Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8799-8802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04394]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0056; Product Identifier 2017-NE-29-AD; Amendment 
39-19584; AD 2019-05-02]
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) 2017-22-13 for 
certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engine models. AD 
2017-22-13 required an inspection of the drains mast and the 
replacement or repair of the drains mast if a crack is found. This AD 
retains this requirement, but adds repetitive inspections and expands 
the population of affected RR RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engine models. 
This AD was prompted by RR in-service findings that indicated a need to 
include part number (P/N) FW29847 drains mast and additional RR RB211-
Trent 900 turbofan engines to the affected population. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 27, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 27, 
2019.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by April 26, 2019.

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 AD, contact Rolls-Royce 
plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)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 & 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-2019-0056.

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-2019-
0056; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 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: Besian Luga, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7750; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, November 
7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-13''), for certain RR RB211-Trent 970-84 and 
RB211-Trent 972-84 turbofan engines. AD 2017-22-13 required an 
inspection of the drains mast and the replacement or repair of the 
drains mast if a crack is found. AD 2017-22-13 resulted from cracks 
found in the transition duct area

[[Page 8800]]

of the drains mast. We issued AD 2017-22-13 to visually inspect the 
external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a 
crack, and if a crack is found, to replace the drains mast or seal the 
crack.

Actions Since AD 2017-22-13 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-22-13, RR in-service investigations found 
cracks in the transition duct area of the drains mast. The RR 
investigation originally highlighted that engines that have installed 
the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR Service Bulletin (SB) 
RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, were most at risk of 
cracking. As a result, RR published Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 
2018, to add engines with a drains mast, P/N KH31996, installed that 
have installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211-
80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, and engines with a drains 
mast, P/N FW29847, installed or have a drains mast, P/N KH31996, that 
have not installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB 
RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015. Also since we issued 
AD 2017-22-13, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018, which retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0075R1, dated May 5, 2017, but adds 
repetitive inspections and expands the population of affected RR RB211-
Trent 900 turbofan engine models. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, 
dated July 11, 2018. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for 
inspection, repair, and replacement of the drains mast. 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 Rolls-Royce SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 
11, 2015. The SB describes procedures for installing a new sub-idle 
ejector system on the low-pressure compressor case.

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 provided by EASA 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 visual inspections of the external areas of the 
transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack. This AD also 
requires, if a crack is found, replacement of the drains mast with a 
part eligible for installation or sealing of the crack.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and 
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 final 
rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES 
section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-0056 and product identifier 
2017-NE-29-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.
    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 zero 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the drains mast...............  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170              $0
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the drains mast.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85         $72,000         $72,085
Seal the drains mast..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85               0              85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 8801]]

    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) 
2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, November 7, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2019-05-02 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19584; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0056; Product Identifier 2017-NE-29-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 27, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, 
November 7, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84 
and RB211-Trent 972-84 turbofan engines with a drains mast, part 
number (P/N) KH31996 or FW29847, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7170, Powerplant/
Engine Drains.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by RR in-service findings that indicated a 
need to include part number (P/N) FW29847 drains mast and additional 
RR RB211-Trent 900 turbofan engines to the affected population. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drains mast. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine fire and 
damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Group 1 engines, within 24 months after November 22, 
2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-22-13), or within 24 months time 
since new, whichever occurs later, and thereafter, at intervals not 
to exceed 24 months since previous inspection, visually inspect the 
external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a 
crack using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1), of RR 
Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-71-AJ576, 
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
    If a crack is found, do one of the following before further 
flight:
    (i) Remove and replace the drains mast with a part eligible for 
installation, or
    (ii) Seal the crack using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.A.(1).(c).(ii).(2), of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576, 
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018, and within 100 flight cycles after 
sealing the crack, remove and replace the drains mast with a part 
eligible for installation.
    (2) For Group 2 engines, within 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 24 
months since previous inspection, visually inspect the external 
areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack 
using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1), of RR Alert 
NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
    If a crack is found, do one of the following before further 
flight:
    (i) Remove and replace the drains mast with a part eligible for 
installation, or
    (ii) Seal the crack using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.A.(1).(c).(ii).(2), of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-71-AJ576, 
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018, and within 100 flight cycles after 
sealing the crack, remove and replace the drains mast with a part 
eligible for installation.

(h) Definition

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, ``Group 1'' engines are those 
with a drains mast, P/N KH31996, installed that have installed the 
sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 
2, dated August 11, 2015. ``Group 2'' engines are those engines with 
a drains mast, P/N FW29847, installed or have a drains mast, P/N 
KH31996, that have not installed the sub-idle ejector system 
introduced in RR SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 
2015.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a part eligible for 
installation is a drains mast with a part number not listed in this 
AD or a part that has passed the inspection required by this AD.
    (3) For the purposes of this AD, a flight cycle is a take-off 
and landing.

(i) 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 (j)(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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Besian Luga, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7750; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0056.

[[Page 8802]]

(k) 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 Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No. 
RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Rolls-Royce plc service information identified in this 
AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, 
Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)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 & 
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 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 March 6, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04394 Filed 3-11-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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