82 FR 18843 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)

Page Range		18843-18845
FR Document		2017-07984

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-04-01 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD 2012-04-01 required removal from service of certain critical engine rotating parts based on reduced life limits. This AD makes additional revisions to the life limits of certain critical engine rotating parts. This AD was prompted by RR further revising the life limits of certain critical engine rotating parts. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 77 (Monday, April 24, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 77 (Monday, April 24, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18843-18845]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07984]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0755; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-12-AD; 
Amendment 39-18860; AD 2017-08-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-04-01 for 
all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD 
2012-04-01 required removal from service of certain critical engine 
rotating parts based on reduced life limits. This AD makes additional 
revisions to the life limits of certain critical engine rotating parts. 
This AD was prompted by RR further revising the life limits of certain 
critical engine rotating parts. We are issuing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 30, 2017.

ADDRESSES: See the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

[[Page 18844]]

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-2010-
0755; 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, 
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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-04-01, Amendment 39-16956 (77 FR 10355, 
February 22, 2012), (``AD 2012-04-01''). AD 2012-04-01 applied to the 
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
January 18, 2017 (82 FR 5454). The NPRM proposed to continue to require 
removal from service of certain critical engine rotating parts based on 
reduced life limits.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received. The Boeing Company and 
American Airlines support the NPRM as written.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments 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 16 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of critical engine      0 work-hours x $85     $45,000 (pro-rated            $45,000        $720,000
 rotating parts.                     per hour = $0.         cost of parts).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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),
    (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 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2012-04-01, Amendment 39-16956 (77 FR 10355, February 22, 2012) and 
adding the following AD:

2017-08-11 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-18860; Docket No. FAA-2010-
0755; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-12-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 30, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-04-01, Amendment 39-16956 (77 FR 10355, 
February 22, 2012).

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RR RB211-Trent 875-
17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan 
engines.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by RR revising the life limits of certain 
critical engine rotating parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
the failure of critical engine rotating parts, damage to the engine, 
and damage to the airplane.

 (f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) After the effective date of this AD, remove from service the 
parts listed in Table 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD before exceeding 
the new life limit indicated:

[[Page 18845]]



                                  Table 1 to Paragraph (f)--Reduced Part Lives
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Life in cycles
              Part nomenclature                         Part No.             Life in standard   using the HEAVY
                                                                               duty cycles          profile
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate Pressure (IP) Compressor Rotor   FK24100                                  12,500             11,500
 Shaft.
IP Compressor Rotor Shaft...................  FK24496                                   8,860              8,180
High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) Stage 1 to 4   FK24009                                   4,560              4,460
 Rotor Discs Shaft.
HPC Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Discs Shaft..........  FK26167                                   5,580              5,280
HPC Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Discs Shaft..........  FK32580                                   5,580              5,280
HPC Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Discs Shaft..........  FW11590                                   8,550              6,850
HPC Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Discs Shaft..........  FW61622                                   8,550              6,850
HPC Stage 5 and 6 Discs and Cone............  FK25230                                   5,000              5,000
HPC Stage 5 and 6 Discs and Cone............  FK27899                                   5,000              5,000
IP Turbine Rotor Disc.......................  FK21117                                  11,610             10,400
IP Turbine Rotor Disc.......................  FK33083                                       0                  0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Reserved.

 (g) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any IP 
turbine discs, P/N FK33083, into any engine.

 (h) 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].

 (i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency, AD 2016-0223, 
dated November 8, 2016, for more information. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2010-0755.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 13, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07984 Filed 4-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 18843

