Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77889-77891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25099]



[[Page 77889]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1490; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01624-E; 
Amendment 39-22580; AD 2023-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-21-13 
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000 
engines. AD 2021-21-13 required the operator to revise the 
airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of their existing approved 
aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating the revised tasks 
of the applicable time limits manual (TLM) for each affected model 
engine. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-21-13, the manufacturer has 
revised the TLM, introducing new and more restrictive instructions. 
This AD is prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine TLM life 
limits of certain critical rotating parts. This AD requires revisions 
to the ALS of 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 December 19, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 19, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1490; 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 service information identified 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 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1490.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 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 2021-21-13, Amendment 39-21773 (86 FR 
64066, November 17, 2021), (AD 2021-21-13). AD 2021-21-13 applied to 
certain RRD Model Trent 1000 engines. AD 2021-21-13 required the 
operator to revise the ALS of their existing approved AMP by 
incorporating the revised tasks of the applicable TLM for each affected 
model engine. The FAA issued AD 2021-21-13 to prevent the failure of 
critical rotating parts.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2023 (88 FR 
45106). The NPRM was prompted by AD EASA AD 2022-0259, dated December 
20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0259) (referred to after this as the MCAI), 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union. The MCAI states that the manufacturer published a 
revised TLM introducing new or more restrictive tasks and limitations. 
These new or more restrictive tasks and limitations include updating 
declared lives of certain critical parts, updating direct accumulation 
counting data files, and updated inspections.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1490.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revisions to the ALS of 
the operator's existing approved AMP.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received one comment from The Boeing Company (Boeing). 
Boeing supported the NPRM without change.

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 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0259, which specifies instructions 
for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable TLM, 
including performing maintenance tasks, replacing life-limited parts, 
and revising the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated 
thresholds and intervals described in the TLM. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where EASA AD 2022-0259 defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance 
Programme, which contains the tasks on the basis of which the scheduled 
maintenance is conducted to ensure the continuing airworthiness of each 
operated engine, this AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance 
Program, which contains the tasks of which the operator or the owner 
ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
    Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0259 specifies revising the 
approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after the 
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0259, this AD requires revising the ALS 
of the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 77890]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS........................  1 work-hours x $85 per                $0             $85          $2,380
                                         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

    The FAA has determined that 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 2021-21-13, Amendment 39-21773 (86 
FR 64066, November 17, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-21-08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22580; 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1490; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01624-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 19, 
2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-21-13, Amendment 39-21773 (86 FR 64066, 
November 17, 2021).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
Model Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-CE, 
Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H 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 engine 
Time Limits Manual life limits 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 critical rotating parts, which 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 
2022-0259, dated December 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0259).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0259

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0259 defines the AMP as the Aircraft 
Maintenance Programme, which contains the tasks on the basis of 
which the scheduled maintenance is conducted to ensure the 
continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this AD defines 
the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program, which contains the 
tasks of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing 
airworthiness of each operated airplane.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0259 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1) of 
EASA AD 2022-0259.
    (4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2) of 
EASA AD 2022-0259.
    (5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0259 specifies revising 
the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after 
the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0259, this AD requires revising 
the airworthiness limitations section of the existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' paragraph of EASA AD 
2022-0259.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as 
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of 
EASA AD 2022-0259.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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 responsible 
Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k) of this AD and 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone: (781) 238-7241; email: [email protected].

[[Page 77891]]

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 2022-0259, 
dated December 20, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0259, 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 EASA 
AD on the EASA website at 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. This material may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1490.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-25099 Filed 11-13-23; 8:45 am]
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