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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71135-71138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27033]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0655; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01497-E; 
Amendment 39-21846; AD 2021-25-03]
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 all 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent 7000-72 and Trent 
7000-72C model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the 
manufacturer revising the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits 
of certain critical rotating parts and updating certain

[[Page 71136]]

maintenance tasks. This AD requires the operator to revise the 
airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of their existing approved 
continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP) by incorporating 
the revised tasks of the applicable TLM for each affected model 
turbofan engine, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 19, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 19, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact 
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 
8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: www.easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0655. For material identified in this AD 
that is not incorporated by reference, contact Rolls-Royce plc, 
Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 (0)1332 242424 fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0655; 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 
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0244, dated November 5, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0244) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all RRD Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all RRD Trent 7000-72 
and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 12, 2021 (86 FR 44316). The NPRM was 
prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine TLM life limits of 
certain critical rotating parts and updating certain maintenance tasks. 
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions 
specified in EASA AD 2020-0244, described previously, as incorporated 
by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.'' The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. See 
the MCAI for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three commenters. The commenters 
were Air Line Pilots Association, International, The Boeing Company, 
and Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Add Exception to the Definition of AMP

    DAL requested that paragraph (h), Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0244, 
of the proposed rule, be updated to provide an exception to the 
definition of the AMP for airplanes operated under FAA regulations. DAL 
noted that the EASA AD's definition of an AMP is applicable to an 
airplane operated under European Union regulations.
    The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Request To Add Exception for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) Blade 
Inspection

    DAL requested that paragraph (h), Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0244, 
of this AD, be updated to provide an exception for the HPT blade visual 
inspections in the TLM to make the FAA AD consistent with the most 
recent publication of RR Trent 7000 TLM-T-T7000-1RR (the TLM) and with 
EASA AD 2021-0169, dated July 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-1069). DAL 
reasoned that EASA AD 2021-0169 incorporates a life limit of 1,000 
flight cycles since new on the HPT blade and explicitly cancels the 
inspection intervals defined in the TLM.
    The FAA disagrees with adding this exception to paragraph (h) of 
this AD. The unsafe condition and corrective actions in EASA AD 2021-
0169 are beyond the scope of this AD. The FAA may consider future 
rulemaking in response to EASA AD 2021-0169.

Support for the AD

    Air Line Pilots Association, International, and The Boeing Company 
supported the AD without change.

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 EASA AD 2020-0244. EASA AD 2020-0244 specifies 
revising the approved AMP by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and 
associated thresholds and intervals described in the TLM. 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 Chapter 05-10 of RR Trent 7000 TLM T-T7000-1RR, 
dated July 10, 2020. RR Trent 7000 TLM T-T7000-1RR, Chapter 05-10, 
identifies the reduced life limits of certain critical rotating parts.
    The FAA also reviewed Chapter 05-20 of RR Trent 7000 TLM T-T7000-
1RR, dated July 10, 2020. RR Trent 7000 TLM T-T7000-1RR, Chapter 05-20, 
identifies the critical rotating part inspection thresholds and 
intervals.

[[Page 71137]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $850
                                         hour = $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.
    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:

2021-25-03 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21846; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0655; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01497-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 19, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) 
(Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 7000-72 
and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine 
Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating 
parts and updating certain maintenance tasks. The FAA is issuing 
this AD prevent the failure of critical rotating parts. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more 
engines, 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

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0244, 
dated November 5, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0244).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0244

    (1) EASA AD 2020-0244 defines the AMP as: ``The approved 
Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) on the basis of which the 
operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each 
operated engine. For engines installed on aeroplanes operated under 
EU regulations, compliance with the approved AMP is required by 
Commission Regulation (EU) 1321/2014, Part M.A.301, paragraph 3.'' 
In lieu of that definition, this AD defines the AMP as the existing 
approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) that is 
the basis for which the operator or the owner ensures the continuous 
airworthiness of each operated airplane.
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0244 are not required by this AD.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2020-0244 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (4) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0244 specifies revising the 
approved AMP within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing approved CAMP within 90 days after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2020-0244.

(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. Information may be emailed 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].

[[Page 71138]]

    (2) For material identified in this AD that is not incorporated 
by reference, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, 
P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 
242424 fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.

(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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0244, 
dated November 5, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0244, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; website: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (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 (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material 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 24, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27033 Filed 12-14-21; 8:45 am]
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