Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 Series Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 13 (Monday, January 22, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2603-2606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-684]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-19559; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-03-AD; 
Amendment 39-14892; AD 2007-02-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 Series 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan engines. 
That AD currently requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections 
of the high pressure-and-intermediate pressure (HP-IP) turbine internal 
and external oil vent tubes for coking and carbon buildup, and cleaning 
or replacing the vent tubes if necessary. This AD requires the same 
actions but uses more stringent tube

[[Page 2604]]

replacement criteria than the previous AD. This AD results from a 
recent incident where an RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan engine had an 
oil vent tube rupture as a result of blockage, leading to significant 
loss of engine oil. The incident indicates that further measures are 
necessary to control carbon buildup in the oil vent tubes. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent internal oil fires due to coking and carbon 
buildup, that could cause uncontained engine failure and damage to the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective February 6, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of February 6, 2007.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by March 23, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: 011-
44-1332-249428; fax: 011-44-1332-249223, for the service information 
identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 1, 2004, we issued AD 2004-23-
03, Amendment 39-13858 (69 FR 64653, November 8, 2004). That AD 
requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the HP-IP 
turbine internal and external oil vent tubes for coking and carbon 
buildup, and cleaning or replacing the vent tubes if necessary. That AD 
was the result of a report of an RB211 Trent 700 series engine 
experiencing a disk shaft separation, overspeed of the IP turbine 
rotor, and multiple blade release of IP turbine blades. The findings 
suggested these events resulted from an internal oil fire in the HP-IP 
turbine oil vent tubes due to coking and carbon buildup. This fire led 
to a second fire in the internal air cavity below the IP turbine disk 
drive shaft. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2004-23-03 Was Issued

    Since AD 2004-23-03 was issued, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the airworthiness authority for the European Union, 
notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on RB211 Trent 700 
series turbofan engines. EASA advises that recently an oil vent tube 
ruptured as a result of blockage, leading to significant loss of engine 
oil, on an RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan engine. This incident 
indicates that further measures are necessary to control carbon buildup 
in the oil vent tubes.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. RB.211-72-AE302, Revision 3, dated September 
20, 2006. That ASB describes procedures for borescope inspections, 
cleaning, and replacement if necessary of the internal and external oil 
vent tubes. For internal oil vent tubes to pass inspection, they must 
allow cleaning tool, number HU80298 to pass through them. AD 2004-23-03 
was less stringent in that it allowed tubes that an 8 mm or 6 mm 
diameter borescope could pass through, back into service. EASA 
classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2006-0355, dated 
December 4, 2006, in order to ensure the airworthiness of these RB211 
Trent 700 series turbofan engines in Europe.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    These engine models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and are 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, EASA kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use 
these RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan engines, the possibility exists 
that the engines could be used on airplanes that are registered in the 
United States in the future. The unsafe condition described previously 
is likely to exist or develop on other RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan 
engines of the same type design. This AD requires initial and 
repetitive borescope inspections of the HP-IP turbine internal and 
external oil vent tubes for coking and carbon buildup, and cleaning or 
replacing the vent tubes if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent internal oil fires due to coking and carbon buildup, that could 
cause uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. You must 
use the service information described previously to perform the actions 
required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine 
model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the 
immediate adoption of this regulation.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2005-19559; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-03-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the

[[Page 2605]]

Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
the DMS receives them.

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.
    We are 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

    We have 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal 
Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-13858 (69 FR 
64653, November 8, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-14892, to read as follows:

2007-02-05 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-14892. Docket No. FAA-2005-
19559; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-03-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
6, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-23-03.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 
RB211 Trent 772-60, and RB211 Trent 772B-60 series turbofan engines. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A330-243, 
-341, -342 and -343 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a recent incident where an RB211 Trent 
700 series turbofan engine had an oil vent tube rupture as a result 
of blockage, leading to significant loss of engine oil. The incident 
indicates that further measures are necessary to control carbon 
buildup in the oil vent tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
internal oil fires due to coking and carbon buildup, that could 
cause uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Initial Inspections, Cleaning, and Replacements

    (f) Using the schedule in Table 1 of this AD, borescope-inspect 
and clean as necessary, the high pressure-and-intermediate pressure 
(HP-IP) turbine internal oil vent tubes, external oil vent tubes, 
and bearing chamber.

                  Table 1.--Initial Inspection Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If the engine or the 05 Module:          Then initially inspect:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has reached 10,000 hours time-since-new  Within 3 months after the
 (TSN) or reached 2,500 cycles-since-     effective date of this AD.
 new (CSN) on the effective date of
 this AD.
Has fewer than 10,000 hours TSN or       Within 3 months after reaching
 fewer than 2,500 CSN on the effective    10,000 hours TSN or 2,500 CSN,
 date of this AD.                         whichever occurs first.
Is returned for a shop visit...........  Before returning to service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) If after cleaning, there is still carbon in the vent tube 
that prevents cleaning tool, number HU80298, from passing through 
the tube, then replace the internal oil vent tube within 10 cycles-
in-service (CIS).
    (h) If after cleaning, there is still carbon of visible 
thickness in either of the two external oil vent tubes, then replace 
the external oil vent tube before further flight.

Repetitive Inspections, Cleaning, and Replacements

    (i) Within 6,400 hours time-in-service since last inspection and 
cleaning, or within 1,600 cycles-since-last inspection and cleaning, 
or at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first, borescope-
inspect the HP-IP turbine internal and external oil vent tubes and 
bearing chamber, and clean the oil vent tubes as necessary.
    (j) If after cleaning there is still carbon in the internal oil 
vent tube that prevents cleaning tool, number HU80298, from passing 
through the tube, then replace the internal oil vent tube within 10 
CIS.
    (k) If after cleaning there is still carbon of visible 
thickness, in either of the two external oil vent tubes, then 
replace the external oil vent tube before further flight.

[[Page 2606]]

Inspection and Cleaning Procedures

    (l) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(4)(b) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-
72-AE302, Revision 3, dated September 20, 2006, to do borescope 
inspections, and cleaning of the oil vent tubes and bearing chamber.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. 
RB.211-72-AE302, Revision 3, dated September 20, 2006, to perform 
the inspections and cleaning required by this AD. The Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this 
service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Contact Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: 
011-44-1332-249428; fax: 011-44-1332-249223, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Related Information

    (o) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive No. 
2006-0355, dated December 4, 2006, also addresses the subject of 
this AD.
    (p) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7175; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2007.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-684 Filed 1-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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