Published 2011-05-03 · Federal Register document 2011-10521
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17, RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 Turbofan Engines
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:36.067984+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2011-e3661fa6ab35b428
- Source row
- results[129]
- Raw source SHA-256
- e3661fa6ab35b428e6e5ee3716d50c22e985c092328ad8ce2f0f440b962ae0cd
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2011-08-07
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2011-06-07
Read 11 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 7,
2011.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21241–21333, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0f5eff4f7a9821cabf139d74681392c6d7f72938f17b19e13dd84f05b63c8351
Affected ADs
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21333–21362, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 027fbc44617399472b6ac4741da3aee18448654374228bcf4fe3f01df6b1539b
Applicability wording · Applicability
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17,
RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-
Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 turbofan
engines.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21362–21592, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5fdb873e6048983dc2f4aaa89c2cf0d579bddd9c9faeb82009a7ef26bfbf4aac
Reason
Reason
(d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. We are issuing this AD to prevent low-pressure (LP)
compressor blades from failing due to blade root cracks, which could
lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21592–21992, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ad052047f77c4df88793abc5b9d672584f4ee9ccc4f735f440b32571ef738621
Actions and Compliance
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Using the corresponding compliance threshold in Table 1 of
this AD, perform an initial ultrasonic inspection (UI) of the
affected LP compressor blades identified by serial number (S/N) in
Appendices 3A through 3F of RR Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010.
Table 1--Initial Inspection Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix Number of RR ASB No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, Initial Inspection Threshold (Engine
that identifies affected LP Serial Nos. (ESN) are for reference only)
compressor blades by S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3A........................... 120 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD.
3B........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51039--802 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESNs 51146, 51177, 51145, and 51149--380
flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD.
3C........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN 51001
and blade S/N RGG16694--1,680 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51145, 51149, 51150 and 51204--796
flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD.
ESN 51160--1,160 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51137--1,027 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3D........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. ASB RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN 51193
and blade S/N RGG20216--1,212 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51200--1,237 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51280--1,551 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3E........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51004, ``na'' and blade S/Ns RGG12590,
RGG14081, and RGG15419--3,433 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51156--1,627 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3F........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51175, 51194, 51201, 51205, and 51228--
2,042 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD.
ESN 51264--4,309 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51443--2,636 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
Blade S/N RGG15698--2,638 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Thereafter, perform repetitive UIs of the affected LP
compressor blades within every 100 flight cycles.
(3) Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(2) of Accomplishment
Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated
January 26, 2010, paragraphs 1 through 3.B. of Appendix 1, and
paragraphs 1 through 3.C. of Appendix 2, of that ASB, to perform the
UIs.
(4) Remove blades from service before further flight that fail
the inspection criteria in Appendix 1 of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244,
Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010.
(5) For blades that pass inspection, re-apply dry film
lubricant, and install all blades in their original position.
(6) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
affected LP compressor blade unless it has passed the initial and
repetitive UIs required by this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21992–26877, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ac5a301baf3c999a380325bb8eb691fda0ddb121c59312171b4211ae5038a20f
Previous Credit
Previous Credit
(f) An initial UI performed before the effective date of this AD
using RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, dated August 7, 2009, satisfies
the initial UI requirements of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26877–27072, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 51ea654b3bfe5763d50bf83c8a21fc6dd2c9da7a708219c8e36210214cd421a9
FAA AD Differences
FAA AD Differences
(g) This AD differs from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2010-0097, dated May 26, 2010. The EASA AD uses calendar
[[Page 24802]]
dates for initial inspection thresholds. This AD uses flight cycles.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27072–27308, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c563b9c9e09aeb092e45968d6667873d633ef3caa3d4a75ee9ec608e11c92bc1
Alternative Methods of Compliance
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27308–27506, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 96d64f231d312beba275f4aac7343c4444d0867b7a8a5e5b3a5fe233ae8ee3ed
Related Information
Related Information
(i) Refer to EASA AD 2010-0097, dated May 26, 2010, for related
information.
