Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Allison Engine Company) Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 189 (Tuesday, September 29, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60891-60893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21377]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0853; Project Identifier AD-2020-00588-E; 
Amendment 39-21260; AD 2020-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Allison Engine Company) Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D3 model turboprop engines. This 
AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the 
RRC AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual and the operator's approved continuous 
airworthiness maintenance program. This AD was prompted by a report of 
a propeller gearbox (PGB) development test in which high vibration 
occurred due to a fatigue crack that initiated in the propeller shaft. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 14, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 14, 
2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 13, 2020.

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 https://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 Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-06, 
Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317-230-1667; email: royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; internet: www.rolls-royce.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0853.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0853; 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, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for the Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 
(847) 294-7836; fax: (847) 294-7834; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA was informed by the manufacturer that a PGB development 
test was stopped due to high vibration caused by a fatigue crack that 
initiated in the PGB shaft and carrier assembly. The fatigue crack 
initiated in a broach slot of the PGB shaft. The manufacturer 
determined the need to apply life limits to the PGB shaft and carrier 
assembly, which has not previously been a life-limited part. To track 
these parts, the manufacturer determined the need to assign usage hours 
to PGB shaft and carrier assemblies that already have time in service.
    An examination by the manufacturer of Material Review Board records 
also identified two PGB shaft and carrier assemblies that were accepted 
with reduced material properties prior to their reclassification as a 
life limited part requiring reduced lives. The manufacturer applied 
reduced life limits to these PGB shaft and carrier assemblies. In 
addition, a review of shop repair records by the manufacturer 
identified a number of PGB shaft and carrier assemblies that received a 
keylock stud repair introducing unacceptable unused ``keyslots'' that 
can cause stress concentration and reduced life. The manufacturer 
requires either rework or removal of these PGB shaft and carrier 
assemblies.
    The FAA determined that updating the ALS of the RRC AE 2100D3 
Maintenance Manual and the continued airworthiness maintenance program 
for the affected RRC 2100D3 model turbofan engines is the most 
effective way to address the unsafe condition pertaining to fatigue 
cracks in the PGB shaft and carrier assembly. These ALS updates apply 
life limits to PGB shaft and carrier assemblies installed on RRC AE 
2100D3 model turbofan engines. Certain part numbered PGB shaft and 
carrier assemblies with reduced material properties were assigned 
reduced life limits. To track these parts, the ALS updates require 
assignment of usage hours to the PGB shaft and carrier assembly no 
later than the next engine shop visit for all RRC AE model turboprop 
engines. Depending on the part and serial number of the PGB shaft and 
carrier assembly, the updates to the ALS requires reidentification or 
removal of the PGB shaft and carrier assembly.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of the 
propeller, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Task 05-11-00-800-801, dated June 20, 2018 of the 
Airworthiness Limitations System Description Section-801, RRC AE 2100D3 
Maintenance Manual (``Task 05-11-00-800-801'') and Task 05-12-11-800-
802, dated June 1, 2020 of the Propeller Gearbox System Component Life 
Limits Systems Description Section-802, RRC AE 2100D3 Maintenance 
Manual (``Task 05-12-11-800-802'').
    Task 05-11-00-800-801 specifies: (1) Assignment of usage hours to 
the PGB shaft and carrier assemblies; (2) reworking confirmed blind 
hole configured PGB shaft and carrier

[[Page 60892]]

assemblies to the through-hole controlled keyslot configuration; and 
(3) reidentifying through-hole PGB shaft and carrier assemblies to a 
new part number.
    Task 05-12-11-800-802 specifies: (1) Assignment of new life limits 
to the PGB shaft and carrier assemblies; (2) decreasing the life limit 
for PGB shaft and carrier assemblies found to have reduced material 
properties; and (3) replacing PGB shaft and carrier assemblies that 
have received a keylock stud repair which introduced unacceptable 
unused keyslots.
    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

