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

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 20 (Friday, January 31, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8661-8663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02031]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2664; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00518-E; 
Amendment 39-22912; AD 2024-25-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent XWB-97 
engines. This AD was prompted by a report of damage to the main fuel 
hose assembly of the fuel manifold, which resulted an in-flight shut 
down. This AD requires a one-time set of visual and dimensional 
inspections of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold to 
confirm softness, compliance, and lack of resistance, and for 
shrinkage, cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, and degradation of 
the hose braid wire; and, if necessary, replacement of the main fuel 
hose assembly of the fuel manifold, 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 February 18, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 18, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 17, 2025.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2664; 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 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material identified in this AD, 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, 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-2024-2664.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 
(781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2664; Project Identifier MCAI-
2024-00518-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended

[[Page 8662]]

change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments 
received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of 
those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E, dated 
September 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0174-E) (also referred to as the MCAI), 
to correct an unsafe condition on certain RRD Model Trent XWB-97 
engines. The MCAI states that damage to a fuel manifold flexible tube 
was reported, which led to a controlled, temporary engine fire and heat 
damage to the exterior and interior of the engine nacelle (thrust 
reverser C-ducts). The occurrence resulted in an in-flight shut down. 
The MCAI also states that the AD is considered an interim action and 
further AD action may follow. To address this potential unsafe 
condition, the manufacturer published service information that 
specifies procedures for a one-time set of visual and dimensional 
inspections of the fuel manifold main fuel hoses and corrective action 
instructions. This condition, if not addressed, in combination with 
additional failures, could lead to a more severe engine fire and result 
in damage to the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at  regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2664.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0174-E, which specifies procedures 
for a one-time set of visual and dimensional inspections of the main 
fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold to confirm softness, 
compliance, and lack of resistance, and for shrinkage, cracks, chafing, 
dents, kinks, necking, and degradation of the hose braid wire, and, if 
necessary, replacement of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel 
manifold. EASA AD 2024-0174-E also specifies reporting the inspection 
results to RRD. EASA AD 2024-0174-E also allows installation of an 
affected part on any airplane provided that the part is serviceable and 
allows installation of an affected engine provided that the engine 
passed the required inspections, or the findings were corrected.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    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 is issuing this AD after determining 
that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the 
material already described, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This unsafe 
condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer and, 
depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may consider 
further rulemaking action.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    The FAA justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of 
this rule because no domestic operators use this product. It is 
unlikely that the FAA will receive any adverse comments or useful 
information about this AD from any U.S. operator. Accordingly, notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds 
that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no 
engines with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information.

[[Page 8663]]

All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send 
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:

2024-25-10 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22912; 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2664; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00518-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 18, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model 
Trent XWB-97 engines as identified in European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2024-0174-E, dated September 5, 2024 
(EASA AD 2024-0174-E).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop); 7310, Engine Fuel Distribution.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of damage to the main fuel hose 
assembly of the fuel manifold, which resulted in an in-flight shut 
down. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to the main fuel 
hose assembly of the fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in a controlled, temporary engine fire and 
heat damage to the exterior and interior of the engine nacelle 
(thrust reverser C-ducts), which in combination with additional 
failures, could lead to a more severe engine fire and result in 
damage to 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: Do all required 
actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance 
with, EASA AD 2024-0174-E.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0174-E

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0174-E refers to 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 
2024-0174-E.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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 local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the Manager, 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].
    (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) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 
2024-0174-E, dated September 5, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, 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 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 December 13, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02031 Filed 1-30-25; 8:45 am]
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