[Federal Register: January 5, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 3)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 680-684]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ja05-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD; Amendment 39-13917; AD 2004-26-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524 Series
Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524 series turbofan
engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive borescope
insepctions of the head section and meterpanel assembly of the
combustion liner, and replacement, if necessary, with serviceable
parts. In addition, that AD allows an optional installation of a front
combustion liner with a strengthened head section as a terminating
action to the inspection requirements. This AD requires initial and
repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel
assembly of the combustion liner, and replacement if necessary with
serviceable parts. This AD also requires reduction of the inspection
intervals of certain RB211-524 engine models that have not been
repaired to RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B, and a mandatory
terminating action to be completed by a certain date. This AD results
from five events that are directly attributed to combustor head breakup
and meterpanel failure which were found at overhaul inspection. At
least one of these events resulted in a combustion case burn-through.
We are issuing this AD to prevent engine combustion liner
deterioration, which
[[Page 681]]
can result in combustion liner breakup, case burn-through, and engine
fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 9, 2005. The incorporation by
reference of RR ASB RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003;
Rolls-Royce Service Bulletins (SB's) RB.211-72-9764, Revision 3, dated
January 16, 1998, RB.211-72-9670, Original Issue, dated August 27,
1993; and RB.211-72-9764 Supplement 1, dated January 16, 1998; are
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 9,
2005.
ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD
from Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24-8BJ, United Kingdom;
telephone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax 011-44-1332-249936.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information, 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 to to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7178; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to RR RB211-524 series
turbofan engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register
on May 18, 2004 (69 FR 28094). That action proposed to require initial
and repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel
assembly of the combustion liner and replacement if necessary, with
serviceable parts. That action also proposed a reduction of the
inspection intervals of certain RB211-524 engine models that have not
been repaired to RR Field Repair Scheme FRS53667/B, and a mandatory
terminating action to be completed by a certain date.
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.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on
the determination of the cost to the public. However, we corrected RR
Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-71-9670 in Compliance paragraph (q) of
this AD to RR SB No. RB.211.-72-9670.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the
change described previously. We have determined that the change will
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the
scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 537 RB211-524 series turbofan engines of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 18 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. We
also estimate that it will take approximately 2.0 work hours per engine
to perform the actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work
hour. Required parts will cost about $228,389 per engine. Based on
these figures, we estimate that total cost of the AD to U.S. operators
to be $4,113,342.
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. 2004-NE-19-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 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 removing Amendment 39-9978 (62 FR
16475, April 7, 1997) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-13917, to read as follows:
2004-26-05 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13917. Docket No. 2004-NE-
19-AD. Supersedes AD 97-07-04, Amendment 39-9978.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 9, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 97-07-04, Amendment 39-9978.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) engine models RB211-
524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, -524B4, -524C2, and -524D4 series engines
incorporating RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7221 or RR SB
No. RB.211-72-7998 with front combustion liner
[[Page 682]]
assembly, part number (P/N) UL16885, UL29916, UL27107, UL28972, or
UL28974 installed but not incorporating RR SB No. RB.211-72-9670 or
RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764, and engine models RB211-524G and -524H
series engines with front combustion liner assembly P/N UL27659,
UL23992, or UL22988 but not incorporating RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764.
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747 and
Lockheed L1011 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from five events that are directly
attributed to combustor head breakup and meterpanel failure which
were found at overhaul inspection. At least one of these events
resulted in a combustion case burn-through. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to prevent engine combustion liner
deterioration, which can result in combustion liner breakup, case
burn-through, and 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. Engine inspections previously made
to RR Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-B482, Revision 8, can be
credited for counting cycles since last inspection.
Inspections of Combustion Liner Head Sections--Not Previously Repaired
(f) Borescope-inspect combustion liner head sections that have
not been previously repaired. Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5)
of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the
compliance thresholds in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Combustor Head Section--Not Previously Repaired
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Parts exceeding initial
Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles
Engine series (cycles since-new (cycles-since-last- (cycles-in-service
(CSN)) inspection (CSLI)) (CIS))
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(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 1,400 to 1,600 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 100 CIS after
524H. CSN. the effective date of
this AD.
(2) RB211-524B-02, -524B, -524B3, and Within 3,000 to 3,200 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after
-524B4. CSN. the effective date of
this AD.
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Inspections of Combustion Head Sections--Previously Repaired Using RR
Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
(g) Borescope-inspect combustion liner head sections previously
repaired using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B. Use paragraphs
3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB
No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the
compliance thresholds in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Combustor Head Section--Previously Repaired Using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
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Parts exceeding initial
Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles
Engine series (cycles-since-last- (cycles-since-last- (cycles-in-service
repair (CSLR)) inspection (CSLI)) (CIS))
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(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 1,800 to 2,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after
524H. CSLR. the effective date of
this AD.
(2) RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, Within 3,000 to 3,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after
and -524B4. CSLR. the effective date of
this AD.
