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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 213 (Monday, November 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61676-61679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24182]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0257; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00712-E; 
Amendment 39-21772; AD 2021-21-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, 
Formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) 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) BR700-710A2-20 model 
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by flight data obtained from 
airplanes equipped with certain Rockwell Collins avionics and auto-
throttle systems that demonstrated significant oscillation of the 
engine rotor revolution speed during flight. This AD requires initial 
and repetitive recalculation of the consumed and remaining service life 
of certain life-limited parts (LLPs). This AD also

[[Page 61677]]

requires removal of an LLP prior to its approved life limit or within 
90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

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

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 
15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 7086-4040; 
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 https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0257.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0257; 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: Wego Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7134; 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 BR700-
710A2-20 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on April 2, 2021 (86 FR 17326). The NPRM was prompted by 
flight data obtained from airplanes equipped with certain Rockwell 
Collins avionics and auto-throttle systems that demonstrated 
significant oscillation of the engine rotor revolution speed during 
flight. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require initial and repetitive 
recalculation of the consumed and remaining service life of certain 
LLPs. The NPRM also proposed to require removal of an LLP prior to its 
approved life limit or within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later. 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 2018-0268, dated December 11, 2018 and corrected on 
February 20, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address 
the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states:

    Flight data obtained from aeroplanes equipped with certain 
Rockwell Collins avionics and auto-throttle system demonstrated 
significant oscillation of the engine rotor revolution speed during 
cruise. Analysis indicates that this affects the service life of the 
affected LLP.
    This condition, if not corrected, may lead to failure of an 
affected LLP, possibly resulting in release of high-energy debris, 
with consequent damage to, and/or reduced control of, the aeroplane. 
To address this potentially unsafe condition, RRD issued the NMSB, 
providing instructions to recalculate the consumed and remaining 
service life of the affected LLP.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive recalculation of the service life (consumed and 
remaining) of each affected LLP and, depending on the results, 
replacement of each affected LLP before exceeding the life limit, 
taking the re-calculated life consumption into account.

    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-2021-0257.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one commenter, NetJets Aviation 
(NJA). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the 
FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Confirm Compliance With Previous Action

    NJA asked if they are in compliance with this AD if they performed 
the required actions using Bombardier Service Bulletin (SB) 700-34-5021 
or Bombardier SB 700-34-6021, revisions earlier than Revision 3, dated 
January 5, 2018, as applicable. NJA reasoned that paragraph (c), 
Applicability, of the proposed AD references only Revision 3 of 
Bombardier SB 700-34-5021 and Bombardier SB 700-34-6021 (Bombardier 
SBs). NJA states that it performed the required actions using Revision 
2 of the Bombardier SBs before the effective date of this AD. NJA also 
referenced language from Revision 3 of the Bombardier SBs that 
indicates no further action is necessary if operators performed the 
action using earlier revisions of the Bombardier SBs.
    The FAA notes that NJA would be in compliance with the required 
actions of this AD if they performed those actions using the earlier 
versions of the Bombardier SBs to meet the requirements of this AD. The 
FAA updated paragraph (h), Credit for Previous Actions, of this AD to 
give credit for using earlier revisions of the Bombardier SBs if the 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD.

Request To Confirm Compliance for Simultaneous Actions

    NJA asked if they would be in compliance with the required actions 
of this AD, based on paragraph (h), Credit for Previous Actions, if 
they complied with the Bombardier SBs and RRD Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin SB-BR700-72-A900584, Revision 2, dated November 22, 
2017 (the NMSB), at the same time before the fleet accumulated 500 
flight cycles. NJA indicated that the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.A.(1) and (2), of the NMSB apply only to the low-pressure 
compressor (LPC) disk whereas this AD applies to all LLPs.
    The FAA notes that NJA would be in compliance with the replacement 
of the LPC disk required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD if they 
performed the action before the effective date of this AD. Paragraph 
(f) of this AD mandates compliance with this AD within the compliance 
times specified, unless already done.

