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

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 47 (Friday, March 10, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14880-14883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04860]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1244; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00872-E; 
Amendment 39-22361; AD 2023-04-14]
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) 2020-12-
01, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) 
Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model 
turbofan engines. AD 2020-12-01 required initial and repetitive 
inspections of the low pressure compressor (LPC) outlet guide vane 
(OGV) outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the results of the 
inspections, possible replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring 
assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-12-01, the FAA determined that 
these inspections are also necessary for RRD Trent XWB-97 model 
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by analysis by the manufacturer 
of the LPC OGV assembly and LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly which 
predicted that when the front engine mount is in the fail-safe 
condition, the most highly stressed LPC OGV assembly has a life that 
could be substantially less than one shop visit interval. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive inspections of the LPC OGV outer mount 
ring assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, 
replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly, 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 April 14, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 14, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1244; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this final 
rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: 
easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> 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 in the 
AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1244.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7241; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-12-01, Amendment 39-21135 (85 FR 
34959, June 8, 2020) (AD 2020-12-01). AD 2020-12-01 applied to certain 
RRD Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model 
turbofan engines. AD 2020-12-01 required initial and repetitive 
inspections of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on 
the results of the inspections, possible replacement of the OGV outer 
mount

[[Page 14881]]

ring assembly. The FAA issued AD 2020-12-01 to prevent failure of the 
front engine mount support structure.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2022 
(87 FR 59347). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0129, dated June 
30, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0129) (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''). The MCAI superseded EASA AD 2019-0234, dated 
September 19, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0234). EASA AD 2019-0234 specified 
that operators perform repetitive inspections (on-wing or in-shop) of 
the OGV outer mount ring assembly lug fillet area in accordance with 
RRD Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, 
Initial Issue, dated August 13, 2019. The manufacturer subsequently 
revised the NMSB and determined that the inspections of the LPC OGV 
outer mount ring assembly are also necessary for RRD Trent XWB-97 model 
turbofan engines. In addition, manufacturer analysis indicated that the 
on-wing inspections, previously specified in RRD NMSB Trent XWB 72-
AK188, original issue, dated August 13, 2019, could be discontinued, 
and the interval of the in-shop inspection could coincide with a 
qualified shop visit, as outlined in RRD NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, 
Revision 3, dated May 9, 2022. As a result, EASA issued EASA AD 2022-
0129 to discontinue the on-wing inspections, allow the in-shop 
inspection interval to be adjusted, and expand the applicability to 
include Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. You may examine issued 
EASA AD 2022-0129 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1244.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require initial and repetitive 
inspections of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on 
the results of the inspections, replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount 
ring assembly, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0129. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the front engine mount support structure.

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 Rolls-Royce, plc. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    ALPA supported the NPRM without change.

Request To Remove Proposed Paragraph (j), Special Flight Permit

    DAL requested that the FAA remove the Special Flight Permit 
paragraph, as proposed in the NPRM. DAL explained that EASA AD 2022-
0129 specifies that all inspections and corrective actions occur during 
a qualified engine shop visit. DAL stated that an affected engine 
cannot be returned to service until all inspections and corrective 
actions are complied with and, therefore, the special flight permit 
prohibition proposed in the NPRM is not necessary.
    The FAA agrees and has omitted the proposed Special Flight Permit 
paragraph from this final rule.

Request To Revise References to LPC OGV Outer Mount Ring Assembly

    Rolls-Royce, plc. commented that both the Background section and 
paragraph (e), Unsafe Condition, of the proposed AD refer to ``the most 
highly stressed LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.'' The commenter 
stated that both paragraphs should be revised to instead refer to ``the 
most highly stressed LPC Outlet Guide Vane'' in order to correct the 
description of the affected part that has a life that could be 
substantially less than one shop visit.
    In response to this comment, the FAA partially agrees with the 
request to correct the description of the affected part, and has 
updated this final rule by changing ``the most highly stressed LPC OGV 
outer mount ring assembly'' to ``the most highly stressed LPC OGV 
assembly'' in paragraph (e), Unsafe Condition, and in the preamble.

Request To Clarify Service Bulletin for Trent XWB-97 Model Turbofan 
Engines

    Rolls-Royce, plc. noted that the proposed AD references RRD Alert 
NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 3, dated May 9, 2022, when referring 
to inspections of the LPC OGV on Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. 
However, Rolls-Royce, plc. stated inspections of the LPC OGV on Trent 
XWB-97 model turbofan engines are covered in RRD Alert NMSB Trent XWB 
72-AK583, Initial Issue, dated May 9, 2022.
    The FAA agrees and has updated the Actions Since AD 2020-12-01 Was 
Issued paragraph of the preamble to reference RRD Alert NMSB Trent XWB 
72-AK583, Initial Issue, dated May 9, 2022, when referencing 
inspections of the LPC OGV for Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. The 
FAA also added RRD Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK583, Initial Issue, dated 
May 9, 2022, to the Other Related Service Information paragraph of the 
preamble.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, 
considered the 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 2022-0129. This EASA AD specifies 
instructions for performing fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of 
the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    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 the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed RRD Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 3, 
dated May 9, 2022, and RRD Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK583, Initial 
Issue, dated May 9, 2022. This service information specifies procedures 
for performing FPIs of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 60 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. Registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 14882]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI the LPC OGV outer mount ring        3 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $255         $15,300
 assembly.                               hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
or 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 these repairs or replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly......  .5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0          $42.50
                                                 $42.50.
Replace the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =          2,418,121       2,418,801
                                                 $680.
Replace the OGV outer mount ring only.........  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =            894,319         894,999
                                                 $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 2020-12-01, Amendment 39-21135 (85 
FR 34959, June 8, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-04-14 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls Royce plc): Amendment 39-22361; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1244; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00872-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 14, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-12-01, Amendment 39-21135 (85 FR 34959, 
June 8, 2020) (AD 2020-12-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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 as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0129, dated June 30, 2022. 
(EASA AD 2022-0129).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7120, Engine Mount 
Sector.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the low-
pressure compressor (LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and LPC 
OGV outer mount ring assembly. The analysis predicted that when the 
front engine mount is in the fail-safe condition, the most highly 
stressed LPC OGV assembly has a life that could be substantially 
less than one shop visit interval. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the front engine mount support structure. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine 
separation, reduced control of the airplane, and loss of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Perform all required actions within the compliance times 
specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0129.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0129

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0129 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 
2022-0129.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0129 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in Sec.  39.19. 
In accordance with Sec.  39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly

[[Page 14883]]

to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention 
of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD or email to: 
[email protected]. 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) Additional 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 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: 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 (817) 222-5110.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0129, dated 
June 30, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0129, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at 
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.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on February 17, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-04860 Filed 3-9-23; 8:45 am]
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