[Federal Register: October 30, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 210)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61737-61739]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30oc03-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-42-AD; Amendment 39-13349; AD 2003-22-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Trent 556-61 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
certain Rolls-Royce (RR) plc RB211 Trent 556-61 turbofan engines. This
AD requires a gauge inspection of the space between the high pressure
(HP) fuel tubes adaptor face and seals, and a gauge inspection of the
space between the fuel flow transmitter and seals, for evidence of
permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting flanges,
and replacement of parts if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report
of fuel leaking from the engine fan cowl during an aircraft taxi. We
are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result
in an engine fire.
DATES: Effective November 14, 2003. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference
[[Page 61738]]
of certain publications listed in the regulations as of November 14,
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-42-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, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-
44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936.
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; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-
7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority, (CAA), which
is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (U.K.), recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all RR plc RB211
Trent 556-61 engines with serial numbers (SNs) before 71125, except for
those SNs that are listed in Table 1 of this AD. The CAA advises that
fuel was observed running from the engine fan cowl doors during an
aircraft taxi. Further investigation revealed the source of the fuel
leak to be permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting
flanges at the fuel flow meter resulting in a significant fuel leak,
which could result in an engine fire. The CAA also advises that the
distortion of the flange is not aggravated by service use, but by
exposure to fuel pressures that extrudes the seal through the gap
between the flanges.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR plc
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211-73-AE200, dated July 11, 2003, that
describes procedures for the following:
[sbull] Gauge inspection of the space between the HP fuel tubes
adaptor face and the seals, and replacement of the seal gasket and
tube, if necessary; and
[sbull] Gauge inspection of the space between the fuel flow
transmitter and the seals, and replacement of the seal gasket and tube,
if necessary.
The CAA classified this service bulletin as alert and issued AD G-
2003-0001, dated July 15, 2003, in order to ensure the airworthiness of
these RR plc engines in the U.K.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the U.K. 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 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 RR plc Trent 556-61 engines of the same type design. We are
issuing this AD to prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result in
an engine fire. 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-42-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
[[Page 61739]]
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-42-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:
2003-22-02 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13349. Docket No. 2003-NE-
42-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
14, 2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 556-
61 engines with serial numbers (SNs) before 71125, except for those
SNs that are listed in the following Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Engine SNs Not Affected by This AD
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71001 71003 71006 71012 71013
71015 71016 71017 71020 71021
71022 71023 71032 71037 71053
71060 71064 71068 71069 71070
71072 71073 71074 71076 71077
71078 71079 71080 71083 71084
71085 71086 71087 71088 71089
71090 71091 71092 71093 71094
71095 70196 71097 71098 71099
71100 71101 71102 71104 71105
71106 71107 71108 71109 71110
71111 71112 71113 71114 71115
71116 71117 71118 71120 71121
71122 71123 ............. ............. ............
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These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by a report of fuel leaking from the
engine fan cowl during an aircraft taxi. We are issuing this AD to
prevent in-flight fuel leaks, which could result in an engine fire.
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.
Credit for Previous Compliance
(f) For engines that have incorporated RR Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. RB.211-73-AE200, dated July 11, 2003, no further action is
required.
One-Time Gauge Inspections
(g) Before further flight, gauge inspect the space between the
high pressure (HP) fuel tubes adaptor face and seals and the space
between the fuel flow transmitter and the seals for evidence of
permanent distortion of the face of the fuel tube connecting
flanges, and replace parts if necessary. Use paragraphs 3.A. through
3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-73-
AE200, dated July 11, 2003, to do the inspections and parts
replacements.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) 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
(i) You must use Rolls-Royce plc ASB No. RB.211-73-AE200, dated
July 11, 2003, to perform the actions 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,
P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; telephone: 011-44-1332-
242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936. You may review copies at the
Federal Aviation Administration, New England Executive Park, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
Related Information
(j) CAA airworthiness directive G-2003-0001, dated July 15,
2003, 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. 03-27152 Filed 10-29-03; 8:45 am]
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