prior opportunities for comment systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or Note 2: Maintenance requirements include
described above. the airplane in such a way as to cause procedures that—
a major or more severe failure condition, (a) Check battery capacity, charge
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
in accordance with § 23.1309 at degradation at manufacturers
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and amendment 23–49 and applicable recommended inspection intervals.
symbols. regulatory guidance. (b) Replace batteries at manufacturers
Citation (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery recommended replacement schedule/
installation must have provisions to time to prevent age related degradation.
■ The authority citation for these prevent any hazardous effect on
special conditions is as follows: Note 3: The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’
structure or essential systems that may means that the battery must retain enough
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and be caused by the maximum amount of charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure
44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR heat the battery can generate during a that the battery cells will not be damaged.
11.38 and 11.19. short circuit of the battery or of its
A battery cell may be damaged by low
The Special Conditions individual cells.
charge (i.e., below certain level),
(8) Rechargeable lithium battery resulting in a reduction in the ability to
■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority installations must have—
delegated to me by the Administrator, charge and retain a full charge. This
i. A system to automatically control reduction would be greater than the
the following special conditions are the charging rate of the battery to
issued as part of the type certification reduction that may result from normal
prevent battery overheating and operational degradation.
basis for Viking Air, Ltd., models DHC– overcharging; and either
6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller Note 4: Replacement battery in spares
ii. A battery temperature sensing and
airplanes modified by Avmax Aviation storage may be subject to prolonged storage
over-temperature warning system with a at a low state of charge.
Services, Ltd.
means for automatically disconnecting
1. Installation of Lithium Battery the battery from its charging source in Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April
The FAA adopts that the following the event of an over-temperature 18, 2017.
special conditions be applied to lithium condition; or Mel Johnson,
battery installations on the models iii. A battery failure sensing and Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
DHC–6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller warning system with a means for Aircraft Certification Service.
airplanes in lieu of the requirements automatically disconnecting the battery [FR Doc. 2017–08234 Filed 4–21–17; 8:45 am]
§ 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e), amendment 49. from its charging source in the event of BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Lithium battery installations on the battery failure.
models DHC–6–100/–200/–300 (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery
Turbopropeller airplanes must be installation, the function of which is DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
designed and installed as follows: required for safe operation of the
(1) Safe cell temperatures and aircraft, must incorporate a monitoring Federal Aviation Administration
pressures must be maintained during— and warning feature that will provide an
i. Normal operations; indication to the appropriate flight 14 CFR Part 39
ii. Any probable failure conditions of crewmembers whenever the state of [Docket No. FAA–2010–0755; Directorate
charging or discharging or battery charge of the batteries has fallen below Identifier 2010–NE–12–AD; Amendment 39–
monitoring system; and levels considered acceptable for 18860; AD 2017–08–11]
iii. Any failure of the charging or dispatch (see note 1) of the aircraft.
battery monitoring system not shown to RIN 2120–AA64
Note 1: Reference § 23.1353(h) for dispatch
be extremely remote. consideration.
(2) The rechargeable lithium battery Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
installation must be designed to (10) The Instructions for Continued plc Turbofan Engines
preclude explosion or fire in the event Airworthiness (ICA) required by
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
of 1(1)(ii) and 1(1)(iii) failures. § 23.1529 must contain maintenance
Administration (FAA), DOT.
(3) Design of the rechargeable lithium requirements (see note 2) to assure that
the battery has been sufficiently charged ACTION: Final rule.
batteries must preclude the occurrence
of self-sustaining, uncontrolled (see note 3) at appropriate intervals SUMMARY: We are superseding
increases in temperature or pressure. specified by the battery manufacturer airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–04–
(4) No explosive or toxic gasses and the equipment manufacturer that 01 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–
emitted by any rechargeable lithium contain the rechargeable lithium battery Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD
battery in normal operation or as the or rechargeable lithium battery system. 2012–04–01 required removal from
result of any failure of the battery The lithium rechargeable batteries and service of certain critical engine rotating
charging system, monitoring system, or lithium rechargeable battery systems parts based on reduced life limits. This
battery installation which is not shown must not degrade below specified AD makes additional revisions to the
to be extremely remote, may accumulate ampere-hour levels sufficient to power life limits of certain critical engine
in hazardous quantities within the the aircraft system. The ICA must also rotating parts. This AD was prompted
airplane. contain procedures for the maintenance by RR further revising the life limits of
(5) Installations of rechargeable of replacement batteries (see note 4) to certain critical engine rotating parts. We
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

lithium batteries must meet the prevent the installation of batteries that are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
requirements of § 23.863(a) through (d) have degraded charge retention ability condition on these products.
at amendment 23–34. or other damage due to prolonged
DATES: This AD is effective May 30,
(6) No corrosive fluids or gases that storage at a low state of charge.
may escape from any rechargeable Replacement batteries must be of the 2017.
lithium battery may damage same manufacturer and part number as ADDRESSES: See the FOR FURTHER
surrounding structure or any adjacent approved by the FAA. INFORMATION CONTACT section.