    The FAA reviewed RRC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AE2100D3-A-72-
256, Revision 3, dated January 15, 2018; AE 2100D3-A-72-313, Revision 
1, dated May 28, 2018; RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-314, Revision 0, dated 
January 15, 2018; RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-315, Revision 2, dated July 
13, 2018; RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-324, Revision 0, dated November 26, 
2019; and RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-325, Revision 0, dated November 26, 
2019.
    RRC ASB AE2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 3, dated January 15, 2018, 
describes procedures for re-work of certain PGB shaft and carrier 
assemblies.
    RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-313 describes procedures for assigning usage 
hours to the PGB shaft and carrier assemblies.
    RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-314 describes procedures for reworking PGB 
shaft and carrier assemblies from the blind hole to the preferred 
through hole controlled keyslot configuration.
    RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-315 describes procedures for reidentifying 
PGB shaft and carrier assemblies which are of the preferred through 
hole controlled keyslot configuration.
    RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-324 establishes a decrease in life limit of 
10,525 hours for PGB shaft and carrier assemblies, with (S/Ns) CU32063 
and CU32071, which were found to have reduced material properties.
    RRC ASB AE 2100D3-A-72-325 describes procedures for reworking or 
replacing PGB shaft and carrier assemblies, listed in Table 1 of RRC 
ASB AE 2100D3-72-A-325, that have received a keylock stud repair which 
introduced unacceptable unused keyslots.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires revising the ALS of the AE 2100D3 Maintenance 
Manual and the operator's approved continuous airworthiness maintenance 
program.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than 30 days, upon 
a finding of good cause.
    The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no domestic 
operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive 
any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from U.S. 
operators. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for 
the foregoing reasons, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2020-0853 and 
Project Identifier AD-2020-00588-E at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this final rule contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this final rule, it is important that 
you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each 
page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will 
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they 
will not be placed in the public docket of this final rule. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insert Task 05-12-11-800-801 into RRC   0.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0          $42.50              $0
 AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual.           hour = $42.50.

[[Page 60893]]

 
Insert Task 05-12-11-800-802 into RRC   0.5 work-hours x $85 per               0           42.50               0
 AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual.           hour = $42.50.
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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.
    The FAA is 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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):

2020-20-04 Rolls-Royce Corporation (Type Certificate previously held 
by Allison Engine Company): Amendment 39-21260; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0853; Project Identifier AD-2020-00588-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 14, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D3 
model turboprop engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7210, Turbine Engine 
Reduction Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a fatigue crack that initiated in the 
propeller shaft during a propeller gearbox (PGB) development test 
that induced high vibrations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
loss of the propeller. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in damage to the engine and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the RRC AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual (``the Manual'') and the 
operator's existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance 
program by inserting:
    (i) Task 05-11-00-800-801, dated June 20, 2018, into 
Airworthiness Limitations System Description Section-801; and
    (ii) Task 05-12-11-800-802, dated June 1, 2020, into Propeller 
Gearbox System Component Life Limits Systems Description Section-802 
in the Manual.
    (2) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
no alternative replacement times or structural inspection intervals 
may be approved for this PGB shaft and carrier assembly.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago ACO, 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 (i) of this AD.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact or more information 
about this AD, contact Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
ACO, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 
294-7836; fax: (847) 294-7834; email: [email protected].

(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.
    (i) Task 05-11-00-800-801, dated June 20, 2018 of Airworthiness 
Limitations System Description Section-801, Rolls-Royce Corporation 
(RRC) AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual.
    (ii) Task 05-12-11-800-802, dated June 1, 2020 of Propeller 
Gearbox System Component Life Limits Systems Description Section-
802, RRC AE 2100D3 Maintenance Manual.
    (3) For RRC service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-
06, Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317-230-1667; email: 
royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; internet: www.rolls-royce.com.
    (4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 18, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21377 Filed 9-28-20; 8:45 am]
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