[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17209-17211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06409]



[[Page 17209]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0296; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01064-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) 
2021-15-01, which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and 
Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. AD 2021-15-01 requires revisions 
to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the Rolls-Royce (RR) 
Trent XWB time limits manual (TLM) and the operator's existing approved 
aircraft maintenance program (AMP). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-15-01, 
the manufacturer has revised the TLM life limits and updated mandatory 
inspection intervals of certain critical rotating parts. This proposed 
AD would require revisions to the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM and the 
operator's existing approved AMP, as specified in a European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 
by reference (IBR). 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 12, 
2022.

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 material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the EASA 
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 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 (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0296. For the material identified in this 
AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Rolls-Royce plc, 
Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0296; 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 EASA AD, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7116; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0296; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-01064-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 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 we receive about this proposed AD.

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 
Nicholas Paine, 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 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 FR 36487, July 
12, 2021) (AD 2021-15-01), for all RRD Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, 
Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. 
AD 2021-15-01 was prompted by the manufacturer revising the TLM to 
incorporate repairs to the low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades and 
introduce a new fan blade inspection. AD 2021-15-01 requires revisions 
to the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM and the operator's existing approved 
AMP. The agency issued AD 2021-15-01 to prevent the failure of critical 
rotating parts.

Actions Since AD 2021-15-01 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-15-10, EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2021-0217, dated September 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0217), to address an 
unsafe condition for all RRD Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, 
Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines.
    This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the TLM 
to introduce new instructions for repairs to the LPC blades and fan 
blade inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent the failure 
of critical rotating parts. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in failure of one

[[Page 17210]]

or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane. See 
EASA AD 2021-0217 for additional background information.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the EASA 
AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0217. EASA AD 2021-0217 describes 
actions for the incorporation of revised life limits and updated 
mandatory inspection intervals of certain critical rotating parts into 
the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM, as applicable to each engine model, 
and the operator's existing approved AMP. This material is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory 
parts lives), TRENTXWB-A-05-10-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 016, dated May 
1, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; 
Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory Parts Lives), 
TRENTXWB-B-05-10-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 003, dated April 19, 2021, 
of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; Rolls-Royce 
Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory inspections), TRENTXWB-A-05-20-01-
00A01-030A-D, Revision 015, dated May 1, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent 
XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; and Rolls-Royce Airworthiness 
Limitations (Mandatory inspections), TRENTXWB-B-05-20-01-00A01-030A-D, 
Revision 008, dated April 19, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM 
TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01. These sections of the TLM specify inspection 
intervals and life limits, differentiated by engine model, for critical 
rotating parts.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2021-0217, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since 
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a 
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference EASA AD 2021-0217 
in the FAA final rule. Service information required by the EASA AD for 
compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0296 after the FAA final 
rule is published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

Definitions

    Where EASA AD 2021-0217 defines the AMP as the approved Aircraft 
Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or the owner 
ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this 
proposed AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program on the 
basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing 
airworthiness of each operated airplane.

Compliance

    Where EASA AD 2021-0217 requires revising the approved AMP within 
12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0217, this proposed 
AD requires revising the approved AMP and ALS within 120 days after the 
effective date of this AD.

Mandatory Inspections

    This proposed AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1), 
Mandatory Inspections and Replacement of Life Limited Parts, of EASA AD 
2021-0217.

Corrective Action(s)

    This proposed AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2), 
Corrective Action(s), of EASA AD 2021-0217.

Credit

    This proposed AD does not require compliance with paragraph (4), 
Credit, of EASA AD 2021-0217.

Recording AD Compliance

    This proposed AD does not require compliance with paragraph (5), 
Recording AD Compliance, of EASA AD 2021-0217.

Remarks

    This proposed AD does not require compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0217.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 30 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $2,550
 and the operator's existing approved    hour = $85.
 AMP.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 17211]]

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 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) 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 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 
FR 36487, July 12, 2021); 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-2022-0296; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2021-01064-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by May 12, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 FR 36487, 
July 12, 2021).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 
XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 
model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
Turbine/Turboprop.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the time 
limits manual (TLM) to incorporate revised life limits and updated 
mandatory inspection intervals of certain critical rotating parts. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of critical 
rotating parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in failure of one or more engines, 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

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0217.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0217

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0217 defines the AMP as the approved 
Aircraft Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or 
the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated 
engine, this AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program 
on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the 
continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0217 requires revising the approved 
aircraft maintenance program (AMP) within 12 months after the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0217, this AD requires revising the 
approved AMP and airworthiness limitations section (ALS) within 120 
days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1), 
Mandatory Inspections and Replacement of Life Limited Parts, of EASA 
AD 2021-0217.
    (4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2), 
Corrective Action(s), of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (5) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (4), 
Credit, of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (6) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (5), 
Recording AD Compliance, of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (7) This AD does not require compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0217.

(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 paragraph (j)(2) of this AD and email 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 EASA AD 2021-0217, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 
material 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 
(817) 222-5110. This material may be found in the AD docket at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0296.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7116; email: 
[email protected].
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 
8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 
249936; 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 (817) 222-5110.

    Issued on March 22, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06409 Filed 3-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P