[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16548-16550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06408]


 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 59 / Tuesday, March 30, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 16548]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00950-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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 
2020-13-07, which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(RRD) Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-J2, and Trent 1000-K2 model turbofan 
engines with a certain part-numbered fuel pump installed. AD 2020-13-07 
requires removal and replacement of the fuel pump with a part eligible 
for installation. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-13-07, the manufacturer 
determined that an additional part-numbered fuel pump is subject to the 
same unsafe condition identified in AD 2020-13-07. This proposed AD 
would add an additional part-numbered fuel pump and additional Trent 
1000 model turbofan engines to the applicability. This proposed AD 
would require new and reduced life limits, depending on the engine 
model, for affected fuel pumps. 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 May 14, 
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 NPRM, 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; 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), any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7088; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00950-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 the proposal 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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 Kevin 
M. Clark, 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.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 FR 38312, June 
26, 2020), (AD 2020-13-07), for all RRD Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-J2, 
and Trent 1000-K2 model turbofan engines with fuel pump, part number 
G5030FPU01, installed. AD 2020-13-07 was prompted by the manufacturer's 
investigation into an unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in 
certain high life fuel pumps. AD 2020-13-07 requires removal and 
replacement of the affected fuel pump with a part eligible for 
installation. The FAA issued AD 2020-13-07 to reduce the risk of 
reduced thrust during engine operation.

Actions Since AD 2020-13-07 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2020-13-07, The European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical

[[Page 16549]]

Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2021-0006, dated January 7, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    An unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance has been seen 
during testing of high life units. Strip examination of these fuel 
pumps has identified that life related wear-out of the internal 
components is causing deterioration in pump efficiency. The effect 
of the loss of fuel pump efficiency is more pronounced on higher 
rated engines.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced engine 
thrust, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
published NMSB 73-AK581 (original issue) to provide instructions for 
replacement of the affected parts before exceeding reduced life 
limits. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2020-0124 to require the 
removal from service of the affected parts.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued NMSB 73-
AK581 Revision 1, introducing an additional fuel pump, P/N TPS1000-
05, as well as new and reduced life limits for the affected parts, 
depending on engine model (rating). Consequently, EASA issued AD 
2020-0154, retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2020-0124, which 
was superseded, expanding the Applicability to include additional 
engine models (ratings) and requiring implementation of the new and 
reduced life limits.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued the NMSB, as 
defined in this [EASA] AD, introducing new and reduced life limits 
for the affected parts, depending on engine model (rating).
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2020-0154, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the new and reduced life limits, as applicable.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0198.

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. The FAA is 
issuing this NPRM because the Agency evaluated all the relevant 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin TRENT 1000-73-AK581, Revision 2, dated December 2, 2020 (RR 
Alert NMSB). The RR Alert NMSB introduces a reduced life limit for 
affected fuel pumps installed on certain RRD Trent 1000 model turbofan 
engines. The RR Alert NMSB also includes additional RRD Trent 1000 
turbofan engine models that require implementation of the reduced life 
limits for affected fuel pumps. 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2020-13-
07. This proposed AD would add an additional part-number fuel pump and 
additional RRD Trent 1000 model turbofan engines on which this fuel 
pump is installed to the applicability. This proposed AD would require 
new and reduced life limits for certain part-numbered fuel pumps, 
depending on the engine model the fuel pump is installed on.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or the Service 
Information

    EASA AD 2021-0006 identifies RRD Trent 1000-E and Trent 1000-E2 
model turbofan engines in the Applicability section. This AD does not 
include RRD Trent 1000-E and Trent 1000-E2 model turbofan engines in 
the Applicability. These engine models have never been produced and RR 
Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 73-AK581, Revision 2, dated December 2, 2020, did 
not publish life limits for affected fuel pumps installed on these 
engine models.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action. 
If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 28 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fuel pump...................  3 work-hours x $85 per         $393,552         $393,807      $11,026,596
                                       hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals.

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

    The FAA has 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.

[[Page 16550]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 
FR 38312, June 26, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously 
held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00950-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 14, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 FR 38312, 
June 26, 2020).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
(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-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 
1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines 
with a fuel pump, part number (P/N) G5030FPU01 or P/N TPS1000-05, 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7314, Engine Fuel 
Pump.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's investigation into an 
unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in certain high life 
fuel pumps and life-related wear-out of the internal components, 
which causes deterioration in fuel pump efficiency. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel pump, loss of engine 
thrust control and reduced control of the airplane. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the fuel 
pump, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within the compliance time specified in Planning Information, 
paragraph 1.D.2, of Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin TRENT 1000 73-AK581, Revision 2, dated December 2, 2020 
(the RR Alert NMSB), or within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, remove the fuel pump, P/N 
G5030FPU01 or P/N TPS1000-05, and replace it with a part eligible 
for installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is a fuel pump with a P/N other than G5030FPU01 or TPS1000-05 or a 
fuel pump that has not exceeded the compliance time specified in 
Planning Information, paragraph 1.D.2, of the RR Alert NMSB.

(i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0006, dated January 7, 2021, 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-2021-0198.
    (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. You may view this referenced 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.

    Issued on March 24, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-06408 Filed 3-29-21; 8:45 am]
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