Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 3, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54149-54152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21108]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD; 
Amendment 39-17526; AD 2013-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-10-12 for 
all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-
61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 
884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. AD 2012-10-12 
required inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor 
shaft rear balance land for cracks. We are issuing this AD to require 
inspections of the IP compressor rotor shaft, as required by AD 2012-
10-12, to add on-wing

[[Page 54150]]

inspections for the Trent 500 engines, and to add on-wing and in-shop 
inspections for the Trent 900 engines. This AD was prompted by 
detection of a crack in a Trent 500 IP compressor rotor shaft rear 
balance land during a shop visit. Further engineering evaluation, done 
by RR, concluded that the cracking may also exist in Trent 900 engines. 
We are issuing this AD to detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor 
shaft rear balance land, which could lead to uncontained engine failure 
and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective October 8, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of certain publication listed in the AD as of October 
8, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the IBR of certain 
other publications listed in this AD as of June 29, 2012 (77 FR 31176, 
May 25, 2012).

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 service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce 
plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; 
phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7779; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR 31176, 
May 25, 2012). AD 2012-10-12 applied to the specified products. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2013 (78 FR 17300). 
The NPRM proposed to require inspections of the IP compressor rotor 
shaft, as required by AD 2012-10-12, on-wing inspections for the Trent 
500 engines, and on-wing and in-shop inspections for the Trent 900 
engines.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Not Include Revision Level of Service Bulletin (SB)

    Texas Aero Engine Service LLC (TAESL) requested that we not include 
the revision of the SB or that we include ``or later revision'' in the 
AD. The commenter's justification for this request is that the SBs are 
revised often.
    We do not agree. The SBs contain unique methods that require IBR. 
We do not know how a SB will be revised in the future; therefore, we 
cannot use ``or later revision''. Any future revisions can be addressed 
using paragraph (m) of this AD. We did not change the AD.

Request To Include an Alternate Method of Compliance

    TAESL requested that RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401 be included as an 
alternative means of compliance and that the requirement to perform an 
eddy current inspection (ECI), on engines which have had the new 
balance weights fitted using RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401, be removed. The 
justification for this request is that the SB describes procedures for 
replacing the existing balance weights with new balance weights.
    We do not agree. The unsafe condition was identified in the 
existing balance weights that were installed. RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401 
introduces the new balance weights. In paragraph (j) of this AD we 
mandate removal of the existing balance weights as terminating action, 
as opposed to installation of the new balance weights. We did not IBR 
RR SB No. RB.211-72-AG401 because there could be future versions of the 
balance weights that would also be acceptable. We did not change the 
AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 17300, March 21, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 17300, March 21, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 136 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 14 
hours per engine to perform the required inspections. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Replacement parts are estimated to cost about 
$2,271 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
AD on U.S. operators to be $470,696.

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,

[[Page 54151]]

    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR 31176, May 25, 2012), and adding 
the following new AD:

2013-15-10 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-17526; Docket No. FAA-2007-
28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 8, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2012-10-12, Amendment 39-17061 (77 FR 
31176, May 25, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 553-61, 
553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 
768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 
892B-17, 895-17, 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84, 
and 980-84 turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by detection of a crack in a Trent 500 
intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor shaft rear balance land 
with follow-on RR engineering evaluation concluding that cracking 
may also exist in Trent 900 engines. We are issuing this AD to 
detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, 
which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the 
airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) RB211-Trent 700 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (1) Within 625 cycles-in-service (CIS) after June 29, 2012, or 
before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor 
shaft rear balance land. Use RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion 
System Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin (NMASB) No. RB.211-
72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011, sections 3.A.(2)(a) 
through 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for in-shop 
procedures, or 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 3.B.(4)(a) through 
3.B.(4)(c) for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 625 cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). You may count CSLI from the last 
borescope inspection or the last eddy current inspection (ECI), 
whichever occurred last.
    (3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI and visually inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft 
rear balance land, and visually inspect the balance weights. Use 
RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.A. 
through 3.C., to do the inspections.

(g) RB211-Trent 800 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (1) Within 475 CIS after June 29, 2012, or before the next 
flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land. 
Use RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System NMASB No. RB.211-72-
AG264, Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011, sections 3.A.(2)(b) through 
3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for in-shop procedures, 
or 3.B.(2)(a) through 3.B.(2)(c) and 3.B.(4)(a) through 3.B.(4)(c) 
for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 475 CSLI. You 
may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI, 
whichever occurred last.
    (3) At each shop visit, perform an ECI and visually inspect the 
IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, and visually inspect 
the balance weights. Use RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800 Series 
Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 
7, 2011, sections 3.A. through 3.C. and 3.D.(3) to do the 
inspections.

