[Federal Register: February 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 35)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8101-8103]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23fe04-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NE-29-AD; Amendment 39-13486; AD 2004-04-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly
Allison Engine Company) AE 3007 Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (RR) (formerly Allison Engine Company)
AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P,
and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and
repetitive inspections for bearing material contamination of the engine
oil system. This AD requires the same inspections but with an extended
repetitive inspection interval, and adds terminating actions to the
repetitive inspections required by this AD. This AD is prompted by
design changes introduced by the manufacturer that reduce the axial
load on the No. 1 bearing. We are issuing this AD to prevent the rapid
failure of the No. 1 bearing, which could result in smoke in the cabin
and an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown.
DATES: Effective March 9, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulations as of March 9, 2004.
We must receive any comments on this AD by April 23, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-29-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information referenced in this AD from
Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0420;
telephone (317) 230-3030.
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; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7836; fax: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 16, 2001, we issued AD 2001-08-15,
Amendment 39-12192 (66 FR 21067, April 27, 2001). That AD requires
initial and repetitive inspections for bearing material contamination
of the engine oil system. That AD was prompted by reports of rapid
failures of the No. 1 bearing. That AD also allows as terminating
action to the repetitive inspections, incorporation of Embraer Service
Bulletin (SB) 145-79-0001, dated April 24, 1998. That SB installs an
electrical jumper in an airplane electrical connector, which adds a
second function to the Oil Impending Bypass advisory message, on the
Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS). After incorporation
of the SB, this message can either represent that there is an oil
impending bypass, or that the magnetic chip detector plug has collected
enough ferrous metal to indicate possible initiation of bearing
failure. That condition, if not corrected, could result in smoke in the
cabin and an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown.
Actions Since AD 2001-08-15 Was Issued
Since that AD was issued, the manufacturer has introduced several
turbine design changes, each of which sufficiently reduces the axial
load on the No. 1 bearing, to virtually eliminate the potentially
unsafe condition of rapid, undetected bearing failure. The design
changes include:
Modifying the current high pressure (HP)-to-low
pressure (LP) seal assembly, part number (P/N) 23068183, with a large
geometric rear seal diameter, and remarking it to new P/N 23073953.
This modified seal assembly adjusts interstage turbine cavity pressure
and effectively reduces the axial load on the No. 1 bearing.
Introducing new HP-to-LP seal assemblies, P/Ns
23074463, 23074729, 23076526, and 23077397, with a smaller geometric
rear seal diameter. These new seal assemblies also reduce the axial
load on the No. 1 bearing.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of the
following RR service bulletins (SBs) and Embraer SB:
RR SB AE 3007A-79-034, dated May 14, 2002, which
provides procedures for inspecting for bearing material contamination
of the engine oil system by reviewing the maintenance page on the
cockpit Multi Function Display.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-199, Revision 3, dated May 13,
2002, which provides procedures to modify the HP-to-LP seal assembly,
P/N 23068183, and remark seal assembly to P/N 23073953.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-213, Revision 1, dated May 13,
2002, which provides procedures to install new design HP-to-LP seal
assembly, P/N 23074729.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-213, Revision 2, dated
November 20, 2003, which provides procedures to install new design HP-
to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23077397.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-248, dated July 29, 2003,
which provides procedures to install new design HP-to-LP seal assembly,
P/N 23074463.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-263, Revision 1, dated March
4, 2003, which provides procedures to modify the HP-to-LP seal
assembly, P/N 23074729, and remark seal assembly to P/N 23076526.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-284, dated October 16, 2003,
which provides procedures to modify the HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N
23074729 or P/N 23076526, and remark seal assembly to P/N 23077397.
Embraer SB 145-79-0001, dated April 24, 1998,
which provides procedures to modify the airplane wiring so that the oil
impending bypass message will be displayed in the cockpit when the
primary engine magnetic chip detector captures debris.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other RR AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 3007A1, AE
3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P, and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines of the same type
design. We are issuing this AD to prevent the rapid failure of the No.
