82 FR 5454 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 11 (January 18, 2017)

Page Range		5454-5456
FR Document		2017-00890

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-04- 01 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD 2012-04-01 requires removal from service of certain critical engine rotating parts based on reduced life limits. Since we issued AD 2012-04-01, RR has further revised the life limits of certain critical engine rotating parts. This proposed AD would make additional revisions to the life limits of certain critical engine rotating parts. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 11 (Wednesday, January 18, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 18, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5454-5456]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00890]


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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]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-04-
01 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 model 
turbofan engines. AD 2012-04-01 requires removal from service of 
certain critical engine rotating parts based on reduced life limits. 
Since we issued AD 2012-04-01, RR has further revised the life limits 
of certain critical engine rotating parts. This proposed AD would make 
additional revisions to the life limits of certain critical engine 
rotating parts. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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

[[Page 5455]]

contains this proposed 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 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0755; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-12-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On February 10, 2012, we issued AD 2012-04-01, Amendment 39-16956 
(77 FR 10355, February 22, 2012), ``AD 2012-04-01,'' for all RR RB211-
Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD 2012-04-01 requires removal from 
service of certain critical engine rotating parts based on reduced life 
limits. AD 2012-04-01 resulted from RR reducing the life limits of 
certain critical engine rotating parts. We issued AD 2012-04-01 to 
prevent the failure of critical engine rotating parts, which could 
result in damage to the engine and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2012-04-01 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-04-01, RR has reduced the life limit of two 
affected critical engine rotating parts and extended the life of an 
additional critical engine rotating part. Also since we issued AD 2012-
04-01, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2016-
0223, dated November 8, 2016, which imposes new life limits on certain 
critical engine rotating parts.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require replacement of certain critical 
engine rotating parts at a newer, lower life limit. This proposed AD 
would also extend the life limit for an additional critical engine 
rotating part.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 16 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 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

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2010-0755; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NE-12-AD.

[[Page 5456]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 6, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes 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:

                                  Table 1 to Paragraph (f)--Reduced Part Lives
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Life in     Life in cycles
                        Part nomenclature                            Part No.      standard duty     using the
                                                                                      cycles       HEAVY profile
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate Pressure (IP) Compressor Rotor Shaft...............         FK24100          12,500          11,500
IP Compressor Rotor Shaft.......................................         FK24496           8,860           8,180
High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Discs Shaft...         FK24009           4,560           4,460
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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2017.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-00890 Filed 1-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2017 / Proposed Rules 5455

contains this proposed AD, the closing date and may amend this critical engine rotating parts and
mandatory continuing airworthiness proposed AD because of those extended the life of an additional
information, regulatory evaluation, any comments. critical engine rotating part. Also since
comments received, and other We will post all comments we we issued AD 2012–04–01, the
information. The address for the Docket receive, without change, to http:// European Aviation Safety Agency
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the www.regulations.gov, including any (EASA) has issued AD 2016–0223, dated
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be personal information you provide. We November 8, 2016, which imposes new
available in the AD docket shortly after will also post a report summarizing each life limits on certain critical engine
receipt. substantive verbal contact we receive rotating parts.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
about this proposed AD.
FAA’s Determination
Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Discussion
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine We are proposing this AD because we
On February 10, 2012, we issued AD evaluated all the relevant information
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
2012–04–01, Amendment 39–16956 (77 and determined the unsafe condition
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
FR 10355, February 22, 2012), ‘‘AD described previously is likely to exist or
781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199;
2012–04–01,’’ for all RR RB211–Trent develop in other products of the same
email: robert.green@faa.gov.
800 model turbofan engines. AD 2012– type design.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 04–01 requires removal from service of
certain critical engine rotating parts Proposed AD Requirements
Comments Invited
based on reduced life limits. AD 2012– This proposed AD would require
We invite you to send any written 04–01 resulted from RR reducing the life replacement of certain critical engine
relevant data, views, or arguments about limits of certain critical engine rotating rotating parts at a newer, lower life
this proposed AD. Send your comments parts. We issued AD 2012–04–01 to limit. This proposed AD would also
to an address listed under the prevent the failure of critical engine extend the life limit for an additional
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. rotating parts, which could result in critical engine rotating part.
FAA–2010–0755; Directorate Identifier damage to the engine and damage to the
2010–NE–12–AD’’ at the beginning of Costs of Compliance
airplane.
your comments. We specifically invite We estimate that this proposed AD
comments on the overall regulatory, Actions Since AD 2012–04–01 Was affects 16 engines installed on airplanes
economic, environmental, and energy Issued of U.S. registry.
aspects of this proposed AD. We will Since we issued AD 2012–04–01, RR We estimate the following costs to
consider all comments received by the has reduced the life limit of two affected comply with this proposed AD:

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

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

Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Title 49 of the United States Code We have determined that this Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue proposed AD would not have federalism safety, Incorporation by reference,
implications under Executive Order Safety.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
13132. This proposed AD would not
Section 106, describes the authority of The Proposed Amendment
have a substantial direct effect on the
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Accordingly, under the authority
States, on the relationship between the
Aviation Programs, describes in more national Government and the States, or delegated to me by the Administrator,
detail the scope of the Agency’s on the distribution of power and the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
authority. responsibilities among the various 39 as follows:
We are issuing this rulemaking under levels of government.
the authority described in Subtitle VII, For the reasons discussed above, I PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, certify that the proposed regulation: DIRECTIVES
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
section, Congress charges the FAA with continues to read as follows:
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
air commerce by prescribing regulations the DOT Regulatory Policies and Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
for practices, methods, and procedures Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
§ 39.13 [Amended]
1979),
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS

the Administrator finds necessary for ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
safety in air commerce. This regulation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies removing airworthiness directive (AD)
is within the scope of that authority making a regulatory distinction, and 2012–04–01, Amendment 39–16956 (77
because it addresses an unsafe condition (4) Will not have a significant FR 10355, February 22, 2012), and
that is likely to exist or develop on economic impact, positive or negative, adding the following new AD:
products identified in this rulemaking on a substantial number of small entities Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA–2010–
action. under the criteria of the Regulatory 0755; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–
Flexibility Act. 12–AD.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Jan 17, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\18JAP1.SGM 18JAP1

Document Created: 2018-02-01 15:19:28
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 15:19:28

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		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 6, 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 5454
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 5454 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 11 (January 18, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration