80 FR 68281 - Special Conditions: Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop, Lithium Batteries
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
| Page Range | 68281-68284 | |
| FR Document | 2015-28125 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 213 (Wednesday, November 4, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 68281-68284] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-28125] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 23 [Docket No. FAA-2015-5034; Notice No. 23-15-01-SC] Special Conditions: Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop, Lithium Batteries AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of a rechargeable lithium battery. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards. DATES: Send your comments on or before December 21, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-5034 using any of the following methods: [squ] Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. [squ] Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001. [squ] Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. [squ] Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251. Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329- 4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written comments. We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change these special conditions based on the comments we receive. [[Page 68282]] Background On November 22, 2011, Kestrel Aircraft Company applied for a type certificate for their new Model K-350. The Kestrel Aircraft Company Model K-350 is a single-engine turboprop airplane with the primary structure constructed largely of carbon and epoxy composite material. The turboprop engine will be a Honeywell Model TPE331-14GR-801KT that is integrated with a Hartzell 4 bladed, 110-inch carbon composite propeller. The standard seating configuration offers a one plus five cabin (one pilot and five passengers). Alternate interior configurations will be available from two seats (cargo configuration) up to eight seats total. The K-350 will incorporate an integrated avionics system, retractable landing gear, and a conventional tail configuration. Specifications expected for the K-350 include the following:Maximum altitude: 31,000 Feet Maximum cruise speed: 320 Knots True Air Speed Maximum takeoff weight: 8,900 Pounds Maximum economy cruise: 1,200 Nautical Miles The K-350 will be certified for single-pilot operations under part 91 and part 135 operating rules. The following operating conditions will be included: Day and Night Visual Flight Rules Instrument Flight Rules Flight Into Known Icing (Phase B certification) Kestrel Aircraft Company proposes to utilize a rechargeable lithium Main Battery on their new Model K-350 turboprop airplane. The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not contain adequate requirements for the application of rechargeable lithium batteries in airborne applications. This type of battery possesses certain failure and operational characteristics with maintenance requirements that differ significantly from that of the nickel cadmium and lead acid rechargeable batteries currently approved in other normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is proposing this special condition to require that (1) all characteristics of the rechargeable lithium batteries and their installation that could affect safe operation of the K-350 are addressed, and (2) appropriate Instructions for Continued Airworthiness that include maintenance requirements are established to ensure the availability of electrical power from the batteries when needed. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Kestrel Aircraft Company must show that the K-350 meets the applicable provisions of part 23, as amended by amendments 23-1 through 23-62 thereto. If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the K-350 because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of Sec. 21.16. Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended later to include any other model that incorporates the same or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would also apply to the other model under Sec. 21.101. In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special conditions, the K-350 must comply with the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36, and the FAA must issue a finding of regulatory adequacy under Sec. 611 of Public Law 92-574, the Noise Control Act of 1972. The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance with Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type- certification basis under Sec. 21.17(a)(2). Novel or Unusual Design Features The K-350 will incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: Installation of a rechargeable lithium battery as the Main or Engine Start aircraft battery. Discussion The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not contain adequate requirements for the application of rechargeable lithium batteries in electrical system design. This type of battery possesses certain failures with operational characteristics and maintenance requirements that differ significantly from that of the nickel cadmium and lead acid rechargeable batteries currently approved in other normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is proposing this special condition to require that (1) all characteristics of the rechargeable lithium batteries and their installation that could affect safe operation of the K-350 are addressed, and (2) appropriate Instructions for Continuous Airworthiness which include maintenance requirements are established to ensure the availability of electrical power from the batteries when needed. As previously mentioned, Kestrel Aircraft Company proposes to utilize a rechargeable lithium Main Battery on their new Model K-350 turboprop airplane. At the