[Federal Register: July 5, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 127)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 38627-38630]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05jy05-13]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NE-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
(Formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH)
Models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (formerly
Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH) models
BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines. That AD currently
requires initial and repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections of
fan discs, part numbers (P/Ns) BRR18803, BRR19248, and BRR20791 for
cracks, and if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This
proposed AD would require the same inspections of these fan discs, with
certain old design P/N fan blades installed. This proposed AD would
extend the inspection interval for certain fan discs having new design
P/N fan blades installed. Also, this proposed AD would add as optional
terminating action to the repetitive inspections, installation of
certain P/N new fan discs, certain P/N new fan blades, and engine fan
speed (N1) Keep Out Zone software. This proposed AD results from a
revised RRD service bulletin (SB) that introduces relaxed inspection
intervals for certain P/N combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and
introduces improved design fan discs and fan blades. We are proposing
this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the fan disc that could result
in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September 6,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2000-NE-48-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 identified in this proposed AD
from Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany, telephone: International Access Code 011,
Country Code 49, (0) 33-7086-1768, fax: International Access Code 011,
Country Code 49, (0) 33-7086-3356.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone: (781)
238-7747, fax: (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2000-NE-48-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 proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed 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 proposed AD in light of those
comments.
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.
Discussion
On April 1, 2003, the FAA issued AD 2003-07-11, Amendment 39-13107
(68 FR 17727, April 11, 2003). That AD requires initial and repetitive
visual and ultrasonic inspections of fan discs, P/Ns BRR18803,
BRR19248, and BRR20791,
[[Page 38628]]
for cracks, and if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
Actions Since AD 2003-07-11 Was Issued
Since AD 2003-07-11 was issued, RRD has reevaluated the existing
repetitive inspection interval requirements, and has introduced new
design fan discs and fan blades.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RRD SB No.
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, that describes
procedures for removing any dry film lubricant coating from the front
face of the fan disc to improve visual inspections, and initial and
repetitive inspections for cracks in fan discs. That SB also introduces
the installation of a new design fan disc and new design fan blades.
The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the aviation authority for
Germany, classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD
2000-348, Revision 6, dated March 31, 2005, in order to ensure the
airworthiness of these RRD models BR700-710A1-10 turbofan engines and
BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines in Germany.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Although the visual inspection requirements of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-
72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005, do not specifically
define the pass or fail criteria for fan discs, this proposed AD would
specifically instruct the rejection of fan discs that have visual
cracks. We communicated with RRD and confirmed that the intent of the
service bulletin is to require the owner or operator to default to
appropriate maintenance manuals for pass or fail criteria. We
subsequently reviewed the maintenance manuals and confirmed that no
cracks are allowed in the fan discs.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in Germany 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. In keeping with this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have examined the findings of the
LBA, 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 the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require:
For fan disc P/N BRR18803, BRR19248, BRR20791, BRR24829,
BRR24829, or FW33929 installed, initial and repetitive inspections for
cracks.
As optional terminating action to the repetitive
inspection requirements of the proposed AD, installation of a new fan
disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades P/N FW33513 or P/N FW33980, and N1
Keep Out Zone software.
The proposed AD would require that you do the inspections using the
service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 500 RRD models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20
turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We
estimate that 400 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would
be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take
about 7 work hours per engine to perform the inspections, and that the
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. We estimate the total labor
cost for performing one inspection of the U.S. fleet to be $182,000.
New design fan discs and fan blades would cost about $150,000 per
engine. Based on these figures, the total cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $60,182,000. The manufacturer has
stated that it may provide the new fan disc and new fan blades at no
cost to operators.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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. Would 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 proposal 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-48-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 39-13107 (68 FR
17727, April 11, 2003) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to
read as follows:
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (formerly Rolls-Royce
Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH): Docket No. 2000-
NE-48-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by September 6,
2005.
[[Page 38629]]
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-07-11, Amendment 39-13107.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD)
(formerly Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH, formerly BMW Rolls-Royce
GmbH) models BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines.
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc.
BD-700-1A10, BD-700-1A11, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. G-V series
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a revised RRD service bulletin (SB)
that introduces relaxed inspection intervals for certain P/N
combinations of fan discs and fan blades, and introduces improved
design fan discs and fan blades. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to detect and prevent cracks in the fan disc that could
result in an 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 Inspection
Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248 Installed and Fan
Blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed
(f) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR18803 or BRR19248
installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the
following:
(1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5,
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005,
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles-
since-last inspection (CSLI). Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005
to do the inspection.
