[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49368-49370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18730]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0748; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-13-AD;
Amendment 39-16384; AD 2010-16-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 900
Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Wear, beyond Engine Manual limits, has been identified on the
abutment faces of the splines on the Trent 900 Intermediate Pressure
(IP) shaft rigid coupling on several engines during strip. The shaft
to coupling spline interface provides the means of controlling the
turbine axial setting and wear through of the splines would permit
the IP turbine to move rearwards.
Rearward movement of the IP turbine would enable contact with
static turbine components and would result in loss of engine
performance with potential for in-flight shut down, oil migration
and oil fire below the LP turbine discs prior to sufficient
indication resulting in loss of LP turbine disc integrity.
We are issuing this AD to detect rearward movement of the IP turbine,
which could result in loss of disc integrity, an uncontained failure of
the engine, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 17, 2010.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 13, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Rolls-Royce Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AG329, Revision 1, dated
January 13, 2010, listed in the AD as of September 17, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. 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.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7178; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0008, dated January 15, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Wear, beyond Engine Manual limits, has been identified on the
abutment faces of the splines on the Trent 900 Intermediate Pressure
(IP) shaft rigid coupling on several engines during strip. The shaft
to coupling spline interface provides the means of controlling the
turbine axial setting and wear through of the splines would permit
the IP turbine to move rearwards.
Rearward movement of the IP turbine would enable contact with
static turbine components and would result in loss of engine
performance with potential for in-flight shut down, oil migration
and oil fire below the LP turbine discs prior to sufficient
indication resulting in loss of LP turbine disc integrity.
This AD requires inspection of the IP shaft coupling splines
and, depending on the results, requires further repetitive
inspections or corrective actions.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Rolls-Royce plc has issued RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion
Systems Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AG329, Revision 1, dated January 13, 2010.
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the
[[Page 49369]]
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of the
United Kingdom, and is approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, they have
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the United Kingdom, and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since no domestic operators use this product, notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary.
Therefore, we are adopting this regulation immediately.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0748; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NE-13-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
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
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).
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 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 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 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 AD:
2010-16-07 Rolls-Royce plc (RR): Amendment 39-16384.; Docket No.
FAA-2010-0748; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-13-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 17, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to RR model RB211-Trent 970-84, 970B-84,
972-84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84 turbofan engines. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A380 series
airplanes.
Reason
(d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010-0008,
dated January 15, 2010, states:
Wear, beyond Engine Manual limits, has been identified on the
abutment faces of the splines on the Trent 900 Intermediate Pressure
(IP) shaft rigid coupling on several engines during strip. The shaft
to coupling spline interface provides the means of controlling the
turbine axial setting and wear through of the splines would permit
the IP turbine to move rearwards.
Rearward movement of the IP turbine would enable contact with
static turbine components and would result in loss of engine
performance with potential for in-flight shut down, oil migration
and oil fire below the LP turbine discs prior to sufficient
indication resulting in loss of LP turbine disc integrity.
We are issuing this AD to detect rearward movement of the IP
turbine, which could result in loss of disc integrity, an
uncontained failure of the engine, and damage to the airplane.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
On-Wing Borescope Inspection
(1) Inspect the IP shaft coupling splines using section 3.A of
RR RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion Systems Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AG329, Revision 1, dated January
13, 2010, before accumulating 400 cycles-since-new or within 150
cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(2) If the coupling, P/N FW33264, was replaced with a new
coupling, P/N FW33264, during any shop visit, then you may use the
life since that shop visit in place of engine time since new to
establish the inspection threshold.
(3) Use the inspection results and actions compliance times or
specified in Table 1 of this AD to disposition the engine or to
determine the interval for the repetitive inspections.
[[Page 49370]]
Table 1--On-Wing Borescope Inspection--Further Action and Repetitive
Inspection Intervals
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Condition measured spline
crest in accordance with Compliance time/
section 3.A of Rolls-Royce repetitive interval
alert NMSB RB.211-72-AG329, Action (not to exceed)
Revision 1, dated January flight cycles since
13, 2010, is: last inspection
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(i) Less than 0.5 mm with no Remove the engine... Before next flight.
material remaining.
(ii) Less than 0.5 mm with Remove the engine... Within 10 flight
some material remaining. cycles.
(iii) Equal to or more than Repeat inspection... Within 50 flight
0.5 mm but less than 1 mm. cycles.
(iv) Equal to or more than 1 Repeat inspection... Within 100 flight
mm but less than 1.5 mm. cycles.
(v) Equal to or more than Repeat inspection... Within 200 flight
1.5 mm but less than 2 mm. cycles.
(vi) Equal to or more than 2 Repeat inspection... Within 300 flight
mm but less than 2.4 mm. cycles.
(vii) Equal to or more than Repeat inspection... Within 400 flight
2.4 mm. cycles.
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Note 1: The nominal unworn dimension of the spline crest is
2.65 mm.
In-Shop Replacement and Inspection
(4) At the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD
perform the following:
(i) Replace any IP shaft coupling that was previously borescope
inspected in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD and put on
a reduced re-inspection interval in accordance with paragraphs
(e)(3)(i) through (e)(3)(vii) of this AD.
(ii) Inspect all other IP shaft coupling splines using
paragraphs 3.B.(2) or 3.B.(3) of RR RB211 Trent 900 Series
Propulsion Systems Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AG329, Revision 1, dated
January 13, 2010.
Definitions
(5) For the purposes of this AD, a shop visit is the induction
of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation
of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the separation
of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without
subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop
visit.
FAA AD Differences
(f) None.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0008, dated
January 15, 2010, for related information.
(i) Contact Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: [email protected];
telephone (781) 238-7178; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information
about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 900 Series Propulsion
Systems Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AG329
Revision 1, dated January 13, 2010 to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom;
telephone 044 1332 242424; fax 044 1332 249936.
(3) 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 26, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-18730 Filed 8-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P