(j) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: [email protected];
telephone (781) 238-7143; fax (781) 238-7199.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27506–27853, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c499f5506ae363adea61618219bfdca4300ec5b6247ea46c81e40bb4e79cb8a9
Definition
Definition
(k) For the purpose of this AD, an affected blade is a blade
listed in Table 1 of this AD that has accumulated cycles within 100
cycles, of the initial inspection thresholds in Table 1 of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27853–28069, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: a129f20f37ba48a4ca70a17257dc61ec3f1b0c82222c739bbbd5f903e770af92
Material Incorporated by Reference
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010, Appendix 1,
Appendix 2, and Appendices 3A through 3F of that ASB, to do the
actions required by this AD.
(1) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; telephone 44 1332
242424; fax 44 1332 249936; e-mail: royce.com">tech.help@rolls-royce.com.
(2) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 28069–28872, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 479dd142043d70391c7955ffdc11141ac58384c64678cb8b1a2bbd651e4c7c9b
No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2011-08-07 · 1 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
Why these observations are shown
They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: cc8467614cb0109505343486e577b784afd9be921fb0187c99a365565fba79c5. Source manifest: 39f651bc646bc454184e9fdec1b959659e119df7728e8784cdcc2d1aaba643c3.
Official source · 2011-05-03
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24798-24802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10521]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0821; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-30-AD;
Amendment 39-16657; AD 2011-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-
17, RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-
Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
In January 2009 a Trent 895 powered Boeing 777-200 aircraft
experienced release of a low pressure (LP) compressor blade which
failed due to fatigue cracking in the root section of the blade. The
released blade (undercut root standard) had received a part life
processing to apply a compression layer to the blade root (Service
Bulletin SB 72-D672--Introduction of Laser Shock Peening (LSP)) and
also a part life upgrade to the retention feature lubrication
system. Investigation has revealed that the effectiveness of this
upgraded blade root lubrication coating system may be reduced
dependant on the extent of previous running with the earlier
standard, leading to increased blade root stress levels. In the
specific case of the released blade, a review of its in-service
modification history has shown that it operated for a relatively
high number of flight cycles prior to the compression layer
processing and the new retention feature lubrication system. A
review of the Engine Health Monitoring data has also identified it
operated at high N1 speeds compared to the Trent 800 fleet average
N1 speeds. The combination of these factors has resulted in
increased fatigue life usage which is considered to have led to
crack initiation and propagation prior to reaching the blades
declared life limit. A review of all in-service undercut/LSP
standard Trent 800 LP compressor blades has identified specific
blades that carry a similar increased susceptibility to cracking.
This AD is issued to mitigate the risk of possible multiple fan
blades failure affecting those blades identified as described above
which could lead to high energy non contained debris from the
engine.
We are issuing this AD to prevent LP compressor blades from failing
due to blade root cracks, which could lead to uncontained engine
failure and damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 7, 2011. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD as of June 7, 2011.
ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7143; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 14, 2011 (76
FR 2605). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states that:
In January 2009 a Trent 895 powered Boeing 777-200 aircraft
experienced release of a low pressure (LP) compressor blade which
failed due to fatigue cracking in the root section of the blade. The
released blade (undercut root standard) had received a part life
processing to apply a compression layer to the blade root (Service
Bulletin SB 72-D672--Introduction of Laser Shock Peening (LSP)) and
also a part life upgrade to the retention feature lubrication
system. Investigation has revealed that the effectiveness of this
upgraded blade root lubrication coating system may be reduced
dependant on the extent of previous running with the earlier
standard, leading to increased blade root stress levels. In the
specific case of the released blade, a review of its in-service
modification history has shown that it operated for a relatively
high number of flight cycles prior to the compression layer
processing and the new retention feature lubrication system. A
review of the Engine Health Monitoring data has also identified it
operated at high N1 speeds compared to the Trent 800 fleet average
N1 speeds. The combination of these factors has resulted in
increased fatigue life usage which is considered to have led to
crack initiation and propagation prior to reaching the blades
declared life limit. A review of all in-service undercut/LSP
standard Trent 800 LP compressor blades has identified specific
blades that carry a similar increased susceptibility to cracking.
