[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26755-26757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07872]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 16, 2024 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 26755]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1878; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01582-E;
Amendment 39-22711; AD 2024-06-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-25-03
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 7000-72
and Trent 7000-72C engines. AD 2021-25-03 required operators to revise
the airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of their existing approved
continuous airworthiness maintenance program by incorporating the
revised tasks of the applicable time limits manual (TLM) for each
affected engine model. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-25-03, the
manufacturer again revised the TLM to introduce new or more restrictive
tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-
limited parts, which prompted this AD. This AD requires revising the
ALS of the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and
intervals for life-limited parts, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 21, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 21,
2024.
ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA-2023-1878; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone:
+49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu.
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
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 (817) 222-5110. It is
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1878.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-
7241; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-25-03, Amendment 39-21846 (86 FR
71135, December 15, 2021) (AD 2021-25-03). AD 2021-25-03 applied to all
RRD Model Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000-72C engines. AD 2021-25-03
required operators to revise the ALS of their existing approved
continuous airworthiness maintenance program by incorporating the
revised tasks of the applicable TLM for each affected model turbofan
engine, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0244. The FAA issued AD 2021-25-03
to prevent the failure of critical rotating parts, which could result
in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of
the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2023
(88 FR 63888). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0248, dated
December 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0248) (also referred to as the MCAI),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union. The MCAI states that the manufacturer published a
revised engine TLM to introduce new or more restrictive tasks and
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited
parts.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1878.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the
operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited
parts, which are specified in EASA AD 2022-0248, described previously,
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory
text of this AD.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were
the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and Delta Air
Lines, Inc. (DAL). ALPA supported the NPRM without change. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM from DAL and the
FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify the Definition of Approved Maintenance Program (AMP)
Delta requested that the FAA revise paragraph (h)(1) of the
proposed AD to clarify the definition of the AMP and to refer to the
operator's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) instead.
DAL stated that the FAA's definition of an AMP in paragraph (h)(1) of
the proposed AD contradicts the definition of an AMP in paragraph
(h)(4). DAL also noted that the definitions for an AMP in paragraph
(h)(1) and (4) of the proposed AD are part of the operator's CAMP.
The FAA partially agrees. Paragraph (h)(4) of this AD has been
revised to refer to the airworthiness limitations section of the
``existing approved
[[Page 26756]]
aircraft maintenance or inspection program'' rather than the ``existing
approved engine maintenance or inspection program.'' However, paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD was not changed as a result of this comment because a
CAMP is a specific type of maintenance program, and this AD uses the
term ``maintenance program'' generically to include an AMP and a CAMP.
Request To Allow Alternative Actions and Prohibit Relaxed Thresholds
Intervals
DAL requested paragraph (i) of the proposed AD be revised to remove
the ``no alternative actions'' statement and to clarify that only
relaxed thresholds and intervals are not allowed unless they are
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2022-0248. DAL stated that paragraph (i) of the proposed AD
does not allow any alternative thresholds and interval changes once the
required TLM revision is incorporated into the operator's maintenance
program. DAL noted that an operator may elect to incorporate stricter
thresholds and intervals than prescribed in the TLM, which would allow
the intervals and thresholds to be changed if they remain within the
published limits of the TLM.
The FAA disagrees with the request. The FAA notes that paragraph
(i) of this AD does not limit the operators from using more restrictive
limits or from performing more frequent inspections. This paragraph
requires the actions within the compliance time of the TLM, which
specifies the completion of tasks at intervals of no more than a
defined number of engine flight cycles and replacement of parts before
exceeding published life limits. Based on this, replacement of a part
at a more restrictive time would fall within compliance time of the TLM
and will satisfy that particular requirement of the AD. The FAA did not
change this AD as a result of these comments.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0248, which specifies revising the
ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited
parts.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the ALS........................ 1 work-hours x $85 per $0 $85 $3,400
hour = $85.
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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
The FAA has determined that 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,
(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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-25-03, Amendment 39-21846 (86
FR 71135, December 15, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2024-06-06 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22711;
Docket No. FAA-2023-1878; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01582-E.
[[Page 26757]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 21, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-25-03, Amendment 39-21846 (86 FR 71135,
December 15, 2021).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model
Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000-72C 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 engine
time limits manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating
parts and updating certain maintenance tasks. 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
2022-0248, dated December 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0248).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0248
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0248 defines the AMP as the approved
Aircraft Maintenance Programme containing the tasks on the basis of
which the scheduled maintenance is conducted to ensure the
continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this AD defines
the AMP as the aircraft maintenance program containing the tasks on
the basis of which the scheduled maintenance is conducted to ensure
the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0248 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1),
(2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0248.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0248 specifies revising
the approved AMP within 12 months after the effective date of EASA
AD 2022-0248, this AD requires revising the airworthiness
limitations section of the existing approved aircraft maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD.
(5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0248.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2022-0248.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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, AIR-520 Continued Operational
Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k) 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: (781) 238-7241; email: [email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0248,
dated December 14, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0248, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
[email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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 (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on March 15, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-07872 Filed 4-15-24; 8:45 am]
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