Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 6, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46444-46446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19475]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-28-AD; Amendment 39-13252; AD 2003-15-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 
772-60, and Trent 772B-60 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan 
engines. This AD is prompted by several reports of low power surges. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent a possible dual-engine in-flight surge, 
which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 21, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of August 21, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by August 21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:

[sbull] By mail: FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
[sbull] By e-mail: [email protected].

    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-44-
1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245-418.
    You may examine the AD docket by appointment, 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, suit 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 U.K., recently notified the FAA 
that an unsafe condition may exist on Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, 
Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines. The CAA advises that 
engines that have larger than anticipated high pressure compressor 
(HPC) tip clearances can lead to a corresponding loss of surge margin, 
resulting in low power surges.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-
71-D509, Revision 2, dated April 17, 2002. The SB describes procedures 
for performing low power surge margin testing. The CAA classified this 
SB as mandatory and issued CAA airworthiness directive, AD 005-09-2001, 
dated April 17, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the U.K.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Although none of these affected engine models are used on any 
airplanes that are registered in the United States, the possibility 
exists that the engine models could be used on airplanes that are 
registered in the United States in the future. Since an unsafe 
condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on 
other Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 
turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to 
prevent a possible dual-engine in-flight surge, which could result in 
loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires initial and 
repetitive surge margin testing of engines. You must do these

[[Page 46445]]

actions in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in the U.K., and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under section 21.29 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement. In keeping with this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the CAA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of these Rolls-
Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan 
engines, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate 
adoption of this regulation.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative 
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously 
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Interim Action

    Surge margin testing is considered an interim action. Rolls-Royce 
plc may introduce redesigned parts in the future to resolve the cause 
of the surge problem.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-28-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through 
a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive 
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in 
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You may get more information about plain 
language at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-28-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-15-09 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13252. Docket No. 2003-NE-
28-AD

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
21, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc Trent 768-60, Trent 772-
60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines. These engines are installed 
on, but not limited to Airbus 330 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by several reports of low power surges. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent a possible dual-engine in-flight 
surge, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times and cycles specified in 
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD, unless the actions have already 
been done.

Initial Surge Margin Testing

    (f) Perform initial surge margin testing. Use paragraph 3. 
Accomplishment Instructions of Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin No. 
RB.211-71-D509, Revision 2, dated April 17, 2002 for testing, at the 
following intervals:
    (1) Before further flight, for engines that have accumulated 
more than 2,000 cycles-since-new on the effective date of this AD; 
and for engines that have accumulated more than 1,000 cycles-since-
overhaul of the high pressure compressor casings and blades.
    (2) At or before engines accumulating 2,000 cycles-since-new; 
and for engines that have had level 3 overhaul of the high pressure 
compressor casings and blades, at or before the engine accumulating 
1,000 cycles-since-overhaul.

Repetitive Surge Margin Testing

    (g) Perform repetitive surge margin testing at intervals not to 
exceed 130 cycles-since-last surge margin test. Use paragraph 3 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin 
No. RB.211-71-D509, Revision 2, dated April 17, 2002, for testing.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) You must request AMOCs as specified in 14 CFR part 39.19. 
All AMOCs must be approved by the Manager, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA.

[[Page 46446]]

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin No. RB.211-71-D509, 
Revision 2, dated April 17, 2002. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service 
bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You 
may get a copy from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, 
DE248BJ; telephone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax; 011-44-1332-245-418. 
You may review copies at 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, 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

Related Information

    (j) CAA airworthiness directive 005-09-2001, dated April 17, 
2002, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 24, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-19475 Filed 8-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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