[Federal Register: October 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 208)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61336-61338]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28oc03-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-33-AD; Amendment 39-13351; AD 2003-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524 Series
Turbofan 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
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524 series turbofan engines with certain
part number (PN) and serial number (SN) low pressure (LP) compressor
fan blades installed. This AD requires inspection of certain LP
compressor fan blade roots and replacement or repair of blades if
damage is not within acceptable limits. This AD is prompted by the
discovery of damaged LP compressor fan blade roots resulting from
entrapment of ceramic polishing media between the blade roots and the
masking boot during blade root repair. We are issuing this AD to
prevent possible uncontained multiple LP compressor fan blade release,
and damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 12, 2003. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of November 12, 2003.
We must receive any comments on this AD by December 29, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
[sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2003-NE-33-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055. [sbull] By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov
You can get the service information referenced in this AD from
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: International
Access Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249428, fax International Access
Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249223.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service
information, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain RR
RB211-524 series turbofan engines. The CAA received
[[Page 61337]]
reports of LP compressor fan blade root damage due to entrapment of
ceramic polishing media between the blade roots and masking boots while
doing RR Repair Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-31-11-380-119.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Rolls-Royce
plc Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3,
dated December 20, 2002, that provides procedures for inspection of
blade roots of LP compressor fan blades that were repaired using RR
Repair Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-31-11-380-119, and replacement or
repair of blades if damage is not within acceptable limits. The CAA
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 005-04-2001
in order to ensure the airworthiness of these Rolls-Royce plc engines
in the UK.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the UK and is 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, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the CAA,
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 RR RB211-524 series turbofan engines, the possibility exists that
these engine models 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 engines of the same
type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible uncontained
multiple LP compressor fan blade release, and damage to the airplane.
This AD requires inspection of blade roots of LP compressor fan blades
that were repaired using RR Repair Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-31-11-
380-119, and replacement or repair of blades if damage is not within
acceptable limits. The inspections are to be performed by following a
compliance schedule based on engine model and cycles accumulated.
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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
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 submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-33-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we
will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD
in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You may get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www
.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
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. Include
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-33-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, 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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-22-04 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13351. Docket No. 2003-NE-
33-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
12, 2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
[[Page 61338]]
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524G2-19,-
524G2-T-19, -524G3-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H2-19, -524H2-T-19, -524H-
36, and ``524-H-T-36 turbofan engines with low pressure (LP)
compressor fan blades part numbers (PNs) and serial numbers (SNs) as
listed in Table 1 of RR Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-
72-D184, Revision 3, dated December 20, 2002, installed. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747 and 767
series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by the discovery of damaged LP
compressor blade roots resulting from entrapment of ceramic
polishing media between the blade roots and the masking boot during
blade root repair. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible
uncontained multiple LP compressor fan blade release, 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.
Reworked LP Compressor Fan Blades Not Affected
(f) LP compressor fan blades listed in Table 1 of RR MSB No.
RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3, dated December 20, 2002, that have been
reworked using Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-D051, dated
August 23, 2000, or SB No. RB.211-72-D020, dated April 19, 2000, are
considered to have had all damage addressed during rework and are
not affected by this AD.
Removal and Inspection of LP Compressor Fan Blades
(g) Using the compliance thresholds in Table 1 of this AD,
remove LP compressor fan blades and inspect the blade roots of all
LP compressor fan blades listed by PN and SN in Table 1 of RR MSB
No. RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3, dated December 20, 2002. Follow the
inspection criteria in paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of RR MSB No. RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3, dated
December 20, 2002.
Table 1.--LP Compressor Fan Blade Inspection Compliance Thresholds
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Engine models Compliance thresholds
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(1) RB211-524G2-19, -524G2-T-19, - (i) For blades exceeding 2,000
524G3-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H-36, - cycles-since-incorporation of RR
524H-T-36. Repair Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-
31-11-380-119, before further
flight.
(ii) For blades with fewer than
2,000 cycles-since-incorporation
of RR Repair Scheme FRS5712,
subtask 72-31-11-380-119, before
accumulating 2,000 cycles-since-
incorporation of the Repair
Scheme.
(2) RB211-524H-36 and RB211-524-H-T- Before further flight.
36 Engines on Short Haul Operation
Airplanes.
(3) RB211-524H2-19 and -524H2-T-19. Before accumulating 800 cycles-
since-incorporation of RR Repair
Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-31-11-
380-119, or before December 2005,
whichever occurs sooner.
(4) RB211-524H-36 and RB211-524-H-T- Before accumulating 870 cycles-
36 Engines On Long Haul Operation since-incorporation of RR Repair
Airplanes. Scheme FRS5712, subtask 72-31-11-
380-119, or before December 2005,
whichever occurs sooner.
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Removal From Service or Repair of LP Compressor Fan Blades That Do Not
Pass Inspection
(h) Remove from service LP compressor fan blades that do not
pass the inspection criteria in paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of RR MSB No. RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3, dated
December 20, 2002, or repair blades. Follow paragraph 3.B.(3)(b) of
the Accomplishment Instructions of RR MSB No. RB.211-72-D184,
Revision 3, dated December 20, 2002 to repair blades.
Prohibition of LP Compressor Fan Blades Not Inspected or Repaired
(i) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
blade that was removed as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
unless the blade has passed inspection or has been repaired using
paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR MSB No.
RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3, dated December 20, 2002.
Definition
(j) For the purpose of this AD, a Long Haul Operation is defined
as an operation with an average stage length of more than five
hours.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) 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
(l) You must use Rolls-Royce MSB No. RB.211-72-D184, Revision 3,
dated December 20, 2002, to perform the blade inspection and repair
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. You can get a
copy from Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone:
International Access Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249428; fax
International Access Code 011, Country Code 44, 1332-249223. You may
review copies at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite
700, Washington, DC.
Related Information
(m) CAA airworthiness directive 005-04-2001, dated April 20,
2001, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 20, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26916 Filed 10-27-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P