Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5906-5909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01557]


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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 39-18087; AD 2015-02-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-15-10 
that applies to certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 turbofan engines. AD 
2013-15-10 required inspecting the intermediate-pressure compressor 
(IPC) rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks. This AD requires 
inspecting the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks, eliminates 
a terminating action, expands one inspection, and eliminates certain 
other inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect cracking on the IPC 
rotor shaft rear balance land, which could lead to uncontained engine 
failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective March 11, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 
11, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the IBR of certain 
other publications listed in this AD as of October 8, 2013 (78 FR 
54149, September 3, 2013) and as of June 29, 2012 (77 FR 31176, May 25, 
2012).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, 
DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: 
http://

[[Page 5907]]

www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2007-
28059; 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, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; 
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 2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 FR 54149, 
September 3, 2013), (``AD 2013-15-10''). AD 2013-15-10 applied to the 
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
September 11, 2014 (79 FR 54220). The NPRM proposed to retain the 
requirements of AD 2013-15-10 for inspecting the IPC rotor shaft rear 
balance land for cracks. The NPRM also proposed to require that the 
repetitive in-shop eddy current inspections (ECIs) in AD 2013-15-10 be 
performed even after modifying certain engines. The NPRM also proposed 
to eliminate repetitive on-wing inspections for certain other engines, 
and eliminate certain in-shop visual inspections for all engines.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 54220, September 
11, 2014).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes, e.g., paragraph references and referencing the 
latest version of certain service information incorporated by 
reference.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. 
RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AH058, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2014; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AG270, Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011; RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AG264, Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011; and RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-
G448, Revision 4, dated August 21, 2014. The service information 
describes procedures for performing borescope inspections and ECIs of 
the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. You can find this information in 
the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketBrowser;rpp=25;po=0;D=FAA-2007-28059.

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 inspections required by this AD. 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

    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),
    (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 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 FR 54149, September 3, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-02-20 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-18087; Docket No. FAA-2007-
28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 11, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-15-10, Amendment 39-17526 (78 FR 
54149, September 3, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 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-

[[Page 5908]]

84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84 turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in Trent 500, Trent 
700, and Trent 800 intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) rotor 
shaft rear balance lands and analysis that determined similar cracks 
may exist in Trent 900 engines. We are issuing this AD to detect 
cracking on the IPC 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.

(1) RB211-Trent 700 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) 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 IPC rotor shaft rear 
balance land. Use RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 
No. RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 21, 2011, paragraphs 
3.A.(2)(a) through 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 3.A.(3)(c) for 
in-shop procedures, or paragraphs 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.
    (ii) 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 later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR 
Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, 
paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B., to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(2) RB211-Trent 800 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) 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 IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR 
Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 5, dated March 21, 2011, 
paragraphs 3.A.(2)(a) through 3.A.(2)(c) and 3.A.(3)(a) through 
3.A.(3)(c), for in-shop procedures, or paragraphs 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.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 475 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR 
Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 7, 2011, 
paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B., to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(3) RB211-Trent 500 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 340 CIS after October 8, 2013, or before the next 
flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR 
Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH058, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2014, 
paragraphs 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.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 340 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred later.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR NMSB 
No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 4, dated August 21, 2014, paragraphs 
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), and 3.D.(11) to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this AD.

(4) RB211-Trent 900 Engines--Rear Balance Land Inspections

    (i) Within 280 flight cycles after October 8, 2013, or before 
the next flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, borescope inspect the IPC rotor shaft rear balance 
land. Use RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 
2012, paragraphs 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.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat the inspection within every 280 CSLI. 
You may count CSLI from the last borescope inspection or the last 
ECI, whichever occurred last.
    (iii) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an ECI of the IPC rotor shaft rear balance land. Use RR NMSB 
No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 4, dated August 21, 2014, paragraphs 
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), and 3.D.(11) to do the inspection.
    (iv) To meet the requirement of paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this AD, 
instead of a borescope inspection, you may perform an ECI using 
paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this AD.

(5) RB211-Trent 500, RB211-Trent 700, RB211-Trent 800, and RB211-Trent 
900 Engines IPC Balance Weight Removal

    (i) RB211-Trent 500 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, part 
numbers (P/Ns) AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, 
AS44695-250, AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (ii) RB211-Trent 700 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (iii) RB211-Trent 800 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (iv) RB211-Trent 900 engines. At the next shop visit after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the IPC balance weights, P/Ns 
AS44695-150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, 
AS44695-275, and AS44695-300.
    (v) Once you have removed the IPC balance weights, P/Ns AS44695-
150, AS44695-175, AS44695-200, AS44695-225, AS44695-250, AS44695-
275, and AS44695-300, do not re-install them on any IPC shaft rear 
balance land.

(6) RB211-Trent 500, RB211-Trent 700, RB211-Trent 800, and RB211-Trent 
900 Engines--Terminating Action to Repetitive Borescope Inspections

    (i) Removal of the IPC balance weights as described in paragraph 
(e)(5) of this AD terminates the repetitive borescope inspection 
requirements in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD. 
However, at each shop visit you must still do the ECI required by 
paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD.
    (ii) Reserved.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) RB211-Trent 700 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 700 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB 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, you have 
met the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 700 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1, dated September 27, 2010, you met the 
ECI requirement of paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this AD. However, you 
are still required to perform the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(2) RB211-Trent 800 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 800 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-
AG264, Revision 3, dated December 21, 2010; or Revision 4, dated 
February 25, 2011, you met the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) 
of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 800 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB No. 
RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 1, dated September 27, 2010, you met the 
ECI requirement of paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD. However, you 
are still required to perform the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraphs (e)(2)(ii) and (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(3) RB211-Trent 500 Engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 500 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH058, 
dated December 13, 2012; or RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, 
dated December 23, 2010; or Revision 3,

[[Page 5909]]

dated July 7, 2011, you met the requirement of paragraph (e)(3)(i) 
of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 500 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-
G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010; or Revision 3, dated July 
7, 2011, you met the ECI requirement of paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of 
this AD. However, you are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (e)(3)(ii) and (e)(3)(iii) of 
this AD.

(4) RB211-Trent 900 engines

    (i) If you borescope inspected an RB211-Trent 900 engine, before 
the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH059, 
dated December 11, 2012; or RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 2, 
dated December 23, 2010; or Revision 3, dated July 7, 2011, you met 
the requirements of paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this AD.
    (ii) If you eddy current inspected an RB211-Trent 900 engine, 
before the effective date of this AD, using RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-
G448, Revision 2, dated December 23, 2010; or Revision 3, dated July 
7, 2011, you met the ECI requirement of paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of 
this AD. However, you are still required to perform the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (e)(4)(ii) and (e)(4)(iii) of 
this AD.

(g) Definition

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

(h) 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. You may email your request to: [email protected].

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0152, 
dated June 20, 2014, and corrected on June 25, 2014, for more 
information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2007-
28059-0028.

(j) 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 
March 11, 2015.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) No. RB.211-72-G448, Revision 4, dated August 21, 2014.
    (ii) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH058, Revision 1, dated July 
7, 2014.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 8, 2013 (78 FR 54149, September 3, 2013).
    (i) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AH059, dated December 11, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 29, 2012, (77 FR 31176, May 25, 2012).
    (i) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG270, Revision 4, dated March 
21, 2011.
    (ii) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG085, Revision 2, dated July 
7, 2011.
    (iii) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AG264, Revision 5, dated March 
21, 2011.
    (6) For RR service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com.
    (7) You may view this service information at 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.
    (8) You may view this service information 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 January 16, 2015.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01557 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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