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18844 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Examining the AD Docket FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Comments
Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer,
You may examine the AD docket on Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine We gave the public the opportunity to
the Internet at http:// & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District participate in developing this AD. We
www.regulations.gov by searching for Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: considered the comments received. The
and locating Docket No. FAA–2010– 781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; Boeing Company and American Airlines
0755; or in person at the Docket email: robert.green@faa.gov. support the NPRM as written.
Management Facility between 9 a.m. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Conclusion
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Discussion
except Federal holidays. The AD docket We reviewed the available data,
contains this AD, the mandatory We issued a notice of proposed including the comments received, and
continuing airworthiness information, rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR determined that air safety and the
regulatory evaluation, any comments part 39 to supersede AD 2012–04–01, public interest require adopting this AD
received, and other information. The Amendment 39–16956 (77 FR 10355, as proposed.
address for the Docket Office (phone: February 22, 2012), (‘‘AD 2012–04–01’’).
AD 2012–04–01 applied to the specified Costs of Compliance
800–647–5527) is Document
products. The NPRM published in the
Management Facility, U.S. Department We estimate that this AD affects 16
Federal Register on January 18, 2017
of Transportation, Docket Operations, engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
(82 FR 5454). The NPRM proposed to
M–30, West Building Ground Floor, continue to require removal from registry.
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey service of certain critical engine rotating We estimate the following costs to
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. parts based on reduced life limits. comply with this AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Replacement of critical engine ro- 0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 $45,000 (pro-rated cost of parts) ... $45,000 $720,000
tating parts.

Authority for This Rulemaking (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory FR 10355, February 22, 2012) and
Title 49 of the United States Code action’’ under Executive Order 12866, adding the following AD:
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 2017–08–11 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 39–18860; Docket No. FAA–2010–0755;
Section 106, describes the authority of (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–12–AD.
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies (a) Effective Date
Aviation Programs, describes in more
making a regulatory distinction, and This AD is effective May 30, 2017.
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority. (4) Will not have a significant (b) Affected ADs
We are issuing this rulemaking under economic impact, positive or negative,
This AD replaces AD 2012–04–01,
the authority described in Subtitle VII, on a substantial number of small entities Amendment 39–16956 (77 FR 10355,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, under the criteria of the Regulatory February 22, 2012).
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Flexibility Act.
(c) Applicability
section, Congress charges the FAA with List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR)
air commerce by prescribing regulations Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation RR RB211–Trent 875–17, 877–17, 884–17,
for practices, methods, and procedures safety, Incorporation by reference, 884B–17, 892–17, 892B–17, and 895–17
the Administrator finds necessary for Safety. turbofan engines.
safety in air commerce. This regulation Adoption of the Amendment (d) Subject
is within the scope of that authority Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
because it addresses an unsafe condition Accordingly, under the authority
Code 7200, Engine (Turbine/Turboprop).
that is likely to exist or develop on delegated to me by the Administrator,
products identified in this rulemaking the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal (e) Unsafe Condition
action. Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as This AD was prompted by RR revising the
follows: life limits of certain critical engine rotating
Regulatory Findings parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
This AD will not have federalism PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS failure of critical engine rotating parts,
implications under Executive Order DIRECTIVES damage to the engine, and damage to the
13132. This AD will not have a airplane.
substantial direct effect on the States, on ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
(f) Compliance
continues to read as follows:
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

the relationship between the national Comply with this AD within the
government and the States, or on the Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
compliance times specified, unless already
distribution of power and done.
§ 39.13 [Amended]
responsibilities among the various (1) After the effective date of this AD,
levels of government. ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by remove from service the parts listed in Table
For the reasons discussed above, I removing airworthiness directive (AD) 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD before exceeding
certify that this AD: 2012–04–01, Amendment 39–16956 (77 the new life limit indicated:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:01 Apr 21, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24APR1.SGM 24APR1

Document Created: 2017-04-22 00:11:28
Document Modified: 2017-04-22 00:11:28

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 is effective May 30, 2017.
Contact		Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781- 238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 18843
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 18843 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration