80 FR 18083 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 64 (April 3, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 64 (April 3, 2015)
| Page Range | 18083-18084 | |
| FR Document | 2015-07492 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 64 (Friday, April 3, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 18083-18084] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-07492] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 64 / Friday, April 3, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 18083]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2014-0904; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-14-AD; Amendment 39-18129; AD 2015-07-01] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524 turbofan engines with certain part number (P/N) low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3 turbine blades installed. This AD requires implementation of a life limit for certain P/N LPT stage 3 turbine blades and replacement of affected blades that reach or exceed the life limit. This AD was prompted by reports of LPT stage 3 turbine blade failures, release of blades, and subsequent in- flight shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of LPT stage 3 turbine blades and subsequent release of blade debris, which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective May 8, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0904. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014- 0904; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2014 (79 FR 71363). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Since 2006, a number of low pressure turbine (LPT) Stage 3 blade failures have been reported, each resulting in engine in-flight shut-down. Engineering analysis on those occurrences indicates that blades with an accumulated life of 11,000 flight cycles (FC) or more have an increased risk of failure. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to release of LPT Stage 3 blade debris and consequent (partial or complete) loss of engine power, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter supports the NPRM (79 FR 71363, December 2, 2014). Conclusion We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 2 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 120 hours per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Parts cost is zero. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $20,400. 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: [[Page 18084]] (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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment 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 airworthiness directive (AD): 2015-07-01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-18129; Docket No. FAA-2014- 0904; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-14-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 8, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524B-02, RB211-524B-B-02, RB211-524B2-19, RB211-524B2-B-19, RB211-524B3-02, RB211-524C2-19, and RB211-524C2-B-19 turbofan engines with low- pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3 turbine blade, part number (P/N) LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, installed. (d) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of LPT stage 3 turbine blade failure, release of blades, and subsequent in-flight shutdown. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of LPT stage 3 turbine blades and subsequent release of blade debris, which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane. (e) Actions and Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Remove from service before further flight any LPT stage 3 turbine blade, P/N LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, that exceeds 11,000 flight cycles since new. (2) If you cannot determine the accumulated flight cycles, remove any LPT stage 3 turbine blade, P/N LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, within 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any LPT stage 3 turbine blade, P/N LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, on any engine if the blade has accumulated 11,000 or more flight cycles since new. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. You may email your request to: [email protected]. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]. (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0210, dated September 19, 2014, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0904-0002. (3) RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72- AH790, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, using the contact information in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD. (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332- 249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com. (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. (h) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 26, 2015. Colleen M. D'Alessandro, Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-07492 Filed 4-2-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![18083
Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 64
Friday, April 3, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER England Executive Park, Burlington, Comments
contains regulatory documents having general MA. For information on the availability
applicability and legal effect, most of which We gave the public the opportunity to
of this material at the FAA, call 781– participate in developing this AD. We
are keyed to and codified in the Code of 238–7125. It is also available on the
Federal Regulations, which is published under considered the comment received. The
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov commenter supports the NPRM (79 FR
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
by searching for and locating Docket No. 71363, December 2, 2014).
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by FAA–2014–0904.
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of Conclusion
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL Examining the AD Docket
We reviewed the available data,
REGISTER issue of each week.
You may examine the AD docket on including the comment received, and
the Internet at http:// determined that air safety and the
www.regulations.gov by searching for public interest require adopting this AD
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– as proposed.
Federal Aviation Administration 0904; or in person at the Docket Costs of Compliance
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
14 CFR Part 39 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, We estimate that this AD affects 2
except Federal holidays. The AD docket engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0904; Directorate contains this AD, the mandatory registry. We also estimate that it will
Identifier 2014–NE–14–AD; Amendment 39– take about 120 hours per engine to
18129; AD 2015–07–01] continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comply with this AD. The average labor
RIN 2120–AA64 comments received, and other rate is $85 per hour. Parts cost is zero.
information. The address for the Docket Based on these figures, we estimate the
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be
plc Turbofan Engines Document Management Facility, U.S. $20,400.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Department of Transportation, Docket Authority for This Rulemaking
Administration (FAA), DOT. Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Title 49 of the United States Code
ACTION: Final rule. specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590. rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
section 106, describes the authority of
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–524 Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
turbofan engines with certain part Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine detail the scope of the Agency’s
number (P/N) low-pressure turbine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England authority.
(LPT) stage 3 turbine blades installed. Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; We are issuing this rulemaking under
This AD requires implementation of a phone: 781–238–7765; fax: 781–238– the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
life limit for certain P/N LPT stage 3 7199; email: kenneth.steeves@faa.gov. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
turbine blades and replacement of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
General requirements.’’ Under that
affected blades that reach or exceed the
section, Congress charges the FAA with
life limit. This AD was prompted by
Discussion promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
reports of LPT stage 3 turbine blade
air commerce by prescribing regulations
failures, release of blades, and We issued a notice of proposed for practices, methods, and procedures
subsequent in-flight shutdowns. We are rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR the Administrator finds necessary for
issuing this AD to prevent failure of LPT part 39 by adding an AD that would safety in air commerce. This regulation
stage 3 turbine blades and subsequent apply to the specified products. The is within the scope of that authority
release of blade debris, which could NPRM was published in the Federal because it addresses an unsafe condition
lead to failure of one or more engines, Register on December 2, 2014 (79 FR that is likely to exist or develop on
loss of thrust control, and damage to the 71363). The NPRM proposed to correct products identified in this rulemaking
airplane. an unsafe condition for the specified action.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May products. The MCAI states:
8, 2015. Regulatory Findings
Since 2006, a number of low pressure
ADDRESSES: For service information turbine (LPT) Stage 3 blade failures have We determined that this AD will not
identified in this AD, contact Rolls- been reported, each resulting in engine in- have federalism implications under
Royce plc, Corporate Communications, flight shut-down. Engineering analysis on Executive Order 13132. This AD will
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; those occurrences indicates that blades with not have a substantial direct effect on
phone: 011–44–1332–242424; fax: 011– an accumulated life of 11,000 flight cycles the States, on the relationship between
44–1332–249936; email: http:// (FC) or more have an increased risk of failure. the national government and the States,
www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_ This condition, if not detected and or on the distribution of power and
team.jsp; Internet: https:// corrected, could lead to release of LPT Stage responsibilities among the various
www.aeromanager.com. You may view 3 blade debris and consequent (partial or levels of government.
