[Federal Register: January 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 9)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 2333-2336]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13ja05-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NE-05-AD; Amendment 39-13941; AD 2005-01-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 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 plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and
Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines with low pressure compressor (LPC) fan
blade part numbers FK22580, FK23411, FK25441, and FK25968 installed.
That AD currently requires initial ultrasonic inspections of the fan
blade root with blades removed, repetitive ultrasonic inspections of
the fan blade root with blades removed or installed, and ultrasonic
inspection of the fan blade root to be done with the fan blades removed
at least every third inspection. This AD requires the same inspections
but at lower thresholds and intervals, and eliminates the requirement
for ultrasonic inspection with the fan blades removed at least every
third inspection. This AD results from analysis of flight data returned
to RR, that shows a need for consistent inspection thresholds for all
engine models. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible multiple LPC
fan blade failures, which could result in an uncontained engine failure
and damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective January 28, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulations as of January 28, 2005.
We must receive any comments on this AD by March 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2000-NE-05-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
[[Page 2334]]
plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: 011-44-1332-249428; fax:
011-44-1332-249223.
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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
You may examine the AD docket
at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
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: On August 1, 2001, we issued AD 2001-16-05,
Amendment 39-12373 (66 FR 42105, August 10, 2001). That AD requires
initial ultrasonic inspections of the fan blade root with blades
removed, repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the fan blade root with
blades removed or installed, and ultrasonic inspections to be done with
the fan blades removed at least every third inspection. That AD
resulted from reports of fan blade failures due to dovetail root
cracks. That condition, if not corrected, could result in possible
multiple LPC fan blade failures, uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2001-16-05 Was Issued
Since that AD was issued, analysis of flight data returned to RR
shows a need for consistent inspection thresholds for all engine
models. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
possible multiple LPC fan blade failures, which could result in an
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed
Paragraph (g) of the current AD, AD 2001-16-05, contains a
paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final
rule does not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with
regard to the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to
a repair facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we
published a new Part 39 that contains a general authority regarding
special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No.
FAA-2004-8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus,
when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on
special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general
authority granted in section 39.23.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-72-C878, Revision 7, dated
December 5, 2003, that:
Removes LPC fan blades and performs initial and repetitive
ultrasonic inspections for cracks in LPC fan blade dovetail roots, at
earlier initial thresholds than the inspections required by the current
AD, and, at adjusted repetitive inspection intervals from the current
AD.
Provides a procedure that does not require blade removal
from the engine in order to perform repetitive ultrasonic inspections
for cracks in LPC fan blade dovetail roots.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the United Kingdom 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. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has
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 of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions
Although none of these affected engine models are used on any
airplanes that are registered in the United States, the possibility
exists that the engine models could be used on airplanes that are
registered in the United States in the future. Since an unsafe
condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on
other RR RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan
engine models of the same type design, this AD is being issued to
prevent possible multiple LPC fan blade failures, which could result in
an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. This AD
requires:
Initial ultrasonic inspections of the fan blade root with
blades removed; at or before accumulating 1,100 cycles-since-new (CSN)
on the fan blades after the effective date of the AD; and
For blades with more than 1,100 CSN that have not been
previously inspected, initial ultrasonic inspections of the fan blade
root with blades removed; within 300 cycles-in-service (CIS) from the
effective date of the AD or within 2,000 CSN, whichever occurs first;
and
Repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the fan blade root,
with blades removed within 300 CIS intervals, or with blades not
removed within 250 CIS intervals.
The actions are required to be done using the service bulletin
described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since there are currently no domestic operators of these engine
models, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary. Therefore, 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 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-05-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.
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.
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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 satisfy the initial
requirements of 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-05-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 FAA 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing Amendment 39-12373 (66 FR 42105, August 10, 2001), and by
adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-13941, to read
as follows:
2005-01-16 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13941. Docket No. 2000-NE-
05-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-16-05, Amendment 39-12373.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective January 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-16-05, Amendment 39-12373.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60,
Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engines with low pressure
compressor (LPC) fan blade part numbers FK22580, FK23411, FK25441,
and FK25968 installed. These engines are installed on, but not
limited to, Airbus A330 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD supersedure results from analysis of flight data
returned to RR, that shows a need for consistent inspection
thresholds for all engine models. We are issuing this AD to prevent
possible multiple LPC fan blade failures, which 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 Ultrasonic Inspection
(f) Perform an initial ultrasonic inspection of the LPC fan
blade dovetail roots using Method A (paragraphs 3.A.(1) through
3.A.(8); blades removed from engine) of Accomplishment Instructions
of RR Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-72-C878, Revision
7, dated December 5, 2003, as follows:
(1) Inspect before accumulating 1,100 cycles-since-new (CSN) on
the fan blades; or
(2) For fan blades that have accumulated more than 800 CSN on
the effective date of this AD that have not been previously
inspected, inspect within 300 cycles-in-service (CIS) from the
effective date of this AD or within 2,000 CSN, whichever occurs
first.
Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections
(g) Perform repetitive inspections of the LPC fan blades using
Method A, or Method B (paragraphs 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(5); blades
not removed from the engine) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
RR MSB No. RB.211-72-C878, Revision 7, dated December 5, 2003, as
follows:
(1) Inspect within 300 CIS since-last-inspected with Method A of
the SB; or
(2) Inspect within 250 CIS since-last-inspected with Method B of
the SB.
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 the Rolls-Royce plc service information
specified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the blade inspections and
replacements required by this AD. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of the documents
listed in Table 1 of this AD 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 DE24 6BJ, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1332 242424; fax 44 (0) 1332
249936. You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-05-AD,
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go
to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Table 1 follows:
Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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Mandatory service bulletin No. Page Revision Date
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RB.211-72-C878........................ All..................... 7 December 5, 2003.
Total Pages: 9
RB.211-72-C878, Appendix 1............ All..................... 7 December 5, 2003.
Total Pages: 4
RB.211-72-C878, Appendix 2............ All..................... 7 December 5, 2003.
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Total Pages: 5
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Related Information
(j) United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness
directive 003-11-99 also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 4, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-484 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P