[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 50 (Monday, March 17, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12233-12235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-04214]
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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. 90, No. 50 / Monday, March 17, 2025 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 12233]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0333; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01208-E;
Amendment 39-22976; AD 2025-05-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-05-
02, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD)
(type certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Model RB211-Trent
970-84 and RB211-Trent 972-84 engines. AD 2019-05-02 required
repetitive inspections of the drains mast for any crack and replacement
or repair of the drains mast if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD
2019-05-02, the manufacturer has developed a modification (improved
drains mast and drains support bracket), which the FAA has determined
mitigates the unsafe condition. This AD was prompted by cracks found in
the transition duct area of the drains mast. This AD requires
modification with improved drains mast and drains support bracket. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2025.
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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0333; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For RRD material 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: rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
You may view this material at the FAA, 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-2025-0333.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0333; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-01208-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA 98198. 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 2019-05-02, Amendment 39-19584 (84 FR 8799, March
12, 2019) (AD 2019-05-02), to supersede AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-
19093 (82 FR 51550, November 7, 2017) (AD 2017-22-13), which applied to
RRD Model RB211-Trent 970-84 and RB211-Trent 972-84 engines.
AD 2017-22-13 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
issued EASA AD 2017-0075R1, dated May 5, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0075R1) to
correct an unsafe condition identified as cracks found in the
transition duct area of the drains mast, which is part of the fire wall
in Zone 1. Cracks were found on both pre-Mod 72-H499 drains masts, part
number (P/N) FW29847, and post-
[[Page 12234]]
Mod 72-H499 drains masts, P/N KH31996. AD 2017-22-13 required a visual
inspection of the drains mast for any crack and replacement or repair
of the drains mast if necessary.
AD 2019-05-02 was prompted EASA AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0185) by in-service findings that resulted in the
decision to expand the group of affected engines and the group of
affected parts and consequently to require repetitive inspections and
applicable corrective actions. AD 2019-05-02 required repetitive
inspections of the drains mast for any crack and replacement or repair
of the drains mast if necessary.
The FAA issued AD 2017-22-13 and AD 2019-05-02 to prevent failure
of the drains mast which, if not addressed, could result in engine fire
and damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2019-05-02 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019-05-02, Rolls-Royce developed a
modification that introduced an improved breather drains mast assembly,
and drains support bracket, featuring material and geometry changes.
EASA then issued EASA AD 2019-0101, dated May 8, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-
0101), which superseded and retained the requirements of EASA AD 2018-
0185, and also required replacement of the affected parts by installing
the modification (which terminated the repetitive inspections).
After EASA AD 2019-0101 was issued, further risk assessments were
completed, and a determination was made that the compliance time for
the modification can be extended by 23 months. Consequently, EASA
issued EASA AD 2019-0101R1, dated August 20, 2020 (EASA AD 2019-0101R1)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that occurrences were
reported on in-service RB211 Trent 900 engines, where cracks were found
in the transition duct area of the drains mast, which is part of the
fire wall in Zone 1. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
failure of the drains mast, possible engine fire, and damage to the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0333.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-72-
AK047, Revision 2, dated August 17, 2020, which specifies procedures
for modification of the engine with an improved drains mast and drains
support bracket.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
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 and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD retains none of the requirements of AD 2019-05-02. This AD
requires modification with improved drains mast and drains support
bracket.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2019-0101R1 specifies initial and repetitive visual
inspections of the drains mast for any crack, replacement or repair of
the drains mast if necessary, modification of the engine with improved
drains mast and drains mast support bracket (which is terminating
action), certain other modifications to be done concurrently with the
modification, and parts installation provisions. However, this AD only
requires modification of the engine with improved drains mast and
drains mast support bracket, which corresponds with the modification
specified in paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019-0101R1.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) 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 thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
The FAA 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 any U.S. operator. Accordingly, notice
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the foregoing reason(s), 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.
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 FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
engines with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
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
[[Page 12235]]
(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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019-05-02, Amendment 39-19584 (84
FR 8799, March 12, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-05-04 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22976;
Docket No. FAA-2025-0333; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01208-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 1, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-05-02, Amendment 39-19584 (84 FR 8799,
March 12, 2019) (AD 2019-05-02).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (type
certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Model RB211-Trent
970-84 and RB211-Trent 972-84 engines with an installed drains mast,
part number (P/N) KH31996 or FW29847, except those with Rolls-Royce
modification 72-AK047 embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7170, Engine Drains.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by cracks found in the transition duct area
of the drains mast. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracks in the transition duct area of the drains mast. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in engine fire and damage
to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-
72-AK047, Revision 2, dated August 17, 2020.
(h) 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 of the AIR-520 Continued
Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i) 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.
(i) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AK047, Revision
2, dated August 17, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG material 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: rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, 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 11, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-04214 Filed 3-14-25; 8:45 am]
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