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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50230-50232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19279]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00950-E; 
Amendment 39-21695; AD 2021-17-12]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-13-07 
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-D2, Trent 
1000-J2, and Trent 1000-K2 model turbofan engines with a certain part-
numbered fuel pump installed. AD 2020-13-07 required removal and 
replacement of the fuel pump with a part eligible for installation. 
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's investigation into an 
unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in certain high life fuel 
pumps and subsequent determination that an additional part-numbered 
fuel pump is subject to the same unsafe condition. This AD requires new 
and reduced life limits for certain part-numbered fuel pumps, depending 
on the engine model the fuel pump is installed on. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0198.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0198; 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 (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: Kevin M. Clark, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7088; 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 to supersede AD 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 FR 
38312, June 26, 2020), (AD 2020-13-07). AD 2020-13-07 applied to all 
RRD Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-J2, and Trent 1000-K2 model turbofan 
engines with fuel pump, part number G5030FPU01, installed. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2021 (86 FR 16548). The 
NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer's investigation into an 
unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in certain high life fuel 
pumps and life-related wear-out of the internal components and 
subsequent determination that an additional part-numbered fuel pump is 
subject to this same unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
retain all the requirements of AD 2020-13-07. In the NPRM, the FAA also 
proposed to add an additional part-numbered fuel pump and additional 
Trent 1000 model turbofan engines on which this fuel pump is installed 
to the applicability. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require new 
and reduced life limits for certain part-numbered fuel pumps,

[[Page 50231]]

depending on the engine model the fuel pump is installed on. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2021-0006, dated January 7, 2021 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    An unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance has been seen 
during testing of high life units. Strip examination of these fuel 
pumps has identified that life related wear-out of the internal 
components is causing deterioration in pump efficiency. The effect 
of the loss of fuel pump efficiency is more pronounced on higher 
rated engines.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced engine 
thrust, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
published NMSB 73-AK581 (original issue) to provide instructions for 
replacement of the affected parts before exceeding reduced life 
limits. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2020-0124 to require the 
removal from service of the affected parts.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued NMSB 73-
AK581 Revision 1, introducing an additional fuel pump, P/N TPS1000-
05, as well as new and reduced life limits for the affected parts, 
depending on engine model (rating). Consequently, EASA issued AD 
2020-0154, retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2020-0124, which 
was superseded, expanding the Applicability to include additional 
engine models (ratings) and requiring implementation of the new and 
reduced life limits.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued the NMSB, as 
defined in this [EASA] AD, introducing new and reduced life limits 
for the affected parts, depending on engine model (rating).
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2020-0154, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the new and reduced life limits, as applicable.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0198.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were 
The Boeing Company (Boeing) and Rolls-Royce. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Update Service Bulletin

    Boeing and Rolls-Royce requested that the FAA update the specified 
service information by referencing Revision 3 of Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert 
Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) TRENT 1000-73-AK581.
    The FAA agrees and has updated this AD to reference RR Alert NMSB 
TRENT 1000-73-AK581, Revision 3, dated April 7, 2021. This change to 
this AD imposes no additional burden on operators.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and any 
other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed RR Alert NMSB TRENT 1000-73-AK581, Revision 3, 
dated April 7, 2021 (RR Alert NMSB). The RR Alert NMSB introduces a 
reduced life limit for affected fuel pumps installed on certain RRD 
Trent 1000 model turbofan engines. The RR Alert NMSB also includes 
additional RRD Trent 1000 turbofan engine models that require 
implementation of the reduced life limits for affected fuel pumps. 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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fuel pump...................  3 work-hours x $85 per         $393,552         $393,807      $11,026,596
                                       hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals.

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

    The FAA has determined that 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) 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.

[[Page 50232]]

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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 
FR 38312, June 26, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2021-17-12 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21695; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0198; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00950-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-13-07, Amendment 39-21152 (85 FR 38312, 
June 26, 2020).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
(Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000-A, 
Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C, Trent 
1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-D2, 
Trent 1000-G, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 
1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines 
with a fuel pump, part number (P/N) G5030FPU01 or P/N TPS1000-05, 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7314, Engine Fuel 
Pump.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's investigation into an 
unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in certain high life 
fuel pumps and life-related wear-out of the internal components, 
which causes deterioration in fuel pump efficiency. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel pump, loss of engine 
thrust control and reduced control of the airplane. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the fuel 
pump, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

 (g) Required Actions

    Within the compliance time specified in Planning Information, 
paragraph 1.D.2, of Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin TRENT 1000 73-AK581, Revision 3, dated April 7, 2021 (the 
RR Alert NMSB), or within 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, remove the fuel pump, P/N G5030FPU01 or 
P/N TPS1000-05, and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.

 (h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is a fuel pump with a P/N other than G5030FPU01 or TPS1000-05 or a 
fuel pump that has not exceeded the compliance time specified in 
Planning Information, paragraph 1.D.2, of the RR Alert NMSB.

 (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) 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 Kevin M. Clark, 
Aviation Safety 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0006, dated January 7, 2021, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0198.

(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 (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
TRENT 1000-73-AK581, Revision 3, dated April 7, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For RR service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
    (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 August 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19279 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
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