(h) RB211-Trent 500 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (1) Within 340 CIS after the effective date of this AD, 
borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land. 
Use RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-
AH058, dated December 13, 2012, sections 3.A.(2)(a) through 
3.A.(2)(c), 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), and 3.A.(5)(a) through 
3.A.(5)(c) for on-wing procedures, to do the inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 340 CSLI. You 
may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI, 
whichever occurred last.
    (3) At each shop visit, perform an ECI and visually inspect the 
IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, and visually inspect 
the balance weights. Use RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series 
Propulsion Systems Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. 
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.D.(4) 
through 3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through 
3.D.(8)(w), 3.D.(11), 3.D.(12), and 3.D.(e) to do the inspections.

(i) RB211-Trent 900 Series Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (l) Within 280 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, borescope inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance 
land. Use RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. 
RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012, sections 3.A.(2)(a) 
through 3.A.(2)(c), 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(d), 3.A.(5)(a) 
through 3.A.(5)(c), and 3.D.(e) to do the inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 280 CSLI. You 
may count from the last borescope inspection or the last ECI, 
whichever occurred last.
    (3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI and visually inspect the IP compressor rotor shaft 
rear balance land, and visually inspect the balance weights. Use 
RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, sections 3.D.(4) 
through 3.D.(5), 3.D.(6)(f) through 3.D.(7)(w), 3.D.(8)(f) through 
3.D.(8)(w), 3.D.(11), and 3.D.(12), to do the inspection.

(j) Mandatory Termination Action for RB211-Trent 700 and RB211-Trent 
800 Engines

    (1) For RB211-Trent 700 engines. At the next shop visit in which 
any level of inspection or strip is scheduled to be carried out on 
the IP compressor, remove the existing IP compressor balance 
weights.
    (2) For RB211-Trent 800 engines. At the next shop visit in which 
any level of inspection or strip is scheduled to be carried out on 
the IP compressor, remove the existing IP compressor balance 
weights.
    (3) Once you have removed the balance weights, do not re-install 
them on any IP compressor shaft rear balance land.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For RB211-Trent 700 series engines:
    (i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 700 series 
engine using RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion System NMASB No. 
RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009, or Revision 2, 
dated December 21, 2010, or Revision 3, dated February 25, 2011, 
before the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) If you performed the ECI and visual inspection of your 
RB211-Trent 700 series engine using RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 800 
Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1, 
dated September 27, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you 
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph

[[Page 54152]]

(f)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD.
    (2) For RB211-Trent 800 series engines:
    (i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 800 series 
engine using RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System NMASB No. 
RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 3, dated December 21, 2010, or Revision 4, 
dated February 25, 2011, before the effective date of this AD, you 
have satisfied the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of 
your RB211-Trent 800 series engine using RB211 Trent 700 and Trent 
800 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1, 
dated September 27, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you 
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph 
(g)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) For RB211-Trent 500 and 900 series engines:
    (i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 500 series 
engine using RB211 Trent 500, 700 and 800 Series Propulsion Systems 
NMASB No. RB.211-72-AF260, Revision 4, dated July 28, 2009, or using 
RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010 before the 
effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the ECIs required by 
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
    (ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of 
your RB211-Trent 500 series engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 
900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, 
dated December 23, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you 
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this AD.
    (4) For RB211-Trent 900 series engines:
    (i) If you borescope inspected your RB211-Trent 900 series 
engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems 
NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010, before 
the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the requirements 
of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) If you performed the ECI and in-shop visual inspection of 
your RB211-Trent 900 series engine using RB211 Trent 500 and Trent 
900 Series Propulsion Systems NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, 
dated December 23, 2010, before the effective date of this AD, you 
have satisfied the ECI and visual inspections required by paragraph 
(i)(3) of this AD. You are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (i)(2) and (i)(3) of this AD.

(l) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as 
introduction of an engine into the shop and disassembly sufficient 
to expose the IP compressor module rear face.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency, AD 2013-0002, 
dated January 4, 2013, for more information. You may examine this AD 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2007-28059-0022.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 8, 2013.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. 
RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems NMASB No. RB.211-72-AH059, 
dated December 11, 2012.
    (ii) Rolls-Royce plc Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. 
RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion Systems RB.211-72-AH058, dated 
December 13, 2012.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 29, 2012, (77 FR 31176, May 25, 2012).
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 Series Propulsion System 
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG270, 
Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011.
    (ii) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 and 800 Series Propulsion 
Systems Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG085, 
Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011.
    (iii) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion System 
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG264, 
Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011.
    (iv) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 Series Propulsion System 
Non-Modification Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AF260, 
Revision 5, dated July 7, 2011.
    (v) Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 and 900 Series Propulsion 
Systems Non-Modification Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-G448, 
Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
245418; Internet: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7125.
    (7) You may also view this service information that is IBR 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 July 22, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-21108 Filed 8-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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