Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) Models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 203 (Friday, October 21, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61229-61232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-48-AD; Amendment 39-14343; AD 2005-21-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) 
Models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly Rolls-
Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) models BR700-
710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines. That AD currently 
requires initial and repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections of 
fan discs, part numbers (P/Ns) BRR18803, BRR19248, and BRR20791 for 
cracks, and if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This ad 
requires those same inspections for discs having old design P/N fan 
blades installed, and, extends the inspection interval for fan discs 
having new design P/N fan blades installed. Also, this AD adds as 
optional terminating action to the inspections, installation of certain 
P/N new fan discs, certain P/N new fan blades, and engine fan speed 
(N1) Keep Out Zone software. This AD results from a revised RRD service 
bulletin (SB) that introduces relaxed inspection intervals for certain 
P/N combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and introduces improved 
design fan discs and fan blades.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 25, 2005. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of November 25, 2005. The 
Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation 
by reference of certain other publications as listed in the regulations 
as of April 28, 2003 (68 FR 17727, April 11, 2003).

ADDRESSES: Contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 
15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany, telephone: 011 49 (0) 33-7086-1768, 
fax: 011 49 (0) 33-7086-3356, for the service information identified in 
this AD.
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information, at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone: (781) 
238-7747, fax: (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland 
Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW 
Rolls-Royce GmbH) models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan 
engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on July 
5, 2005 (70 FR 38627). That action proposed to require initial and 
repetitive inspections for cracks in fan discs P/Ns BRR18803, BRR19248, 
BRR20791, BRR24829, and FW33929. That action also proposed as optional 
terminating action to the repetitive inspection requirements, 
installation of a new fan disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades P/N FW33513 
or P/N FW33980, and N1 Keep Out Zone software.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

[[Page 61230]]

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Cancel Inspections

    One commenter, RRD, requests we cancel the inspections in 
paragraphs (f)(1), (g)(1), (f)(3), and (g)(3), as these inspections 
have been conducted on all hardware in service, and are no longer 
needed. We disagree. Mandatory actions that published in the superseded 
AD need to be carried forward in the superseding AD. The operator can 
then determine if the affected engine is in compliance with all 
mandatory actions.

Add Applicable Fan Blade Part Numbers to Paragraph (h)

    The same commenter requests that we add the applicable fan blade 
part numbers in paragraph (h), for clarity, as we did in paragraph (g). 
We agree and have added fan blades P/N BRR20677 and BRR23178 to 
paragraph (h).

Request To Cover Engines That Had a New Disc Installed on, or After, 
January 1, 2002

    The same commenter requests that we cover engines that had a new 
production fan disc installed on or after January 1, 2002, in a new 
paragraph in the compliance section. The commenter states that these 
fan discs already had a visual and ultrasonic inspection before 
delivery and installation, and only require initial inspection at 150 
flight cycles-since-new. These engines are not appropriately covered by 
the proposed AD. We agree and have added a paragraph to the compliance 
section to cover these engines.

Request To Directly Identify Requirements

    The same commenter requests that we clarify paragraphs (i) and (j) 
by directly identifying the requirements, instead of referring to other 
paragraphs. We agree and have changed paragraphs (i) and (j) to 
identify the requirements.

Request To Change Repetitive Inspection Interval

    The same commenter requests that in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2), 
we change the inspection interval time requirement from flight hours, 
to A-Check. The commenter states that the proposed AD does not reflect 
the requirements of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated 
February 23, 2005. The visual and ultrasonic inspections were always 
aligned with the scheduled airplane maintenance A-Check. The commenter 
further states that the A-Check occurs every 500-to-550 flight hours. 
We partially agree. We consider the A-Check to occur at an indefinite 
interval that can vary from operator to operator. However, in this 
case, we have changed the compliance in paragraph (k)(1) to perform a 
visual and ultrasonic inspection before accumulating 550 flight hours-
since-new. We also changed paragraph (k)(2) to perform a visual and 
ultrasonic inspection at every A-Check but not to exceed 550 hours-
since-the last visual and ultrasonic inspection.

Request To Remove Inspection Requirements From the AD and Reference the 
Time Limits Manual

    The same commenter requests that we remove the inspection 
requirements from paragraph (l) of the proposed AD, which is for 
engines with fan disc P/N BRR20791, BRR24829, or FW33929 installed, and 
fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776 
installed. The commenter requests that we refer to the applicable RRD 
Time Limits Manual that mandates the inspections for these fan disc-
and-blade-engine configurations. We agree and have changed that 
paragraph in the AD.

Request To Clarify the Optional Terminating Action

    The same commenter requests that in the optional terminating action 
paragraph, we change the phrase ``is optional terminating action to the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD'' to ``is optional 
terminating action to any inspection required by this AD''. The 
commenter states that once the parts and the Keep Out Zone software 
referenced in the optional terminating action paragraph are installed, 
none of the inspections in the AD are required. We agree and have made 
that change in the AD.