[[Page 24799]]
This AD is issued to mitigate the risk of possible multiple fan
blades failure affecting those blades identified as described above
which could lead to high energy non contained debris from the
engine.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Ensure Cyclic Requirements Are Equivalent to Calendar-Based
Requirements
Two commenters, the Boeing Company and American Airlines, request
that we ensure that the cyclic requirements in the AD are equivalent to
the calendar-based requirements in the MCAI and Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010. American
Airlines' engine serial number (S/N) 51137 is identified as having an
allowable inspection threshold of 1,680 cycles from the effective date
of the proposed AD. Based on American Airlines' cyclic usage, the FAA
AD would allow the blades to operate until March 1, 2014, while the RR
ASB would only allow the blades to operate until January 1, 2013. The
proposed AD appears to be less conservative for the blades in engine S/
N 51137.
We agree. We moved engine S/N 51137 from being listed with the
1,680 cycles threshold, to being listed with a 1,027 cycles threshold
in row 3C of Table 1 of the AD.
Recommendation To Retain Compliance Calendar Date Format
One commenter, RR, recommends that the FAA retain the calendar date
format as specified in the referenced ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision
1, dated January 26, 2010 for compliance, rather than converting to
cycles for the inspection threshold for the sub-population of fan sets.
At the request of the National Transportation Safety Board, RR analyzed
the modification and installation data for each fan set using both
hours and cycles. For some operators, the highest risk value was based
on hours and for others it was cycles. Whichever gave the highest risk
value, together with the average utilization, was then used to
determine the dates at which the blades need to have their initial
inspection. Therefore, converting to cycles may not be correct for some
operators. Rolls-Royce states that it will monitor N1 speed usage. A
higher N1 speed usage could result in the risk values being affected
and result in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, being revised and re-issued.
Any change to that ASB would necessitate changing the FAA AD. By
retaining the date format and the FAA AD referencing that SB then any
future changes to the dates in the Appendices of the SB will not affect
the AD. The SB is clear and simple, making it easy for the operators to
monitor their affected fan blades. Monitoring a number of fan blades
using cycles would make the monitoring more difficult for the operator.
We do not agree. We determined the cycles listed in Table 1 of the
AD based on projected operator usage, from the calendar dates in the RR
ASB. The SB dates were developed based on the logic given in the first
justification paragraph above. The cyclic requirements in the AD are
inherently consistent with each operator's risk values. We did not
change the AD.
Request for Clarification of Incorporation by Reference Requirements
One commenter, Delta Airlines, states that the proposed AD requires
use of Appendix 1 of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244 to determine whether
blades should be rejected after inspection. Appendix 1 only applies to
blades that have been removed from the engine. Delta Airlines requests
that the AD be changed so it is clear that the blades can be inspected
either in or out of the engine, with appropriate rejection criteria for
each method.
We agree. Our intent is not to restrict the inspections to blades
removed from the engine. We added Appendix 2 to the incorporation by
reference, to include blades not removed.
Delta Airlines also requests that we change the incorporation-by-
reference requirement, to state that when re-applying dry film
lubricant (DFL) to the fan blades after inspection, either Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 72-31-11-400-801-R00, or RR SB No.
RB.211-72-D347, may be used. The commenter states that the latest
information from RR SB No. RB.211-72-D347 is already in AMM task 72-31-
11-400-801-R00.
We partially agree. We agree with specifying in the AD, that blades
that pass inspection need to have DFL applied before installing the
blades. We do not agree that the AMM or RR No. RB.211-72-D347 need to
be incorporated by reference in this AD, as this equates to standard
maintenance. Under paragraph (e)(3), we added a paragraph that states,
for blades that pass inspection, re-apply dry film lubricant, and
install all blades in their original position.
Request for Previous Credit
Delta Airlines requests that we give previous credit for previous
accomplishments of inspections using the original issue of RR ASB No.
RB.211-72-AG244, before the effective date of the AD.
We agree. We changed the AD to add previous credit for that ASB.
Request To Eliminate Reporting Requirements
Delta Airlines requests that we eliminate the reporting
requirements from the AD, which were required by default since the
proposed AD required using all of paragraph 3 of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010, and all of Appendix 1, of
that AD. The commenter states that these are administrative tasks that
do not need to be part of the AD. Each operator is required to document
maintenance and AD compliance per the applicable regulations, and each
has their own approved processes for doing so.
We agree and eliminated the reporting requirements by specifying
only the paragraphs needed to perform the inspections in the AD.
