Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524H-36 Series Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7720-7722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-3337]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-01-AD; Amendment 39-11565; AD 2000-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524H-36 Series 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524H-36 series turbofan engines. 
This action requires, prior to further flight, installing an improved 
combustion liner with a strengthened head and improved heat shields. 
This amendment is prompted by a report of burn through of a combustor 
case that led to burning away of the thrust reverser and translating 
cowl and subsequent fire damage to the engine pylon. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent burn through of the 
combustor case due to combustion liner cracking, which can result in an 
engine fire and damage to the aircraft.

DATES: Effective March 2, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 2, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 17, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-01-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet 
using the following address: ``[email protected]''. Comments sent 
via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: International 
Access Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249428, fax International Access 
Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249223. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at

[[Page 7721]]

the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone 781-
238-7176, fax 781-238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently 
notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Rolls-Royce plc (R-R) RB211-524H-36 series 
turbofan engines. The CAA received a report of burn through of a 
combustor case that led to burning away of the thrust reverser and 
translating cowl and subsequent fire damage to the engine pylon. The 
investigation revealed that front combustion liner diffuser case bleed 
struts and front section inner and outer liners demonstrate cracking 
after extended use. Additionally, combustion liners have exhibited 
burning of the heat shield inner ramp corners. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in burn through of the combustor case due to 
combustion liner cracking, which can result in an engine fire and 
damage to the aircraft.

Service Information

    R-R has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 
3, dated January 16, 1998, that specifies procedures for installing 
improved combustion liners with a strengthened head and improved heat 
shields. The CAA classified this SB as mandatory and issued 
airworthiness directive (AD) 009-01-98 in order to assure the 
airworthiness of these engines in the UK.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in the UK and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, the AD 
requires, prior to entry into service, installing an improved 
combustion liner with a strengthened head and improved heat shields. At 
the present time, there are no affected engines installed on aircraft 
of U.S. registry. Also, the CAA has advised the FAA that all engines in 
the active fleet have had the improved combustor liner installed. 
However, some spare engines may not have had the improved combustion 
liner installed. The actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the SB described previously.

Immediate Adoption

    There are currently no domestic operators of this engine model. 
Accordingly, a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation. Notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon 
are impracticable, and good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NE-01-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order (EO) 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under EO 12866. It has been determined further that this action 
involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that 
this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-03-07  Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-11565. Docket 2000-NE-01-
AD.

    Applicability: Rolls-Royce plc (R-R) RB211-524H-36 series 
turbofan engines

[[Page 7722]]

installed on but not limited to Boeing 767 series airplanes.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent burn through of the combustor case due to combustor 
liner cracking, which can result in an engine fire and damage to the 
aircraft, accomplish the following:

Installation of Improved Combustion Liner

    (a) Prior to further flight, install an improved combustion 
liner with a strengthened head and improved heat shields, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of R-R Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 3, dated January 16, 
1998.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

No Ferry Flights

    (c) Special flight permits will not be issued.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in 
accordance with the following R-R SB:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document No.             Pages   Revision          Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RB.211-72-9764...................       1          3   Jan. 16, 1998.
                                        2   Original   Aug. 20, 1993.
                                      3-6          3   Jan. 16, 1998.
                                     7-10   Original   Aug. 20, 1993.
                                       11          3   Jan. 16, 1998.
                                    12-30   Original   Aug. 20, 1993.
Total pages: 30.
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    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, 
Derby, England; telephone: International Access Code 011, Country 
Code 44, 1332-249428, fax International Access Code 011, Country 
Code 44, 1332-249223. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 2, 2000.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 7, 2000.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-3337 Filed 2-15-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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