Update to Service Information

    The FAA determined the need to incorporate the latest service 
information in this AD. The FAA revised the reference to Bombardier SB 
700-34-5021 in paragraph (c) of this AD from Revision 03, dated January 
5, 2018, to Revision 04, dated February 11, 2021, or earlier revision, 
and Bombardier SB 700-34-6021 in paragraph (c) of this AD from Revision 
03, dated January 5, 2018, to Revision 04, dated February 11, 2021, or 
earlier revision. This change does not change the number of affected 
engines that the FAA estimated in the NPRM and imposes no additional 
burden on operators who are required to comply with this AD.

[[Page 61678]]

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 RRD Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin SB-
BR700-72-A900584, Revision 2, dated November 22, 2017. The NMSB 
describes procedures for amending flight cycle counting requirements 
for affected LLPs on RRD BR700-710A2-20 model turbofan engines. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Bombardier SB 700-34-5021, Revision 04, dated 
February 11, 2021, and Bombardier SB 700-34-6021, Revision 04, dated 
February 11, 2021. These SBs describe procedures for the implementation 
of the Global Vision Flight Deck Version 5 (V5) software load on 
Bombardier Inc. Model BD-700-1A11 and BD-700-1A10 airplanes, 
respectively.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 284 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recalculate service life for affected   20 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,700        $482,800
 LLPs.                                   hour = $85.
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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,
    (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:

2021-21-12 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-
Royce GmbH): Amendment 39-21772; Docket No. FAA-2021-0257; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00712-E.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type 
Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, 
formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) (RRD) BR700-710A2-20 model turbofan 
engines:
    (1) Installed and operated on a Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 and 
BD-700-1A11 airplane, with serial number 9381, 9386, 9401, or 9432 
to 9786, inclusive, that have not incorporated Bombardier Service 
Bulletin (SB) 700-34-5021, Revision 04, dated February 11, 2021, or 
earlier revision, or Bombardier SB 700-34-6021, Revision 04, dated 
February 11, 2021, or earlier revision, as applicable, referred to 
after this as a ``pre-mod airplane,'' or
    (2) Installed and operated on a pre-mod airplane at any time 
after January 1, 2017.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by flight data obtained from airplanes 
equipped with certain Rockwell Collins avionics and auto-throttle 
systems which demonstrated significant oscillation of the engine 
rotor revolution speed during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of an affected life-limited part (LLP). The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of 
high-energy debris, damage to the engine, and damage to the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 61679]]

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
recalculate the consumed and remaining service life of each affected 
LLP using Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.D., of RRD Alert 
Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) SB-BR700-72-A900584, 
Revision 2, dated November 22, 2017 (the NMSB).
    (2) For engines installed and operated on a pre-mod airplane, 
after performing the initial recalculations required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, for each flight, calculate the consumed and 
remaining service life of each affected LLP using paragraph 3.D. of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the NMSB.
    (3) Remove each affected LLP prior to exceeding its approved 
life limit or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the recalculation of the consumed and 
remaining service life of each LLP required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD if the action was performed before the effective date of 
this AD using RRD Alert NMSB SB-BR700-72-A900584, Revision 1, dated 
October 5, 2017, or original issue, dated January 31, 2017.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an affected LLP is: a low-pressure 
compressor (LPC) disk, LPC fan blade, fan shaft, low-pressure 
turbine (LPT) stage 1 disk, LPT stage 2 disk, LPT rotor shaft and 
annulus filler, high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 1-6 rotor disk, 
HPC stage 7-10 rotor disk, curvic ring, high-pressure turbine (HPT) 
stage 1 disk, and an HPT stage 2 disk.

(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). 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 Wego Wang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0268, dated December 11, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0257.

(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 Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin SB-BR700-72-A900584, Revision 2, dated November 22, 
2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Rolls-Royce Deutschland service information identified 
in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 
11, Dahlewitz, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 
7086-4040; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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 October 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24182 Filed 11-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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