[Federal Register: June 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 111)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 27684-27686]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn09-3]
[[Page 27684]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0082; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-42-AD;
Amendment 39-15914; AD 2009-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation AE 2100D2, AE
2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J Turboprop 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 Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE
2100J turboprop engines with certain propeller gearbox (PGB) shaft-and-
carrier assemblies installed. These engines are U.S. type-certificated
but as of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military
airplanes. This AD requires monitoring a certain population of PGB
shaft-and-carrier assemblies for vibration during flight, and
borescope-inspecting the PGB shaft for cracks if vibration is
experienced. This AD would also require removing the affected
population of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies from service and
installing serviceable PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies. This AD
results from a report of a crack found in the forward cone of a PGB
shaft in an RRC AE 2100D3 turboprop engine that was removed from
service due to high vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent
separation of the propeller from the airplane, which could result in
injury, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 26, 2009. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of June 26, 2009.
We must receive any comments on this AD by August 10, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail:
michael.downs@faa.gov; telephone (847) 294-7870; fax (847) 294-7834.
Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN
46206; telephone (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail:
indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com for the service information
identified in this AD.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In March of 2007, the Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office received a report of a crack found in the forward
cone of a PGB shaft. The PGB shaft was installed in an RRC AE 2100D3
turboprop engine that was removed from service due to high vibration.
RRC investigated and determined that a certain population of PGB shaft-
and-carrier assemblies could fail due to cracks developing in the
forward shaft cone. The affected population, manufactured before June
2005, could have a high stress concentration in the bottom of a certain
drilled hole, due to improper surface finish. RRC issued alert service
bulletins to borescope-inspect the affected population of PGB shafts
for cracks. Based on the inspection results, we determined that AD
action is necessary. These engines are U.S. type-certificated, but as
of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military
airplanes. Failure to inspect the PGB shaft forward cone for cracks
could result in separation of the propeller from the airplane, which
could result in injury, and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RRC Service
Bulletin (SB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Revision 1, dated February 18,
2008, RRC SB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 1, dated February 18,
2008, and RRC SB No. AE 2100J-A-72-071, Revision 1, dated February 18,
2008. Those SBs list the affected population of PGB shaft-and-carrier
assemblies by serial number (SN).
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use
these turboprop 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 engines of the same type design. We are issuing this
AD to prevent separation of the propeller from the airplane, which
could result in injury, and damage to the airplane. This AD requires:
Monitoring the affected population of PGB shaft-and-
carrier assemblies for vibration during flight;
Borescope-inspecting the forward cone of the PGB shaft for
cracking if vibration is experienced; and
Removing the affected PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly at
the next shop visit for PGB inspection or repair. Replacing the
affected PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly with a shaft and carrier
assembly that is eligible for installation, is terminating action for
the vibration monitoring required by this AD.
You must use the service information described previously to
determine SN applicability of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are no domestic operators of these RRC AE 2100D2, AE
2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J turboprop engines as of the effective
date of this AD, 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-2009-0082;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-42-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://
www.regulations.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
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor
[[Page 27685]]
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).
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 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 at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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:
2009-11-04 Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine
Company): Amendment 39-15914. Docket No. FAA-2009-0082; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NE-42-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 26,
2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2,
AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J turboprop engines with certain
serial number (SN) propeller gearbox (PGB) shaft-and-carrier
assemblies installed. These engines are U.S. type-certificated but
as of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military
airplanes. For the SNs affected, see the Effectivity section of the
applicable service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Applicable Lists of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier Assemblies
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For engine model: Reference service bulletin:
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AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A............. AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Revision 1,
dated February 18, 2008.
AE 2100D3......................... AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 1,
dated February 18, 2008.
AE 2100J.......................... AE 2100J-A-72-071, Revision 1, dated
February 18, 2008.
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These engines are U.S. type-certificated and are installed on,
but not limited to, Lockheed Martin C130-J and Lockheed/Alenia C-27J
military airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a crack found in the
forward cone of a PGB shaft in an RRC AE 2100D3 turboprop engine
that was removed from service due to high vibration. We are issuing
this AD to prevent separation of the propeller from the airplane,
which could result in injury, 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.
Monitoring for PGB Vibration During Flight
(f) During flight, monitor affected engines for vibration in the
PGB shaft and carrier assemblies, using the vibration monitoring
system in the cockpit.
(g) Whenever a vibration message is displayed on the airplane's
Advisory Caution and Warning System, borescope-inspect the PGB
shaft-and-carrier assembly for cracks, before any additional
flights.
(h) If any crack is found, remove the engine from service.
(i) Guidance on borescope-inspecting, vibration monitoring, and
fault isolation procedures can be found in the applicable service
bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2--Information on Borescope-Inspecting, Vibration Monitoring, and
Fault Isolation Procedures
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For engine model: Reference service bulletin:
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AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A............. AE 2100D2-A-72-074, dated April 7,
2008.
AE 2100D3......................... AE 2100D3-A-72-258, dated April 7,
2008.
[[Page 27686]]
AE 2100J.......................... AE 2100J-A-72-070, dated September
17, 2007.
AE 2100J-A-72-073, dated October 11,
2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terminating Action--Removal of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier
Assemblies
(j) At the next shop visit for PGB inspection or repair after
the effective date of this AD, remove the affected PGB shaft-and-
carrier assembly from service and install an eligible PGB shaft-and-
carrier assembly.
(k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any PGB
shaft and carrier assembly in any aircraft if it was removed for
cracks.
Definition
(l) For the purpose of this AD, a PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly
is eligible for installation if it was manufactured after June 2005,
or if it is P/N 23087076 or P/N 23087077.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(m) 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.
Related Information
(n) Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis,
IN 46206; telephone: (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail:
indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com, for the service information
identified in this AD.
(o) Contact Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 E. Devon
Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: michael.downs@faa.gov;
telephone (847) 294-7870, fax (847) 294-7834, for more information
about this AD.
(p) You must use the service information specified in Table 3 of
this AD to determine the SNs of PGB shaft-and-carrier assemblies
affected by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 3 of
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN
46206; telephone (317) 230-3774; fax (317) 230-6084; e-mail:
indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region,
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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Table 3--Incorporation by Reference
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Service bulletin no. Page Revision Date
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AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Total Pages: 5.. All..................... 1 February 18, 2008.
AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Total Pages: 16. All..................... 1 February 18, 2008.
AE 2100J-A-72-071, Total Pages: 4... All..................... 1 February 18, 2008.
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Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11992 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P