Kestrel Preliminary Type Certification Board Meeting it was brought to the attention of the FAA that the Lithium battery used in the K-350 will be qualified to RTCA standards DO-311, titled Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Rechargeable Lithium Battery Systems. Additionally, on July 18, 2013, Kestrel advised the Civil Aviation Contingency Operations (CACO) that the battery will have Technical Standard Order Authorization for TSO C- 179a, titled Permanently Installed Rechargeable Lithium Cells, Batteries and Battery Systems. Finally, Kestrel plans to use the same manufacturer for both the lithium battery and the battery controller. Presently, there is limited experience with use of rechargeable lithium batteries in applications involving commercial aviation. However, other users of this technology, ranging from wireless telephone manufacturers to the electric vehicle industry, have noted safety problems with lithium batteries. These problems include overcharging, over-discharging, and flammability of cell components, described in the following: 1. Overcharging: In general, lithium batteries are significantly more susceptible to internal failures that can result in self- sustaining increases in temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal runaway) than the nickel-cadmium or lead-acid counterparts. This is especially true for overcharging which causes heating and destabilization of the components of the cell, leading to the formation (by plating) of highly unstable metallic lithium. The metallic lithium may ignite, resulting in a fire or explosion. Finally, the severity of thermal runaway due to overcharging increases with increasing battery capacity and physical size. 2. Over-discharging: Discharge of some types of lithium battery cells beyond a certain voltage (typically 2.4 volts) can cause corrosion of the electrodes of the cell, resulting in loss of battery capacity that cannot be reversed by recharging. This loss of capacity may not be detected by the simple voltage measurements commonly available to flight crews as a means of checking battery status, which is a problem shared with nickel-cadmium batteries. [[Page 68283]] 3. Flammability of Cell Components: Unlike nickel-cadmium and lead- acid batteries, some types of lithium batteries use liquid electrolytes that are flammable. The electrolyte may serve as a source of fuel for an external fire, if there is a breach of the battery container. These problems experienced by users of lithium batteries raise concern about the use of these batteries in commercial aviation. The intent of the proposed special condition is to establish appropriate airworthiness standards for lithium battery installations in the K-350 and to ensure, as required by Sec. Sec. 23.1309 and 23.601, that these battery installations are not hazardous or unreliable. Applicability As previously discussed, these special conditions are applicable to the K-350. Should Kestrel Aircraft Company apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols. 0 The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. The Proposed Special Conditions 0 Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the following special conditions as part of the type certification basis for Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop airplanes. 1. Kestrel Aircraft Company, Model K-350 Turboprop, Lithium Batteries. The FAA proposes special conditions that adopt the following requirements: (a) The flammable fluid fire protection requirement is Sec. 23.863. In the past, this rule was not applied to batteries of normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes since the electrolytes utilized in lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries are not flammable. (b) New Instructions for Continuous Airworthiness that include maintenance requirements to ensure that batteries used as spares have been maintained in an appropriate state of charge and installed lithium batteries have been sufficiently charged at appropriate intervals. These instructions must also describe proper repairs, if allowed, and battery part number configuration control. (c) The applicant must conduct a system safety assessment for the failure condition classification of a failure of the battery charging and monitoring functionality (per Advisory Circular 23.1309-1E), and develop mitigation to preclude any adverse safety effects. Mitigation may include software, Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) or a combination of software and hardware, which should be developed to the appropriate Design Assurance Level(s) (DALs), respectively (per Advisory Circular 20-115C and Advisory Circular 20-152). (d) New requirements, listed in paragraph (e), address the hazards of overcharging and over-discharging that are unique to lithium batteries, which should be applied to all rechargeable lithium battery and battery installations on the Model K-350 airplane in lieu of the requirements of Sec. 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e), amendment 23-62. Note 1: These special conditions are not intended to replace Sec. 