[Federal Register: July 8, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 130)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 39412-39413]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08jy05-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21730; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-18-AD;
Amendment 39-14186; AD 2005-14-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Models RB211 Trent 768-
60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 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) models RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent
772B-60 turbofan engines. This AD requires removal of certain Engine
Electronic Controller (EEC) part numbers from service. This AD results
from nine reports of loss of engine parameters displayed in the
airplane cockpit, with the simultaneous loss of capability to change
thrust of the affected engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss
of airplane control after an aborted takeoff due to asymmetric thrust.
DATES: Effective July 25, 2005.
We must receive any comments on this AD by September 6, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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.
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: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently
notified us that an unsafe condition might exist on Rolls-Royce plc
RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines.
The CAA advises that there have been nine reports of loss of engine
parameters displayed in the airplane cockpit, with the simultaneous
loss of capability to change thrust of the affected engine. RR's
investigation established the cause of these conditions to be a fault
in the EEC software. RR has determined that if this condition occurs
during takeoff roll and in response, the crew attempts to abort the
takeoff, hazardous asymmetric thrust could occur.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
These RR RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60
turbofan engines are manufactured in the UK 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, the CAA 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 RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan
engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss
of airplane control after an aborted takeoff due to asymmetric thrust.
This AD requires removal of certain EEC part numbers from service.
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. 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-2005-21730;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-18-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 Docket
Management System 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 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
[[Page 39413]]
Facility Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility 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 Docket Management Facility Office 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, 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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2005-14-09 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-14186. Docket No. FAA-2005-
21730; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-18-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 25,
2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Model RB211 Trent
768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines with Engine
Electronic Controllers (EECs) listed by P/N in the following Table
1:
Table 1.--Affected EEC Part Numbers
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EEC2000.06.BB.1
EEC2000-06-BE-1
EEC2000-06-BG-1
EEC2000-06-BH-1
EEC2000-06-BL-1
EEC2000-06-BM-1
EEC2000.07.BB.1
EEC2000-07-BE-1
EEC2000-07-BG-1
EEC2000-07-BH-1
EEC2000-07-BL-1
EEC2000-07-BM-1
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These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A330
series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from nine reports of loss of engine
parameters displayed in the airplane cockpit, with the simultaneous
loss of capability to change thrust of the affected engine. We are
issuing this AD to prevent loss of airplane control after an aborted
takeoff due to asymmetric thrust.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed before July 31, 2006, unless the actions have already
been done.
Removal From Service of EECs
(f) Remove from service the EECs with part numbers listed in
Table 1 of this AD.
(g) Information on the EEC software changes can be found in
Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-73-AE324, Revision 2,
dated November 1, 2004.
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.
Related Information
(i) CAA airworthiness directive G-2004-0025, dated October 27,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 1, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13425 Filed 7-7-05; 8:45 am]
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