this service information at the FAA, complete) loss of engine power, possibly For the reasons discussed above, I
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. certify this AD:
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![18084 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 64 / Friday, April 3, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, that exceeds DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 11,000 flight cycles since new.
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (2) If you cannot determine the Federal Aviation Administration
the DOT Regulatory Policies and accumulated flight cycles, remove any LPT
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, stage 3 turbine blade, P/N LK55386, 14 CFR Part 95
1979), LK86483, or LK86503, within 200 flight
[Docket No. 31012; Amdt. No. 519]
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation cycles after the effective date of this AD.
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies (3) After the effective date of this AD, do
IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous
making a regulatory distinction, and not install any LPT stage 3 turbine blade, P/
Amendments
(4) Will not have a significant N LK55386, LK86483, or LK86503, on any
economic impact, positive or negative, engine if the blade has accumulated 11,000 AGENCY: Federal Aviation
on a substantial number of small entities or more flight cycles since new. Administration (FAA), DOT.
under the criteria of the Regulatory (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance ACTION: Final rule.
Flexibility Act. (AMOCs)
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 The Manager, Engine Certification Office, miscellaneous amendments to the
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use required IFR (instrument flight rules)
safety, Incorporation by reference, the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to altitudes and changeover points for
Safety. make your request. You may email your certain Federal airways, jet routes, or
request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
Adoption of the Amendment direct routes for which a minimum or
(g) Related Information maximum en route authorized IFR
Accordingly, under the authority altitude is prescribed. This regulatory
delegated to me by the Administrator, (1) For more information about this AD,
contact Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace action is needed because of changes
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as occurring in the National Airspace
follows: Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New System. These changes are designed to
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS England Executive Park, Burlington, MA provide for the safe and efficient use of
DIRECTIVES 01803; phone: 781–238–7765; fax: 781–238– the navigable airspace under instrument
7199; email: kenneth.steeves@faa.gov. conditions in the affected areas.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, April
continues to read as follows: Safety Agency AD 2014–0210, dated 30, 2015.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. September 19, 2014, for more information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
You may examine the MCAI in the AD Harry Hodges, Flight Procedure
§ 39.13 [Amended] docket on the Internet at http:// Standards Branch (AMCAFS–420),
www.regulations.gov/ Flight Technologies and Programs
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0904-0002. Division, Flight Standards Service,
the following new airworthiness
(3) RR Alert Non-Modification Service Federal Aviation Administration, Mike
directive (AD):
Bulletin No. RB.211–72–AH790, Revision 1, Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500
2015–07–01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment dated November 5, 2014, which is not
39–18129; Docket No. FAA–2014–0904; South MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City,
incorporated by reference in this AD, can be OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box
Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–14–AD.
obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, using the
25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125)
(a) Effective Date contact information in paragraph (g)(4) of this
telephone: (405) 954–4164.
This AD becomes effective May 8, 2015. AD.
(4) For service information identified in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
(b) Affected ADs this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate amendment to part 95 of the Federal
None. Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95)
England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011–44–1332– amends, suspends, or revokes IFR
(c) Applicability
242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; email: altitudes governing the operation of all
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) aircraft in flight over a specified route
RB211–524B–02, RB211–524B–B–02, http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_
team.jsp; Internet: https:// or any portion of that route, as well as
RB211–524B2–19, RB211–524B2–B–19,
RB211–524B3–02, RB211–524C2–19, and www.aeromanager.com. the changeover points (COPs) for
RB211–524C2–B–19 turbofan engines with (5) You may view this service information Federal airways, jet routes, or direct
low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3 turbine at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, routes as prescribed in part 95.
blade, part number (P/N) LK55386, LK86483, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
or LK86503, installed.
The Rule
MA. For information on the availability of
(d) Reason this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. The specified IFR altitudes, when
used in conjunction with the prescribed
This AD was prompted by reports of LPT (h) Material Incorporated by Reference changeover points for those routes,
stage 3 turbine blade failure, release of
blades, and subsequent in-flight shutdown.
None. ensure navigation aid coverage that is
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on adequate for safe flight operations and
LPT stage 3 turbine blades and subsequent March 26, 2015. free of frequency interference. The
release of blade debris, which could lead to reasons and circumstances that create
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust the need for this amendment involve
control, and damage to the airplane. Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & matters of flight safety and operational
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification efficiency in the National Airspace
(e) Actions and Compliance Service.
Comply with this AD within the
System, are related to published
[FR Doc. 2015–07492 Filed 4–2–15; 8:45 am] aeronautical charts that are essential to
compliance times specified, unless already
done. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P the user, and provide for the safe and
(1) Remove from service before further efficient use of the navigable airspace.
flight any LPT stage 3 turbine blade, P/N In addition, those various reasons or
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Document Created: 2015-12-18 15:28:24
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 15:28:24
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD becomes effective May 8, 2015. | |
| Contact | Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 18083 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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