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

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34767-34770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12181]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0150; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00839-E; 
Amendment 39-22065; AD 2022-11-15]
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 in-service 
experience showing that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades may 
prematurely deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in 
accordance with the inspection intervals in the Time Limits Manual 
(TLM). This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing borescope 
inspections (BSIs) of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking and, 
depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 
blade set, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the IBR of a certain 
publication listed in this AD as of July 13, 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]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this

[[Page 34768]]

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-2022-0150. For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this 
AD, 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-2022-0150; 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, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W121-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7116; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0169, dated July 19, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0169), to address 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 RRD Trent 7000-72 and 
Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 1, 2022 (87 FR 11355). The NPRM was prompted 
by in-service experience showing that certain HPT blades may 
prematurely deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in 
accordance with the inspection intervals in the TLM. The manufacturer 
published Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK449, Revision 2, dated July 5, 2021 (the Alert 
NMSB) specifying procedures for performing initial and repetitive on-
wing BSIs of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking. The Alert NMSB 
also specifies procedures for removing the engine from service to 
replace the HPT blade set before exceeding a specified number of flight 
cycles. The compliance time for the initial and repetitive BSIs of the 
HPT blades required by this AD meet the TLM inspection intervals for 
HPT blade, part number KH64485. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2021-0169, 
described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. See EASA AD 2021-0169 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 (ALPA), Delta Air 
Lines, Inc. (DAL), and an individual commenter. The following presents 
the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request to Add AD Reference to Paragraph (b)

    DAL requested that the FAA add a reference to AD 2021-25-03, 
Amendment 39-21846 (86 FR 71135, December 15, 2021), (AD 2021-25-03), 
to paragraph (b), Affected ADs. DAL commented that AD 2021-25-03 
requires the operator's maintenance program be updated to incorporate 
Revision 7 of the RR TLM. DAL noted that Revision 7 of the RR TLM, 
Chapter 05-20, defines the interval for the piece-part inspection of 
the HPT blade. DAL also commented that Note 2 in paragraph (5) of EASA 
AD 2021-0169 specifically states that the life limitation cancelled the 
inspection intervals currently defined in the TLM. DAL stated that this 
AD would partially supersede the requirements of AD 2021-25-03.
    The FAA disagrees with adding reference to AD 2021-25-03 in 
paragraph (b) of this AD. Paragraph (b) of this AD identifies 
superseded or revised ADs, or other ADs if the requirements of those 
ADs are affected. The compliance times for the initial and repetitive 
on-wing BSIs of the HPT blades required by this AD are more restrictive 
than the inspection intervals specified in the TLM. This AD does not 
affect the requirements of AD 2021-25-03 and, as a result, AD 2021-25-
03 is not an affected AD. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of 
this comment.

Request to Update Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code

    DAL requested the FAA update paragraph (d), Subject, of this AD 
from JASC Code 7230 to JASC Code 7250. DAL commented that the required 
inspections and unsafe condition for the HPT fall under JASC Code 7250, 
not JASC Code 7230 as proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (d) of this AD.

Support for the AD

    ALPA and an individual commenter supported the NPRM 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 2021-0169. EASA AD 2021-0169 specifies 
instructions for performing initial and repetitive on-wing BSIs of the 
HPT blades to detect axial cracking and, depending on the results of 
the inspections, removal from service of the engine for in-shop 
replacement of the HPT blade set. EASA AD 2021-0169 also specifies 
instructions for replacing HPT blades with a new HPT blade set before 
exceeding a specified number of flight cycles.
    This material 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 RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK449, Revision 2, 
dated July 5, 2021. This Alert NMSB describes procedures for performing 
initial and repetitive on-wing BSIs of the HPT blades to detect axial 
cracking. This Alert NMSB also specifies procedures for removing the 
engine to replace the HPT blade set before exceeding a specified number 
of flight cycles.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.

[[Page 34769]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSI HPT Blades........................  4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340          $5,440
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace HPT Blade Set.........................  16 work-hours x $85 per hour =        $2,001,780      $2,003,140
                                                 $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 operators.

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:

2022-11-15 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-22065; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0150; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00839-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 13, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (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 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by in-service experience showing that 
certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades may prematurely 
deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in accordance 
with the inspection intervals defined in the Time Limits Manual. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT blades. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
engine, in-flight shutdown, 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 2021-0169, 
dated July 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0169).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0169

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0169 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) This AD does not require compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0169.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD,

[[Page 34770]]

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) 
of this AD and email 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7116; email: 
[email protected].

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0169, 
dated July 19, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For more information about EASA AD 2021-0169, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material 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. This material may be found 
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0150.
    (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 May 24, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12181 Filed 6-7-22; 8:45 am]
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