Concern That AD Compliance May Be Misinterpreted
Delta Airlines requests that we revise the AD to state that after
the effective date of this AD, blade serial numbers that are listed in
RR No. RB.211-72-AG244, which have reached or are within 100 cycles of
the initial inspection thresholds of Table 1 of the proposed AD, may
only be installed as replacement blades in other engines if they have
been successfully inspected per paragraph (e)(3) of this AD before
installation. However, they may be removed and reinstalled in the same
engine without paragraph (e)(3) inspections provided they do not exceed
the initial and repetitive inspection intervals of paragraphs (e)(1)
and (e)(2).
Also, Delta Airlines requests that we revise the AD to state that
blades that have been ultrasonically inspected prior to the AD
effective date, but which have not yet reached Table 1 thresholds,
should be considered not yet ``initially inspected,'' and thus not
subject to the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (e)(2)
until they reach the Table 1 inspection thresholds. On the same
subject, American Airlines requests that the AD include a note similar
to the SB to the same effect as the above recommendation. Delta
Airlines and American Airlines are concerned that the AD might be
interpreted that serviceable spare blades
[[Page 24800]]
in stock (or blades being swapped from one engine to another) with
serial numbers listed in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, must have
ultrasonic inspection (UI) accomplished before being installed even if
they do not require initial inspection for thousands of cycles into the
future. Delta Airlines also states that the existing UI requirements in
the AD may lead to confusion as to whether the paragraph (e)(2)
repetitive requirements apply to blades that have been inspected for
other reasons prior to the Table 1 threshold.
We agree with the comments that the AD could be more clear as to
when the inspections must start, and whether UI for other reasons prior
to the thresholds in Table 1 would trigger the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (e)(2). We do not agree with the wording of
the proposed change because it is simpler to define the phrase,
``affected blade.'' The requirement of paragraph (e)(5) of the proposed
AD, does not require inspections more often than every 100 cycles for
any affected blade, since proposed AD paragraph (e)(5) refers to
paragraph (e)(2) (repetitive UIs required by this AD). We added a
definition to the AD compliance to state for the purpose of this AD, an
affected blade is a blade listed in Table 1 of this AD that has
accumulated cycles within 100 cycles, of the initial inspection
thresholds in Table 1 of this AD.
Engine Serial Numbers Are for Reference Only
Delta Airlines and American Airlines request that we add a
statement to the AD, stating that the engine serial numbers in Table 1
of the proposed AD are for reference only, and that the AD requirements
apply to the blade serial numbers, not the engine serial numbers. The
Table 1 listing of engine serial numbers could imply the engine
requires initial and repetitive inspections even if blades were
replaced with non-affected blades.
We agree. We intend for the AD to apply to the specific fan blade
serial numbers listed in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated
January 26, 2010. The engine serial numbers are listed for convenience
only. We changed Table 1 to state that engine serial numbers are
provided for reference only.
Request To Correct Table 1
American Airlines states that engine serial number 51280 appears to
be in the wrong row of Table 1 of the proposed AD. They request that we
correct the Table by moving the serial number from the top of row 3E to
the bottom of row 3D, in that table.
We partially agree. We reviewed the proposed AD, as published in
the Federal Register, and found it to be correct. We reviewed the
proposed AD version in the FAA Regulatory Library (RGL), and found that
Table 1 had the error you found. We contacted the staff that oversees
the RGL, and they corrected Table 1.
Request That All Thresholds Be Given the Same Index
Delta Airlines requests that all thresholds in Table 1 of the
proposed AD be the same for a given index. Delta Airlines noticed that
most fan blade serial numbers being used in their engines were singled
out with a lower threshold than the rest of the blades listed in
corresponding appendices of the SB.
We do not agree. We changed the inspection requirements in the
proposed AD from calendar-based requirements to cycle-based
requirements. Because the intent of the AD is to have the same level of
safety as the EASA AD, the cyclic usage of each operator was taken into
account when converting from calendar to cyclic thresholds. The intent
is for the number of cycles quoted to equate to the calendar times
shown in the EASA AD. Since operators fly on different routes and have
different procedures, the number of cycles accumulated in a given
calendar period will vary as a consequence. We did not change the AD.
