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

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 130 (Friday, July 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40714-40717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14391]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0296; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01064-E; 
Amendment 39-22103; AD 2022-13-17]
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) 2021-15-01 
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent 
XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model turbofan 
engines. AD 2021-15-01 required revisions to the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent XWB time limits 
manual (TLM) and the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance 
program (AMP). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-15-01, the manufacturer has 
revised the TLM life limits and updated mandatory inspection intervals 
of certain critical rotating parts. This AD requires revisions to the 
ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM and the operator's existing approved AMP, 
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 August 12, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 12, 
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 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-2022-0296. For the 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-2022-0296; 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 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 W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District

[[Page 40715]]

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0217, dated September 23, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0217), to address an unsafe condition for all RRD Trent 
XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 
model turbofan engines.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 FR 
36487, July 12, 2021), (``AD 2021-15-01''). AD 2021-15-01 applied to 
all RRD Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and 
Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 28, 2022 (87 FR 17209). The NPRM was prompted by the 
manufacturer revising the TLM to introduce new instructions for repairs 
to the low-pressure compressor blades and fan blade inspections. In the 
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2021-0217, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this 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 EASA AD 2021-0217 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were 
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) 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 Clarify Recording Requirement

    DAL requested that the FAA revise paragraph (h)(6), Exceptions to 
EASA AD 2021-0217, of this AD to read as follows: ``This AD does not 
require compliance with paragraph (5), Recording AD Compliance, of EASA 
AD 2021-0217. This AD also does not require that after revising the 
AMP, as required by paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0217, that 
accomplishment of individual actions is recorded for demonstration of 
AD compliance.'' DAL noted that paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0217 
states that it is not necessary to record the accomplishment of 
individual actions in order to demonstrate AD compliance. DAL indicated 
that the proposed language in paragraph (h)(6) of the NPRM would negate 
that action, and make the recording of individual actions a requirement 
for AD compliance.
    The FAA disagrees with revising paragraph (h)(6) of this final 
rule. As stated in this AD, this AD does not require compliance with 
paragraph (5), Recording AD Compliance, of EASA AD 2021-0217. 
Additionally, this AD does not mandate that operators not comply with 
paragraph (5), Recording AD Compliance, of EASA AD 2021-0217. The FAA 
notes, for purposes of clarification, that this AD only requires 
compliance with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0217, and that paragraph 
(3) of EASA AD 2021-0217 does not specify recording of individual 
actions in order to demonstrate AD compliance. The FAA did not change 
this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Incorporate by Reference EASA AD 2021-0217

    DAL requested that the FAA add paragraph (k), Material Incorporated 
by Reference, to this final rule and include EASA AD 2021-0217 in that 
paragraph. DAL noted that using EASA ADs as the primary source of 
information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs 
has improved the efficiency of the FAA's AD process and operator's AD 
process. DAL also noted that one of the efficiencies of incorporating 
EASA AD 2021-0217 by reference is that the Ref. Publications section 
would allow for the use of later approved revisions of the TLM.
    The FAA notes that EASA AD 2021-0217 was proposed for incorporation 
by reference under 1 CFR part 51 in the NPRM, which lists the material 
to be incorporated by reference in this final rule. Additionally, while 
not typically included in an NPRM, the ``Material Incorporated by 
Reference'' paragraph exists in the final rule published for FAA ADs. 
The FAA did not change this AD as a result of the comments.

Support for the AD

    ALPA expressed support for the AD as written.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0217, dated September 23, 2021. EASA AD 2021-0217 describes 
actions for the incorporation of revised life limits and updated 
mandatory inspection intervals of certain critical rotating parts into 
the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM, as applicable to each engine model, 
and the operator's existing approved AMP. 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 Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory 
parts lives), TRENTXWB-A-05-10-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 016, dated May 
1, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; 
Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory Parts Lives), 
TRENTXWB-B-05-10-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 003, dated April 19, 2021, 
of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; Rolls-Royce 
Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory inspections), TRENTXWB-A-05-20-01-
00A01-030A-D, Revision 015, dated May 1, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent 
XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01; and Rolls-Royce Airworthiness 
Limitations (Mandatory inspections), TRENTXWB-B-05-20-01-00A01-030A-D, 
Revision 008, dated April 19, 2021, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM 
TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01. These sections of the TLM specify inspection 
intervals and life limits, differentiated by engine model, for critical 
rotating parts.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 40716]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $2,550
 and the operator's existing approved    hour = $85.
 AMP.
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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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 
FR 36487, July 12, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-13-17 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-22103; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0296; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01064-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 12, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-15-01, Amendment 39-21648 (86 FR 36487, 
July 12, 2021).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 
XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 
model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the time 
limits manual (TLM) to incorporate revised life limits and updated 
mandatory inspection intervals of certain critical rotating parts. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to 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 (EASA) AD 
2021-0217, dated September 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0217).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0217

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0217 defines the AMP as the approved 
Aircraft Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or 
the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated 
engine, this AD defines the AMP as the existing Aircraft Maintenance 
Program on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the 
continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0217 requires revising the approved 
aircraft maintenance program (AMP) within 12 months after the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0217, this AD requires revising the 
existing approved AMP and airworthiness limitations section (ALS) 
within 120 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1), 
Mandatory Inspections and Replacement of Life Limited Parts, of EASA 
AD 2021-0217.
    (4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2), 
Corrective Action(s), of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (5) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (4), 
Credit, of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (6) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (5), 
Recording AD Compliance, of EASA AD 2021-0217.
    (7) This AD does not require compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0217.

(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)(1) 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information 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

[[Page 40717]]

242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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.

(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 2021-0217, 
dated September 23, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For more information about EASA AD 2021-0217, 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-2022-0296.
    (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 June 17, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14391 Filed 7-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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