(2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5,
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005,
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 75 CSLI. Use
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229,
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005
to do the inspection.
(4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and
replace with a serviceable disc.
Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N
BRR20677 or BRR23178 Installed
(g) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with serial numbers (SNs) 11452
and lower, and BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12352 and lower, with
fan disc P/N BRR20791 installed, and fan blades P/N BRR20677 or
BRR23178 installed, do the following:
(1) If the last fan disc inspection was a visual inspection
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5,
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005,
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 CSLI. Use
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229,
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(2) If the last fan disc inspection was an ultrasonic inspection
performed using RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 3, dated
July 12, 2001; Revision 4, dated December 20, 2001; Revision 5,
dated January 8, 2003; or Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005,
visually or ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 150 CSLI. Use
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229,
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(3) For engines that have not yet been inspected, visually or
ultrasonically inspect fan disc within 25 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD. Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005
to do the inspection.
(4) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and
replace with a serviceable disc.
(h) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with SNs 11453 and higher, and
BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12353 and higher with fan discs P/N
BRR20791 installed, do the following:
(1) Visually or ultrasonically inspect fan discs within 150
flight cycles-since-new (CSN). Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003; or
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and
replace with a serviceable disc.
Repetitive Inspections
(i) Except for engines listed in paragraph (j) of this AD,
perform repetitive inspections using the criteria in paragraphs (f)
through (g)(4), and (k) of this AD.
(j) For BR700-710A1-10 engines with SNs 11453 and higher, and
BR700-710A2-20 engines with SNs 12353 and higher with fan discs P/N
BRR20791 installed, perform repetitive inspections using the
criteria in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(4), and (k) of this AD.
(k) For fan discs P/Ns BRR18803, BRR19248, and BRR20791, with
fan blades P/N BRR20677 or BRR23178 installed, do the following:
(1) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection before
accumulating 500 hours-since-new. Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8, 2003, or
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(2) Thereafter, perform a visual and an ultrasonic inspection
before accumulating 500 hours since the last visual or ultrasonic
inspection.
Engines With Fan Disc P/N BRR20791 Installed, and Fan Blades P/N
FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776 Installed
(1) For engines with fan disc P/N BRR20791, BRR24829, or FW33929
installed, and fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980, FW33925, FW34114, or
FW34776 installed, do the following:
Initial Inspection
(1) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection of the fan disc
at time of installation of new fan blades P/N FW33513, FW33980,
FW33925, FW34114, or FW34776. Use paragraphs A through F of the
applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005
to do the inspection.
(2) If any cracks are found, remove the disc from service and
replace with a serviceable disc.
Repetitive Inspections
(3) Perform a visual and ultrasonic inspection of the fan disc
within 375 flight CSLI or 600 flight hours since-last-inspection,
whichever occurs first. Use paragraphs A through F of the applicable
Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No.
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the
inspection; and
(4) Repeat the fan disc visual and ultrasonic inspection within
750 flight CSLI or 1,100 flight hours since-last-inspection,
whichever occurs first. Use paragraphs A through F of the applicable
Part 1 or Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No.
SB-BR700-72-900229, Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the
inspection; and
(5) Thereafter, perform repetitive visual and ultrasonic
inspections of the fan disc within every 1,500 flight CSLI or 2,200
flight hours since-last-inspection, whichever occurs first. Use
paragraphs A through F of the applicable Part 1 or Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-72-900229,
Revision 6, dated February 23, 2005 to do the inspection.
(6) If any cracks are found, remove disc from service and
replace with a serviceable disc.
Optional Terminating Action
(m) Installation of a new fan disc P/N FW33927, new fan blades,
P/N FW33513, or P/N FW33980, and N1 Keep Out Zone software with EEC
P/Ns 1501KDC02-010, or 1501KDC03-010, or 1501KDC05-010, or
1520KDC05-010, or 1520KDC05R-010, or 1520KDC07-010, or
[[Page 38630]]
1520KDC08-010, is optional terminating action to the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Inspection Reporting Requirements
(n) Report defects in accordance with the applicable Part 1 or
Part 2 of RRD SB No. SB-BR700-900229, Revision 5, dated January 8,
2003. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(o) 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.
Related Information
(p) LBA airworthiness directive 2000-348, Revision 6, dated
March 31, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 28, 2005.
Diane S. Romanosky,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13135 Filed 7-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P