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) at amendment 23-62 in the certification basis of airplane K-350 series airplanes. These special conditions apply only to rechargeable lithium batteries and lithium battery systems and their installations. The requirements of Sec. 25.1353 at amendment 23-62 remains in effect for batteries and battery installations on K-350 series that do not use newly technologically developed batteries. (e) Rechargeable lithium batteries and battery installations on the Model K-350 airplane must be designed and installed as follows: (1) Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained during-- i. Normal operations; ii. Any probable failure conditions of charging or discharging or battery monitoring system; iii. Any failure of the charging or battery monitoring system not shown to be extremely remote. (2) The rechargeable lithium battery installation must be designed to preclude explosion or fire in the event of (e)(1)(ii) and (e)(1)(iii) failures. (3) Design of the rechargeable lithium batteries must preclude the occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure. (4) No explosive or toxic gasses emitted by any rechargeable lithium battery in normal operation or as the result of any failure of the battery charging system, monitoring system, or battery installation which is not shown to be extremely remote, may accumulate in hazardous quantities within the airplane. (5) Installations of rechargeable lithium batteries must meet the requirements of Sec. 23.863(a) through (d) at amendment 23-34. (6) No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any rechargeable lithium battery may damage surrounding structure or any adjacent systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or the airplane in such a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition, in accordance with Sec. 23.1309(c) at amendment 23-62 and applicable regulatory guidance. (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery installation must have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on structure or essential systems that may be caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery can generate during a short circuit of the battery or of its individual cells. (8) Rechargeable lithium battery installations must have-- i. A system to automatically control the charging rate of the battery to prevent battery overheating and overcharging, or; ii. A battery temperature sensing and over-temperature warning system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition, or; iii. A battery failure sensing and warning system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the event of battery failure. (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery installation functionally required for safe operation of the airplane must incorporate a monitoring and warning feature that will provide an indication to the appropriate flight crewmembers whenever the State of Charge (SOC) of the batteries has fallen below levels considered acceptable for dispatch of the airplane. (10) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness required by Sec. 23.1529 at amendment 23-26 must contain maintenance requirements to assure that the battery has been sufficiently charged at appropriate intervals specified by the battery manufacturer and the equipment manufacturer that contain the rechargeable lithium battery or rechargeable lithium battery system. This is required to ensure that lithium rechargeable batteries and lithium rechargeable battery systems will not degrade below specified ampere-hour [[Page 68284]] levels sufficient to power the aircraft system. The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness must also contain procedures for the maintenance of replacement batteries in spares storage to prevent the installation of batteries that have degraded charge retention ability or other damage due to prolonged storage at a low state of charge. Replacement batteries must be of the same manufacturer and part number as approved by the FAA. Note 2: The term ``sufficiently charged'' means that the battery will retain enough of a charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure that the battery cells will not be damaged. A battery cell may be damaged by lowering the charge below a point where there is a reduction in the ability to charge and retain a full charge. This reduction would be greater than the reduction that may result from normal operational degradation. (11) In showing compliance with the proposed special conditions herein, paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(8), and the RTCA document, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Rechargeable Lithium Battery Systems, DO-311, may be used. The list of planned DO-311 tests should be documented in the certification or compliance plan and agreed to by the CACO. Alternate methods of compliance other than DO-311 tests must be coordinated with the directorate and CACO. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 28, 2015. Robert Busto, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-28125 Filed 11-3-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules 68281
TABLE A—LAMP-AND-BALLAST PAIRINGS AND FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT FACTORS—Continued
Lamp type Frequency adjustment factor (b)
Ballast type Nominal lamp
Lamp diameter and base Low-frequency High-frequency
wattage
Ballasts that operate straight-shaped lamps T5 SO Mini-BP (Data Sheet 28 0.95 1.0
(commonly referred to as 4-foot miniature 60081–IEC–6640–5) *.
bipin standard output lamps) with miniature
bipin bases and a nominal length between
45 and 48 inches.
Ballasts that operate straight-shaped lamps T5 HO Mini-BP (Data Sheet 54 0.95 1.0
(commonly referred to as 4-foot miniature 60081–IEC–6840–4) *.
bipin high output lamps) with miniature bipin
bases and a nominal length between 45
and 48 inches.
Sign ballasts that operate rapid-start lamps T8 HO RDC (Data Sheet 7881– 86 0.92 1.0
(commonly referred to as 8-foot high output ANSI–1501–1) *.
lamps) with recessed double contact bases
and a nominal overall length of 96 inches.
T12 HO RDC (Data Sheet 7881– 110 † 0.94 1.0
ANSI–1019–1) *.
MBP, Mini-BP, RDC, and SP represent medium bipin, miniature bipin, recessed double contact, and single pin, respectively.
A ballast must be tested with only one lamp type based on the ballast type description and lamp diameter it is designed and marketed to oper-
ate.
* Data Sheet corresponds to ANSI C78.81, ANSI C78.901, or IEC 60081 page number (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3).