1 bearing, which could result in smoke in the cabin and an uncommanded
in-flight engine shutdown. This AD requires initial and repetitive
inspections for bearing material contamination of the engine oil
system, and adds terminating actions to the repetitive inspections
required by this AD. Six of the seven terminating actions listed,
eliminate the unsafe condition by
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installing new or reworked parts, and one terminating action eliminates
the unsafe condition by installing an electrical jumper in an airplane
electrical connector, which adds a second function to the Oil Impending
Bypass advisory message, on the EICAS. You must do these actions in
accordance with the service information described previously.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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. 2000-NE-29-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 through
a nonwritten communication, 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 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. 2000-NE-29-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:
2004-04-05 Rolls-Royce Corporation: Amendment 39-13486. Docket No.
2000-NE-29-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 9,
2004.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-08-15, Amendment 39-12192.
Applicability
(c) This AD is applicable to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RR)
(formerly Allison Engine Company) AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/
2, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1P, and AE 3007A3 turbofan
engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Embraer
Model EMB-145, EMB-145ER, EMB-145MR, EMB-145LR, EMB-135ER, and EMB-
135LR airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by design changes introduced by the
manufacturer that reduce the No. 1 bearing load. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the rapid failure of
the No. 1 bearing, which could result in smoke in the cabin and an
uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown.
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.
Inspection for Bearing Material Contamination of the Oil System
(f) Inspect for bearing material contamination of the oil system
using paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR
service bulletin (SB) No. AE 3007A-79-034, dated May 14, 2002, as
follows:
(1) Initially inspect within 50 flight hours or five flight days
after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Thereafter, inspect every 50 flight hours or every five
flight days.
Terminating Actions
(g) As terminating actions to the repetitive inspections
specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, do any one of the
following paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(7), by December 31, 2007:
(1) Modify high pressure (HP)-to-low pressure (LP) seal
assembly, part number (P/N) 23068183, and remark to P/N 23073953, at
engine overhaul, using RR SB AE 3007A-72-199, Revision 3, dated May
13, 2002.
(2) Install new design HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23074729, at
engine overhaul, using RR SB AE 3007A-72-213, Revision 1, dated May
13, 2002.
(3) Install new design HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23077397, at
engine overhaul, using RR SB AE 3007A-72-213, Revision 2, dated
November 20, 2003.
(4) Install new design HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23074463, at
engine overhaul, using RR SB AE 3007A-72-248, dated July 29, 2003.
(5) Modify HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23074729, and remark to
P/N 23076526,
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at engine overhaul, using RR SB AE 3007A-72-263, Revision 1, dated
March 4, 2003.
(6) Modify HP-to-LP seal assembly, P/N 23074729 or P/N 23076526,
and remark to P/N 23077397, at engine overhaul, using RR SB AE
3007A-72-284, dated October 16, 2003.
(7) Using Embraer SB 145-79-0001, dated April 24, 1998, modify
the airplane wiring so that the oil impending bypass message will be
displayed in the cockpit when the primary engine magnetic chip
detector captures debris.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft 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) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the Rolls-Royce (RR) documents and
Embraer document listed in Table 1 of this AD in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get RR copies from Rolls-
Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0420;
telephone (317) 230-3030, and Embraer copies from Emprasa Brasiliera
de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343-CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos
Campos-SP, Brazil. 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. Table 1
follows:
Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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Page number(s) shown on Revision level shown on
Service bulletin the page the page Date shown on the page
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RR SB AE 3007A-79-034........ All...................... Original................. May 14, 2002.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-199........ All...................... 3........................ May 13, 2002.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-213........ All...................... 1........................ May 13, 2002.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-213........ All...................... 2........................ November 20, 2003.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-248........ All...................... Original................. July 29, 2003.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-263........ All...................... 1........................ March 4, 2003.
RR SB AE 3007A-72-284........ All...................... Original................. October 16, 2003.
Embraer SB-145-79-0001....... All...................... Original................. April 24, 1998.
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Related Information
(j) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 13, 2004.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3681 Filed 2-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P