Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34755-34758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15649]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1237; Product Identifier 2017-NE-43-AD; Amendment 
39-19333; AD 2018-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-D, Trent 
1000-E, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-H, Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 
1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, 
Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 engine models. This AD requires 
certain engines susceptible to intermediate-pressure turbine (IPT) 
blade failure not be installed on an airplane together with other 
engines with IPT blades of the same age. This AD was prompted by new 
operating restrictions for engines with IPT blades susceptible to shank 
corrosion and possible blade separation. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 7, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 7, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

[[Page 34756]]

    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1237.

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-2017-
1237; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for the Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2018-0086, dated April 17, 2018 (referred to hereinafter as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported where, following N2 vibration and 
multiple messages, the flight crew performed an engine in-flight 
shut-down (IFSD) and returned to the departure airport, landing 
uneventfully. The post-flight borescope inspection of the engine 
revealed an intermediate pressure turbine blade (IPTB) missing at 
the shank. Analysis shows that this kind of failure is due to 
sulphidation corrosion cracking.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
IPTB shank release, possibly resulting in an IFSD and consequent 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, RR issued Alert NMSB 
Trent 1000 72-AJ575 to provide instructions for engine removal from 
service when any IPTB with a high level of sulphidation exposure is 
identified by corrosion fatigue life (CFL) model. Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2017-0056 to require removal from service of certain 
engines, to be corrected in shop.
    Since that AD was issued, prompted by further occurrences and 
analyses, it has been decided that, to reduce the risk of dual IFSD, 
a new cyclic life limit must be applied to certain engines, which 
determines when an engine can no longer be installed on an aeroplane 
in combination with certain other engines. RR published the original 
issue of the NMSB to provide de-pairing instructions, including the 
relevant IPTB cyclic limit for each engine. Consequently, EASA 
issued Emergency AD 2017-0253-E to require de-pairing of the 
affected engines.
    Since that AD was issued, RR issued Revision 2 of the NMSB, 
which removes and adds certain ESN from the list of affected engines 
and introduces another IPTB cyclic limit.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0253-E, which is superseded, amends the 
Applicability, and requires application of the new limit.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1237.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 
1000-72-AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018, and Revision 2, dated 
April 16, 2018; and RR Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72-H818, dated 
November 14, 2016. Alert NMSB Trent 1000-72-AJ992 defines operating 
restrictions for de-pairing certain engines before an IPT blade cyclic 
life. Revisions 1 and 2 of this NMSB differ by identifying different 
engine serial numbers that are affected by the respective NMSBs. RR SB 
Trent 1000 72-H818 introduces a new IPT blade less susceptible to shank 
corrosion and exempt from this AD. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-J442, Revision 1, dated February 
21, 2018; and initial issue, dated September 21, 2016; and RR NMSB 
Trent 1000 72-J465, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2018; Revision 1, 
dated January 10, 2017; and initial issue, dated December 22, 2016. RR 
NMSBs Trent 1000 72-J442 and Trent 1000 72-J465 describe procedures for 
refurbishing an engine with either serviceable used or new IPT blades, 
and also the cleaning and inspection requirements for the reuse of IPT 
blades.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires removal of one engine from an airplane before both 
engines exceed their respective IPT blade operating restrictions.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators are affected by this regulatory action. 
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment are unneccessary. In addition, for the reason stated 
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket 
No. FAA-2017-1237'' and Product Identifier ``2017-NE-43-AD'' at the 
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
final rule. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.

[[Page 34757]]

    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time-Staggering of selected Trent 1000  48 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $4,080              $0
 engines on B787.                        hour = $4,080.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-15-01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19333; Docket No. FAA-2017-
1237; Product Identifier 2017-NE-43-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 7, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent 1000-A, Trent 
1000-C, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-H, 
Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 
1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 
1000-L2 engine models with engine serial numbers identified in 
Appendix 1, Table 1, of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) TRENT 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018, or 
Appendix 1, Table 1, of RR Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 
2, dated April 16, 2018, except those that have incorporated RR 
Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72-H818, dated November 14, 2016.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 7250, Turbine Engine, 
Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by operating restrictions that have been 
defined for certain engines with intermediate-pressure turbine (IPT) 
blades susceptible to shank corrosion and possible blade separation. 
These restrictions define when an engine can no longer be installed 
on an airplane together with other engines susceptible to the same 
failure. We are issuing this AD to prevent the simultaneous failure 
of both engines. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in a dual engine in-flight shutdown and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    After the effective date of this AD, for any affected engine 
identified in Appendix 1, Table 1, of RR Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-
AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018; or Appendix 1, Table 1, of 
RR Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 2, dated April 16, 2018, 
installed with another affected engine, listed in the same table, on 
the same airplane, remove one of the engines from the airplane 
before both engines exceed their respective IPT blade cyclic life 
limit identified in Appendix 1, Table 1, of the respective NMSB, or 
within 20 flight cycles, whichever occurs later.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    (1) Engines listed in each group in Appendix 1, Table 1, of RR 
Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018, 
or Appendix 1, Table 1, of Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 
2, dated April 16, 2018, are not to be installed on an airplane 
together with an engine listed in a different group in the same 
table once they have exceeded their IPT blade cyclic life limit 
identified in Appendix 1, Table 1 of the respective NMSB.

[[Page 34758]]

    (2) Engines listed in Appendix 1, Table 1, of RR Alert NMSB 
Trent 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018, or Appendix 
1, Table 1, of RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ992, Revision 2, dated 
April 16, 2018, may not be installed on an airplane with engines 
that have IPT blades installed in accordance with RR NMSB Trent 1000 
72-J442, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2018, or Initial Issue, 
dated September 21, 2016; or RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-J465, Revision 2, 
dated February 28, 2018, or Revision 1, dated January 10, 2017, or 
Initial Issue, dated December 22, 2016.

(i) Terminating Action

    Modification of an engine in accordance with the instructions of 
RR SB Trent 1000 72-H818, dated November 14, 2016, constitutes 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD for that engine.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your 
request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-
0086, dated April 17, 2018, for more information. You may examine 
the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2017-1237.

(l) 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.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) Trent 1000-72-AJ992, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2018.
    (ii) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000-72-AJ992, Revision 2, dated April 
16, 2018.
    (iii) RR Service Bulletin Trent 1000 72-H818, dated November 14, 
2016.
    (3) 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://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 17, 2018.

Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15649 Filed 7-20-18; 8:45 am]
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