal from service of certain engines
where a higher level of corrosion exposure is expected for the
affected blades.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal
from service of certain engines, to be corrected in shop.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2020-1032.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 700 Series Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AK165, dated November
26, 2018. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for removal of specific
engines, identified by serial number, to enable replacement of
potentially corrosion-fatigued HPT blades. The FAA also reviewed Task
72-41-52-200-800--General Data for the Inspection of the High Pressure
(HP) Turbine Blades, dated June 10, 2011, from the (Rolls-Royce) RR
Trent-768-60/15 Engine Manual. This Task describes procedures for
inspection of the HPT 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
ADDRESSES.
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 issuing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant
information provided by EASA and determined that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires replacement of HPT blades on affected engines
prior to accumulating a specified number of flight cycles since new, or
before further flight, whichever occurs later.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than 30 days, upon
a finding of good cause.
The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies waiving
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no domestic
operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive
any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from U.S.
operators. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for
the foregoing reasons, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the FAA-2020-1032 and
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00856-E at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 final rule.
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 final rule 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 final rule, 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 final rule. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
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 HPT blades....... 52 work hours x $85 per $1,500,000 $1,504,420 $0
hour = $4,420.
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[[Page 82304]]
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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):
2020-24-08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21338; Docket No.
FAA-2020-1032; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00856-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) (RRD) RB211 Trent
768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, and 772C-60 model turbofan engines with an
engine serial number (ESN) identified in Table 1 or Table 2 of
Appendix 1 of Rolls-Royce (RR) RB211 Trent 700 Series Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AK165, dated November 26,
2018 (the NMSB).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 7250--Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination by the manufacturer that
high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades on several RB211 Trent 700 model
turbofan engines have been subject to high levels of corrosion
fatigue, leading to HPT blade cracking and eventual release. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT blades. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in blade failure and
subsequent release of high-energy debris, possibly resulting in
damage to, and reduced control of, the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For engines with an ESN listed in Table 1 of Appendix 1 of
the NMSB, prior to each HPT blade accumulating 3,500 flight cycles
since new, or before further flight after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, remove the HPT blade from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(2) For engines with an ESN listed in Table 2 of Appendix 1 of
the NMSB, prior to each HPT blade accumulating 5,800 flight cycles
since new, or before further flight after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, remove the HPT blade from service and
replace with a part eligible for installation.
(3) If the flight cycles since new of an HPT blade are unable to
be determined, use the flight cycles since new, flight cycles since
refurbishment, or flight cycles since overhaul of the HPT module.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, ``a part eligible for installation''
is:
(1) An HPT blade that has:
(i) Been removed from an engine with a serial number listed in
Table 1 of the NMSB; and
(ii) not exceeded 3,500 flight cycles since new; and
(iii) before installation, passed an inspection (no crack
detected) in accordance with Task 72-41-52-200-800--General Data for
the Inspection of the High Pressure (HP) Turbine Blades, dated June
10, 2011, from the (Rolls-Royce) RR Trent-768-60/15 Engine Manual
(RR Task 72-41-52-200-800); or
(2) An HPT blade that has:
(i) Been removed from an engine with a serial number listed in
Table 2 of the NMSB; and
(ii) not exceeded 5,800 flight cycles since new; and
(iii) before installation, passed an inspection (no crack
detected) in accordance with Task 72-41-52-200-800--General Data for
the Inspection of the High Pressure (HP) Turbine Blades, dated June
10, 2011, from the RR Trent-768-60/15 Engine Manual (RR Task 72-41-
52-200-800); or
(3) An HPT blade with zero flight cycles since new.
(i) No Reporting Requirements
The reporting requirements specified in paragraph R. of RR Task
72-41-52-200-800 are not 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
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in Related Information. 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 Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2018-
0291, dated December 21, 2018, for more information. You may examine
the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2018-1032.
(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 RB211 Trent 700 Series Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AK165, dated November 26, 2018.
(ii) Task 72-41-52-200-800--General Data for the Inspection of
the High Pressure (HP) Turbine Blades, dated June 10, 2011, from
[[Page 82305]]
the (Rolls-Royce) RR Trent-768-60/15 Engine Manual.
(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; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
(4) 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.
(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 November 17, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-27897 Filed 12-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P