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Inspections of Combustion Head Sections That Have Been Repaired But Did
Not Use RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
(h) Borescope-inspect combustion liner sections that have been
repaired using a method other than RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B.
Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July
28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 3 of this AD.
Table 3.--Combustor Head Section--Repaired, But Did Not Use RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts exceeding initial
Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles
Engine series cycles (cycles-since- cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service
last-repair (CSLR)) last-inspection (CSLI)) (CIS))
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 500 to 700 CSLR. Within 200 CSLI........ Within 100 CIS after
524H. the effective date of
this AD.
(2) RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, Within 2,000 to 2,200 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after
and -524B4. CSLR. the effective date of
this AD.
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Note 1: For an installed front combustion liner that is subject
to RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003: If
the operator can confirm with the relevant overhaul base or repair
vendor that the nicrobraze repair RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367 has
been applied to all 18 struts, then this is equivalent to compliance
with RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B.
Note 2: Head sections repaired by replacement of all 18 struts
using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS6548 are considered as equivalent to
fitting a new head section for inspection purposes.
Inspections of Meterpanel Assemblies--Not Repaired
(i) Borescope-inspect meterpanel assemblies, incorporating
Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7998, that have not been
previously repaired. Using Paragraphs 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revisions
9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 4 of
this AD.
[[Page 683]]
Table 4.--Meterpanel Assembly--Not Repaired
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Parts exceeding initial
Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles
Engine series cycles-since-new (CSN) cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service
last-inspection (CSLI)) (CIS))
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H.... Within 1,000 to 1,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the
CSN. effective date of this
AD.
(2) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H Within 1,800 to 2,000 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the
that have not used RB211-524H CSN. effective date of this
ratings at any time. AD.
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Inspections of Meterpanel Assemblies--Repaired
(J) Borescope-inspect meterpanel assemblies, incorporating
Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7998, that have been previously
repaired. Use paragraphs 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision
9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 5 of
this AD.
Table 5.--Meterpanel Assembly--Repaired
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts exceeding initial
Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles
Engine series cycles (cycles-since- cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service
last-repair (CSLR)) last-inspection (CSLI)) (CIS))
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H.... Within 500 to 700 CSLR. Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the
effective date of this
AD.
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Note 3: There is no requirement to inspect meter panels for
combustors to a pre-RR SB No. RB.211-72-7998 standard.
Reject Parts
(k) Replace parts that exceed the acceptance criteria.
Information about the acceptance criteria can be found in the
Aircraft Maintenance Manual, 72-00-00, Inspection/Check.
Mandatory Terminating Action
(l) Replace any front combustion liner assembly that has a P/N
listed in paragraph (c) of this AD at the next shop visit or within
10,000 CSN but no later than December 31, 2012.
(m) Replacement of the front combustion liner assembly with a
front combustion liner assembly that incorporates the modifications
in RR SB No. RB.211-72-9670 or RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764 in the
RB211-524B02, -524B2, -524B3, -524B4, -524C2 and -524D4 engines
constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections in
paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), of this AD.
(n) Replacement of the front combustion liner assembly with a
front combustion liner assembly that incorporates the modifications
in RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764 in the RB211-524G and -524H engines
constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections in
paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
Definition of Shop Visit
(o) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as any
time that the 04 module is removed for refurbishment or overhaul.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(p) 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
(q) You must use the Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) and Service Bulletins (SB's) listed in Table 6 of this AD to
do the inspections and replacements required by this AD. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28,
2003; SB's No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 3, dated January 16, 1998,
No. RB.211-72-9670, Original Issue, dated August 27, 1993; and SB
No. RB.211-72-9764 Supplement, Revision 1, dated January 16, 1998;
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get
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. Table 6 follows:
Table 6.--Incorporation by Reference
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Page number(s) shown Revision level shown
Service bulletin on the page on the page Date shown on the page
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RB.211-72-AB482,................... All................... 9..................... July 28, 2003.
Total Pages: 12
RB.211-72-9670,.................... All................... Original.............. Aug. 27, 1993.
Total Pages: 49
RB.211-72-9764..................... 1..................... 3..................... Jan. 16, 1998.
2..................... Original.............. Aug. 20, 1993.
3, 4.................. 3..................... Jan. 16, 1998.
5..................... 1..................... Aug. 25, 1995.
6..................... 3..................... Jan. 16, 1998.
7-10.................. Original.............. Aug. 20, 1993.
11.................... 3..................... Jan. 16, 1998.
12-30................. Original.............. Aug. 20, 1993.
Total Pages: 30
RB.211-72-9764 Supplement.......... 1..................... 1..................... Jan. 16, 1998.
Total Pages: 1
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[[Page 684]]
Related Information
(r) Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive AD G-2003-
0011, dated October 1, 2003, (previously 005-07-95, dated November
15, 2001), also addresses the subject of this AD. Aircraft
Maintenance Manual 72-00-00 also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 20, 2004.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-85 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
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