** No ANSI or IEC Data Sheet exists for 34 W T12 MBP U-shaped lamps. For ballasts designed to operate only T12 2-foot U-shaped lamps
with MBP bases and a nominal overall length between 22 and 25 inches, manufacturers should select a T12 U-shaped lamp designed and mar-
keted as having a nominal wattage of 34 W.
† Lamp type is commonly marketed as 110 W, however the ANSI C78.81 Data Sheet (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3) lists nominal
wattage of 113 W. Specifications for operation at 0.800 amperes (A) should be used for testing.
* * * * * DATES: Send your comments on or on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),
[FR Doc. 2015–28077 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am] before December 21, 2015. as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ADDRESSES: Send comments identified Docket: Background documents or
by docket number FAA–2015–5034 comments received may be read at
using any of the following methods: http://www.regulations.gov at any time.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION b Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to Follow the online instructions for
http://www.regulations.gov and follow accessing the docket or go to the Docket
Federal Aviation Administration the online instructions for sending your Operations in Room W12–140 of the
comments electronically. West Building Ground Floor at 1200
14 CFR Part 23 b Mail: Send comments to Docket New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday
[Docket No. FAA–2015–5034; Notice No. 23– Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey through Friday, except Federal holidays.
15–01–SC]
Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Special Conditions: Kestrel Aircraft Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation
Company, Model K–350 Turboprop, 20590–0001. Administration, Small Airplane
Lithium Batteries b Hand Delivery or Courier: Take Directorate, Aircraft Certification
comments to Docket Operations in Service, 901 Locust; Kansas City,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Room W12–140 of the West Building Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329–
Administration (FAA), DOT. Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 4108; facsimile (816) 329–4090.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
conditions. a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments Invited
SUMMARY: This action proposes special b Fax: Fax comments to Docket We invite interested people to take
conditions for the Kestrel Aircraft Operations at 202–493–2251. part in this rulemaking by sending
Company, Model K–350 Turboprop Privacy: The FAA will post all written comments, data, or views. The
airplane. This airplane will have a novel comments it receives, without change, most helpful comments reference a
or unusual design feature associated to http://regulations.gov, including any specific portion of the special
with the installation of a rechargeable personal information the commenter conditions, explain the reason for any
lithium battery. The applicable provides. Using the search function of recommended change, and include
airworthiness regulations do not contain the docket Web site, anyone can find supporting data. We ask that you send
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
adequate or appropriate safety standards and read the electronic form of all us two copies of written comments.
for this design feature. These proposed comments received into any FAA We will consider all comments we
special conditions contain the docket, including the name of the receive on or before the closing date for
additional safety standards that the individual sending the comment (or comments. We will consider comments
Administrator considers necessary to signing the comment for an association, filed late if it is possible to do so
establish a level of safety equivalent to business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s without incurring expense or delay. We
that established by the existing complete Privacy Act Statement can be may change these special conditions
airworthiness standards. found in the Federal Register published based on the comments we receive.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Nov 03, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_68494/page/1.svg)
![68284 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules
levels sufficient to power the aircraft of operational data that determined Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
system. The Instructions for Continued certain RR RB211–535E4–37 engines & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Airworthiness must also contain have been operated to a more severe Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
procedures for the maintenance of flight profile than is consistent with the phone: 781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–
replacement batteries in spares storage flight profile used to establish the cyclic 7199; email: robert.green@faa.gov.
to prevent the installation of batteries life limits for the rotating parts. This SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
that have degraded charge retention proposed AD would require
ability or other damage due to recalculating the cyclic life for certain Comments Invited
prolonged storage at a low state of engine life-limited rotating parts and We invite you to send any written
charge. Replacement batteries must be removing those parts that have exceeded relevant data, views, or arguments about
of the same manufacturer and part their cyclic life limit within specified this proposed AD. Send your comments
number as approved by the FAA. compliance times. We are proposing to an address listed under the
Note 2: The term ‘‘sufficiently this AD to prevent failure of life-limited ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
charged’’ means that the battery will rotating parts, which could result in FAA–2015–3778; Directorate Identifier
retain enough of a charge, expressed in uncontained parts release, damage to 2015–NE–27–AD’’ at the beginning of
ampere-hours, to ensure that the battery the engine, and damage to the airplane. your comments. We specifically invite
cells will not be damaged. A battery cell DATES: We must receive comments on comments on the overall regulatory,
may be damaged by lowering the charge this proposed AD by December 4, 2015. economic, environmental, and energy
below a point where there is a reduction ADDRESSES: You may send comments by aspects of this proposed AD. We will
in the ability to charge and retain a full any of the following methods: consider all comments received by the
charge. This reduction would be greater • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to closing date and may amend this
than the reduction that may result from http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the proposed AD based on those comments.