Request To Reference the Latest Service Bulletin

    The same commenter requests that we reference the latest service 
bulletin in the Inspection Reporting Requirements paragraph, which is 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005. We 
agree and have made that change in the AD.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 500 RRD models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 
turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We 
estimate that 400 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry are 
affected by this AD. We also estimate that it will take about 7 work 
hours per engine to perform the inspections, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. We estimate the total labor cost for 
performing one inspection of the U.S. fleet to be $182,000. New design 
fan discs and fan blades will cost about $150,000 per engine. Based on 
these figures, the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $60,182,000. The manufacturer has stated that it may provide the 
new fan disc and new fan blades at no cost to operators.

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.
    We are 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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

[[Page 61231]]

    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. 2000-NE-48-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 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 removing Amendment 39-13107 (68 FR 
17727, April 11, 2003) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-14343, to read as follows:

2005-21-05 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (formerly Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH): Amendment 39-
14343. Docket No. 2000-NE-48-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective November 25, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-07-11, Amendment 39-13107.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
(formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce 
GmbH) models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. 
BD-700-1A10, BD-700-1A11, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. G-V series 
airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a revised RRD service bulletin (SB) 
that introduces relaxed inspection intervals for certain P/N 
combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and introduces improved 
design fan discs and fan blades. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to detect and prevent cracks in the fan disc that could 
result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Initial Inspection

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 Installed and Fan 
Blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (f) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 
installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the 
following:
    (1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). Use paragraphs A. through F. of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 75 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or 
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A. through F. of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N 
BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (g) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with serial numbers (SNs) 11452 
and lower, and BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12352 and lower, with 
fan disc P/N BRR20791 installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or 
BRR23178 installed, do the following:
    (1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection 
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated 
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5, 
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, 
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 150 CSLI. Use 
paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or 
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A. through F. of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 
to do the inspection.
    (4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.
    (h) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with SNs 11453 and higher, and 
BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12353 and higher with fan discs P/N 
BRR20791 installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 
installed, do the following:
    (1) Visually or ultrasonically inspect fan discs within 150 
flight cycles-since-new (CSN). Use paragraphs A. through F. of the 
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or 
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Engines With New Production Fan Discs

    (i) For engines with new production fan discs P/N BRR20791 
installed on or after January 1, 2002, and fan blades P/Ns BRR20677 
or BRR23178 installed, do the following:
    (1) Visually or ultrasonically inspect fan discs within 150 
flight CSN. Use paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 1 or 
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-
900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated 
February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and 
replace with a serviceable disc.

Repetitive Inspections

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 Installed, and Fan 
Blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (j) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 
installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the 
following:
    (1) Perform repetitive visual or ultrasonic inspections within 
every 75 CSLI. Use paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 1 
or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-
72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated 
February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection before 
accumulating 550 flight hours-since-new. Use paragraphs A. through 
F. of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated 
January 8, 2003, or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the 
inspection.
    (3) Thereafter, perform a visual and an ultrasonic inspection at 
every A-Check but not to exceed 550 flight hours-since-the last 
visual and ultrasonic inspection.

[[Page 61232]]

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N 
BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed

    (k) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR20791 installed, and fan 
blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the following:
    (1) Perform repetitive visual or ultrasonic inspections within 
every 150 CSLI. Use paragraphs A. through F. of the applicable Part 
1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-
BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, 
dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
    (2) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection before 
accumulating 550 flight hours-since-new. Use paragraphs A. through 
F. of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated 
January 8, 2003, or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the 
inspection.
    (3) Thereafter, perform a visual and an ultrasonic inspection at 
every A-Check but not to exceed 550 flight hours-since-the last 
visual and ultrasonic inspection.

Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791, BRR24829, or FW33929 Installed, 
and Fan Blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776 
Installed

    (l) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR20791, BRR24829, or FW33929 
installed, and fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or 
FW34776 installed, initial and repetitive inspections are mandated 
in RRD Time Limits Manual T-710-1BR, Chapter 05-10-01 (BR700-710A1-
10), and RRD Time Limits Manual T-710-2BR, Chapter 05-10-01 (BR700-
710A2-20).

Optional Terminating Action

    (m) Installation of a new fan disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades, 
P/N FW33513, or P/N FW33980, and N1 Keep Out Zone software with EEC 
P/Ns 1501KDC02-010, or 1501KDC03-010, or 1501KDC05-010, or 
1520KDC05-010, or 1520KDC05R-010, or 1520KDC07-010, or 1520KDC08-
010, is optional terminating action to any inspection required by 
this AD.

Inspection Reporting Requirements

    (n) Report defects in accordance with the applicable Part 1 or 
Part 2 of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 
8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005. Reporting 
requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (o) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (p) LBA airworthiness directive 2000-348, Revision 6, dated 
March 31, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (q) You must use Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Service 
Bulletin No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; 
or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, to perform the actions 
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of Revision 6 of this service 
bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Revision 5 of this service bulletin as of April 28, 
2003 (68 FR 17727, April 11, 2003). Contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland 
Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany, 
telephone: 011 (0) 33-7086-1768, fax: 011 49 (0) 33-7086-3356, for a 
copy of the service information. You can review copies at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 11, 2005.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20780 Filed 10-20-05; 8:45 am]
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