Request To Verify Row Identifiers in Table 1
American Airlines requests that the FAA verify that the row
identifiers in Table 1 of the AD, correspond to the Appendix
identifiers in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January
26, 2010, to ensure that operators properly understand the AD
requirements.
We partially agree. We agree with ensuring that Table 1 is clearly
understood, to avoid operators from having problems complying with the
AD. We do not agree with changing the AD, because Table 1 of the AD
provides sufficient clarity in defining the compliance time criteria
and what the appropriate sections of the ASB are, to be used. The row
identifiers in Table 1 of the AD do correspond to the Appendix
identifiers in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January
26, 2010. We did not change the AD.
Conclusion
We 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 determined that these
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will
affect about 20 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it will take about 18 work-hours per engine to
perform the inspections in one year's time. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. We estimate that one LP compressor blade per year
will need replacement, at a cost of about $82,000. Based on these
figures, we estimate the annual cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be
$112,600. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage.
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 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 this AD:
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
[[Page 24801]]
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of 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 adding the following new AD:
2011-08-07 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-16657. Docket No. FAA-2010-
0821; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-30-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 7,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17,
RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-
Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 turbofan
engines.
Reason
(d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. We are issuing this AD to prevent low-pressure (LP)
compressor blades from failing due to blade root cracks, which could
lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Using the corresponding compliance threshold in Table 1 of
this AD, perform an initial ultrasonic inspection (UI) of the
affected LP compressor blades identified by serial number (S/N) in
Appendices 3A through 3F of RR Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010.
Table 1--Initial Inspection Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix Number of RR ASB No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, Initial Inspection Threshold (Engine
that identifies affected LP Serial Nos. (ESN) are for reference only)
compressor blades by S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3A........................... 120 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD.
3B........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51039--802 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESNs 51146, 51177, 51145, and 51149--380
flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD.
3C........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN 51001
and blade S/N RGG16694--1,680 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51145, 51149, 51150 and 51204--796
flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD.
ESN 51160--1,160 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51137--1,027 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3D........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. ASB RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN 51193
and blade S/N RGG20216--1,212 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51200--1,237 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51280--1,551 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3E........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51004, ``na'' and blade S/Ns RGG12590,
RGG14081, and RGG15419--3,433 flight
cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
ESN 51156--1,627 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
3F........................... Blades shown in RR ASB No. RB.211-72-
AG244, Revision 1 as fitted to ESN
51175, 51194, 51201, 51205, and 51228--
2,042 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD.
ESN 51264--4,309 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
ESN 51443--2,636 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
Blade S/N RGG15698--2,638 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Thereafter, perform repetitive UIs of the affected LP
compressor blades within every 100 flight cycles.
(3) Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(2) of Accomplishment
Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated
January 26, 2010, paragraphs 1 through 3.B. of Appendix 1, and
paragraphs 1 through 3.C. of Appendix 2, of that ASB, to perform the
UIs.
(4) Remove blades from service before further flight that fail
the inspection criteria in Appendix 1 of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244,
Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010.
(5) For blades that pass inspection, re-apply dry film
lubricant, and install all blades in their original position.
(6) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
affected LP compressor blade unless it has passed the initial and
repetitive UIs required by this AD.
Previous Credit
(f) An initial UI performed before the effective date of this AD
using RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AG244, dated August 7, 2009, satisfies
the initial UI requirements of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
(g) This AD differs from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2010-0097, dated May 26, 2010. The EASA AD uses calendar
[[Page 24802]]
dates for initial inspection thresholds. This AD uses flight cycles.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(i) Refer to EASA AD 2010-0097, dated May 26, 2010, for related
information.
(j) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: [email protected];
telephone (781) 238-7143; fax (781) 238-7199.
Definition
(k) For the purpose of this AD, an affected blade is a blade
listed in Table 1 of this AD that has accumulated cycles within 100
cycles, of the initial inspection thresholds in Table 1 of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-AG244, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2010, Appendix 1,
Appendix 2, and Appendices 3A through 3F of that ASB, to do the
actions required by this AD.
(1) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; telephone 44 1332
242424; fax 44 1332 249936; e-mail: royce.com">tech.help@rolls-royce.com.
(2) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 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 April 1, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-10521 Filed 5-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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