normal operational degradation. instructions for submitting comments. We will post all comments we
(11) In showing compliance with the • Mail: Docket Management Facility, receive, without change, to http://
proposed special conditions herein, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 www.regulations.gov, including any
paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(8), and the New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building personal information you provide. We
RTCA document, Minimum Operational Ground Floor, Room W12–140, will also post a report summarizing each
Performance Standards for Rechargeable Washington, DC 20590–0001. substantive verbal contact with FAA
Lithium Battery Systems, DO–311, may • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail personnel concerning this proposed AD.
be used. The list of planned DO–311 address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Discussion
tests should be documented in the
certification or compliance plan and Federal holidays. The European Aviation Safety Agency
agreed to by the CACO. Alternate • Fax: 202–493–2251. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
methods of compliance other than DO– For service information identified in for the Member States of the European
311 tests must be coordinated with the this proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce Community, has issued EASA AD 2015–
directorate and CACO. plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. 0148, dated July 23, 2015 (corrected July
Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; 24, 2015), referred to hereinafter as ‘‘the
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on phone: 011–44–1332–242424; fax: 011– MCAI’’, to correct an unsafe condition
October 28, 2015. 44–1332–249936; email: http:// for the specified products. The MCAI
Robert Busto, www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_ states:
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, team.jsp; Internet: https://
Aircraft Certification Service. A review of operational flight data has
customers.rolls-royce.com/public/ revealed that some RB211–535 engines may
[FR Doc. 2015–28125 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am] rollsroycecare. You may view this have been operated beyond the flight profile
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P service information at the FAA, Engine (FP) assumed by the operator when
& Propeller Directorate, 12 New England establishing the operational limits (life
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For limits) within which the corresponding
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION information on the availability of this critical parts are allowed to remain installed.
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. This condition, if not corrected, may lead
Federal Aviation Administration to critical part failure, possibly resulting in
Examining the AD Docket release of high energy debris, damage to the
14 CFR Part 39 You may examine the AD docket on aeroplane and/or injury to the occupants.
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3778; Directorate the Internet at http:// To preclude failure of an engine life-
Identifier 2015–NE–27–AD] www.regulations.gov by searching for limited part, the MCAI specifies, and
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– this proposed AD would require,
RIN 2120–AA64 3778; or in person at the Docket recalculating the cyclic life for certain
Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 parts, and removing from service those
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
p.m., Monday through Friday, except parts that have exceeded their cyclic life
plc Turbofan Engines
Federal holidays. The AD docket limit within specified compliance times.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation contains this proposed AD, the This proposed AD would establish a
Administration (FAA), DOT. mandatory continuing airworthiness new default Flight Profile G for RB211–
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking information (MCAI), the regulatory 535E4–37 engine life-limited parts. If,
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(NPRM). evaluation, any comments received, and however, operators meet the
other information. The address for the requirements of Appendix 6 of RR Alert
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Non-Modification Service Bulletin
airworthiness directive (AD) for all in the ADDRESSES section. Comments (NMSB) No. RB.211–72–AH972,
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–535E4–37, will be available in the AD docket Revision 3, dated August 28, 2015, they
RB211–535E4–B–37, and RB211– shortly after receipt. may operate to Flight Profile A or B.
535E4–C–37 turbofan engines. This FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You may obtain further information by
proposed AD was prompted by a review Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, examining the MCAI in the AD docket
VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:42 Nov 03, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_68494/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:27:39
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:27:39
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed special conditions. | |
| Dates | Send your comments on or before December 21, 2015. | |
| Contact | Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329- 4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 68281 | |
| CFR Associated | Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols |
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