Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45044-45047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19119]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1122; Product Identifier 2012-NE-42-AD; Amendment 
39-19385; AD 2018-18-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-02-04 for 
all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84, RB211-Trent 970B-84, 
RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 977-84, RB211-
Trent 977B-84, and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan engines. AD 2013-02-04 
required on-wing inspections of low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk seal 
fins and interstage seals when post-flight review indicates Engine 
Health Monitoring (EHM) vibratory maintenance-alert limits were 
exceeded in flight. This AD requires additional criteria for the 
inspection of the stage 2, 3, and 4 LPT disk seal fins and interstage 
seals and removes the requirement to inspect the stage 5 LPT disk seal 
fins and interstage seal. This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine 
experiencing increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight 
resulting in an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and air turnback. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 20, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
20, 2018.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 22, 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.
    <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, 
DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418, or email: 
http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. 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

[[Page 45045]]

at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2017-1122.

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-
1122; 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, 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for 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

    We issued AD 2013-02-04, Amendment 39-17325 (78 FR 6206, January 
30, 2013), (``AD 2013-02-04''), for all RR RB211-Trent 970-84, RB211-
Trent 970B-84, RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 
977-84, RB211-Trent 977B-84, and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan engines. 
AD 2013-02-04 required on-wing inspections of LPT disk seal fins and 
interstage seals when post-flight review indicates EHM vibratory 
maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in flight. AD 2013-02-04 also 
required in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage 
seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on the findings, 
accomplishment of corrective action. AD 2013-02-04 resulted from a 
Trent 900 engine experiencing LPT stage 2 disk interstage seal material 
loss and increased low-pressure rotor (N1) vibration while in flight. 
We issued AD 2013-02-04 to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could 
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2013-02-04 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2013-02-04, a Trent 900 engine experienced 
increased N1 vibration while in flight resulting in an IFSD and air 
turnback. Inspection of the engine revealed LPT damage. A subsequent 
review of the potential causes determined that engine overhaul shop 
visit activities could be a factor. RR issued Revision 2 to Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AH054 to introduce an 
inspection of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals after an 
overhaul shop visit when an engine test (pass-off test) is required due 
to the work performed. RR also published Revision 3 to Alert NMSB 
RB.211-72-AH054, dated February 1, 2018, to remove engines that have 
incorporated the modifications introduced by RR Alert SB RB.211-72-
AJ592, dated September 4, 2017, from its applicability. In addition, 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published AD 2018-0126, 
dated June 11, 2018, to require the changes introduced by Revision 3 of 
RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH054. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RR issued Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 3, dated 
February 1, 2018. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for inspection 
after a pass-off test. 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.

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 the 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 partially retains the requirements of AD 2013-02-04, 
requires inspection of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals 
following pass-off test, and changes certain inspection requirements.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary. 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 we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2017-1122 and product identifier 2012-NE-42-AD at 
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this AD because of those comments.
    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 AD.

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of LPT disk seal fins and    8 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $680              $0
 interstage seals.                       hour = $680.
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[[Page 45046]]

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 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, 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) 
2013-02-04, Amendment 39-17325 (78 FR 6206, January 30, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-18-06 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19385; Docket No. FAA-2017-
1122; Product Identifier 2012-NE-42-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-02-04, Amendment 39-17325 (78 FR 6206, 
January 30, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84, 
RB211-Trent 970B-84, RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-
Trent 977-84, RB211-Trent 977B-84, and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan 
engines that have not incorporated the modifications introduced by 
RR Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AJ592, dated September 4, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7350, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing 
increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight resulting in 
an in-flight shutdown and air turnback. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent cracks in the low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained engine 
failure and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, after every flight, 
review the Engine Health Monitoring low-pressure rotor (N1) 
vibration data within 10 engine flight cycles (FCs).
    (i) If you find that the maximum and average vibrations exceed 
0.7 inches/sec (ips) and 0.5 ips, respectively, then within 10 
engine FCs:
    (A) Confirm that the vibration data was not the result of 
indicator error.
    (B) If you cannot show that the vibration increase was caused by 
indicator error, inspect the LPT stage 2, 3, and 4 disk seal fins 
and interstage seals in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of RR Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 3, dated February 1, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, each time a pass-off 
test is performed on an engine after induction into a Repair and 
Overhaul Shop, inspect the LPT stage 2, 3, and 4 disk seal fins and 
interstage seals in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.C., of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 3, dated 
February 1, 2018.
    (4) If, during the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, you find any cracks in the disk seal fins or any interstage 
seals are missing seal material, replace the parts with parts 
eligible for installation before further flight.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if, following detection of excessive N1 
vibration, you performed the inspections using RR Repeater Technical 
Variance (TV) 125658, Issue 2, dated August 14, 2012; or RR Repeater 
TV 125060, Issue 1, dated July 27, 2012, or Issue 2, dated January 
30, 2013; or RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AH054, Initial issue, dated 
September 14, 2012; Revision 1, dated November 5, 2012; or Revision 
2, dated August 24, 2016.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``pass-off test'' is a test on any 
engine performed in accordance with Task 72-00-00-760-801, General 
Procedures for Engine Testing, from the Rolls-Royce Trent 970-84 
Engine Manual, dated December 1, 2016.

(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-
0126, dated June 11, 2018, for more information. You may examine the 
EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by

[[Page 45047]]

searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-1122.

(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 
RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 3, dated February 1, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For RR 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, or email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
    (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 August 27, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19119 Filed 9-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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