Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 220 (Friday, November 13, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72558-72560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25106]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0213; Project Identifier 2019-NE-03-AD; Amendment 
39-21324; AD 2020-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 611-8C model 
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure 
compressor (LPC) rotor blade retention lug failure. This AD requires 
limiting the service life of the LPC rotor blades based on the number 
of dry-film lubricant (DFL) re-applications. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 18, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 18, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 0 33-7086-4040; fax: +49 0 33-
7086-51-4040; email: [email protected]. 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No.FAA-2019-0213.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0213; 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), any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 
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: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RRD Tay 611-8C 
model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
May 6, 2019 (84 FR 19745). The NPRM was prompted by reports of LPC 
rotor blade retention lug failures. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
require a determination of the number of DFL re-applications that have 
been applied to the LPC rotor blades and, depending on the number of 
DFL re-applications, replacement of LPC rotor blades. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2018-0055, dated March 12, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    The airworthiness limitations for the Tay 611-8C engines, which 
are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the 
ALS. Among others, the ALS contains limitation(s) applicable to the 
maximum number of Dry Film Lubrication (DFL) treatments applied on 
fan blade retention lugs. These instructions have been identified as 
mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these 
instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
    In addition to the ALS, RRD issued the NMSB to provide 
alternative methods to establish, in case this cannot be determined 
from the engine maintenance records, the number of DFL treatments 
that have been applied to an engine.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0213.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Modify Applicability

    NetJets Aviation (NJA) requested that engines which have 
incorporated the 12,000 cycle life limit on LPC rotor blade, part 
number JR58319, per the Airworthiness Limitations section 05-10-01-870-
002, chapter 05-10-01, Rolls-Royce (RR) Tay Propulsion System Time 
Limits Manual, be excluded from the applicability of this AD.
    The FAA disagrees because the low cycle fatigue life limit of 
12,000 cycles for the LPC rotor blade is a separate requirement from 
the requirement of this AD to also limit the number of dry film 
lubricant re-applications.

Comment Regarding DFL Re-application Limit

    NJA noted that dry film re-application is only accomplished in an 
engine overhaul shop, and the 12 DFL-application limit every 1,300 
cycles will not be exceeded if the life limit is being tracked. The FAA 
disagrees. The FAA notes that there are tasks in the Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) for DFL re-applications that are not limited 
to shop visits. Therefore, this AD is necessary to address those cases 
in which the AMM DFL re-application tasks are necessary and the engine 
is not in the shop. This AD requires that when a complete

[[Page 72559]]

record of the total number of DFL re-applications is unavailable, count 
one DFL re-application for every 1,300 flight cycles of blade use.

Request to Add Engine Serial Numbers

    NJA requested that the serial numbers for the 12 affected engines 
be included in this AD.
    The FAA disagrees. The applicability of this AD is to RRD Tay 611-
8C model turbofan engines, with LPC rotor blades, P/N JR58319, 
installed, and is not based on serial numbers of the engines. The 
number ``12'' in the Costs of Compliance section is an estimate of the 
number of affected engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed except for minor editorial 
changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed RRD Non-Modification Service Bulletin TAY-72-1835, 
Initial Issue, dated December 15, 2017. The service information 
describes procedures for marking the LPC rotor blades with a suffix 
code during the next scheduled LPC fan blade removal. 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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Record Search to establish number of  1.5 work-hours x $85                 $0          $127.50           $1,530
 DFL re-applications.                  per hour = $127.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements.

                                               On-condition costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace LPC rotor blade..............  2 work-hours x $85 per   $11,270................  $11,440
                                        hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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):

2020-23-08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21324; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0213; Project Identifier 2019-NE-03-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 18, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 
611-8C model turbofan engines, with low-pressure compressor (LPC) 
rotor blades, part number (P/N) JR58319, installed.

[[Page 72560]]

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code, 7230 Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of LPC rotor blade retention lug 
failures. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC 
rotor blade. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
loss of engine power in flight and reduced control of 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, 
determine the number of dry film lubrication (DFL) re-applications 
that were applied to each LPC rotor blade by reviewing the 
maintenance records. If a complete record of the total number of DFL 
re-applications is unavailable, count one DFL re-application for 
every 1,300 flight cycles of blade use.
    (i) If the number of DFL re-applications is less than 13, mark 
the LPC rotor blade with a suffix code during the next scheduled LPC 
fan blade removal using the instructions in the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1)(c)[2] or 3.F.(1)(c)[2], as 
applicable, of RRD Non-Modification Service Bulletin TAY-72-1835, 
Initial Issue, dated December 15, 2017.
    (ii) If the number of DFL re-applications is 13 or more, replace 
the LPC rotor blade with a part eligible for installation before 
further flight.
    (2) [Reserved]

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a LPC rotor 
blade on any engine unless it has been determined that the LPC rotor 
blade has less than 13 DFL re-applications and has been marked in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD.

(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 
ECO Branch, 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 Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0055, dated March 12, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2019-0213.

(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 Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin TAY-72-1835, Initial Issue, dated December 15, 
2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For RRD service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 0 33-7086-4040; fax: +49 0 
33-7086-51-4040; email: [email protected].
    (4) 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.
    (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 November 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25106 Filed 11-12-20; 8:45 am]
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