82_FR_58343 82 FR 58107 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

82 FR 58107 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 236 (December 11, 2017)

Page Range58107-58109
FR Document2017-26572

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-24-08 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211- 535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with certain low-pressure (LP) fuel filter- to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube assemblies, or HP fuel pump-to- fuel flow governor (FFG) or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor, installed. AD 2014-24-08 required replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies. This AD retains the requirement in AD 2014-24-08 to remove the LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube, adds new compliance thresholds, and requires installation of new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. This AD was prompted by fuel leaks that have occurred at the flanged joints of the HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube assembly and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assembly. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58107-58109]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26572]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1117; Product Identifier 94-ANE-39-AD; Amendment 
39-19112; AD 2017-24-08]
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) 2014-24-08 for 
all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-
535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with certain low-pressure (LP) fuel filter-
to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube assemblies, or HP fuel pump-to-
fuel flow governor (FFG) or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube 
assemblies and flanged adaptor, installed. AD 2014-24-08 required 
replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assemblies. This 
AD retains the requirement in AD 2014-24-08 to remove the LP fuel 
filter-to-HP fuel pump tube, adds new compliance thresholds, and 
requires installation of new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump 
inlet overspill return tube assemblies and flanged adaptor. This AD was 
prompted by fuel leaks that have occurred at the flanged joints of the 
HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube assembly and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill 
return tube assembly. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 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-2017-1117.

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-2017-
1117; 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, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 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 2014-24-08, Amendment 39-18041 (79 FR 71308, 
December 2, 2014), ``AD 2014-24-08,'' for all RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. AD 2014-24-08 
applied to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 26, 2017 (82 FR 24262). The NPRM proposed to continue 
to require replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube 
assemblies. That NPRM also proposed to require installation of new HP 
fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube 
assemblies and flanged adaptor.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Change Installation Prohibition

    American Airlines (AAL) and FedEx Express stated the proposed AD 
would prohibit reinstallation of earlier HP fuel pump to FFG and FFG to 
HP pump inlet overspill return tube assemblies. AAL and FedEx Express 
request clarification that the HP fuel tube does not require 
replacement if removed simply to gain access to other components.
    FedEx is concerned that the current wording would result in 
serviceable tube assemblies having to be replaced in a line environment 
when components such as the FFG or fuel pump are replaced as part of 
fuel system troubleshooting. AAL didn't justify their request.
    We agree. This AD requires replacement of the affected parts before 
they exceed 4,750 engine flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours 
(FH), or at a shop visit, whichever occurs first. To address this 
comment, we deleted the Installations Prohibition paragraph and 
integrated the previous restrictions into paragraph (h), Definitions, 
adding the statement that ``The reinstallation of affected parts, 
removed to facilitate on-wing/in-service maintenance of adjacent 
components, is acceptable within the limits prescribed by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.''

Request To Change Applicability

    AAL and UPS requested clarification of shop visit. They would like 
to clarify the shop visit definition as, ``For the purpose of this AD, 
a shop visit is defined as the separation of major mating module 
flanges to perform maintenance or overhaul, excluding the removal or 
replacement of the high speed gearbox, or for the sole purpose of 
transporting the engine without performing subsequent maintenance or 
overhaul.'' They gave no justification for the requested change.

[[Page 58108]]

    We disagree. The shop visit definition is intended to require the 
replacement of parts when the engine is in a shop for maintenance or 
overhaul with no exceptions, consistent with the associated service 
bulletin. We did not change this AD.

Request To Add Credit for Previous Actions

    UPS stated the proposed AD requires incorporation of Service 
Bulletins (SBs) RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1 and RB.211-73-G230, Revision 
3. UPS requests this AD give credit for previous incorporation of any 
prior revision of these two service bulletins.
    We agree. Corrective action done prior to the effective date of 
this AD using earlier revisions of the cited service bulletins is 
acceptable. We added a new section Credit for Previous Actions after 
paragraph (h) of this AD.

Request To Change Required Actions

    UPS requested that the pre-SB RB.211-73-H131 part numbers be listed 
in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, to clarify only pre-SB RB.73-H131 
engines are affected.
    We agree. We revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Request To Change Compliance Time

    UPS stated the proposed AD section (g)(1) requires incorporation of 
SB RB.211-73-H131 before the LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube 
exceeds 4,750 FC or 15,000 FH. These time and cycle limits appear to 
have originated with SB RB.211-73-E355, which UPS has previously 
interpreted as ``soft limits'' rather than ``hard limits'' due to the 
verbiage used in the SB. UPS requests the final rule include a drawdown 
period of 400 cycles/800 hours to allow time for operators to 
incorporate these modifications on those engines which already exceed 
the stated thresholds. UPS justified the request to prevent operational 
disruptions. RR has reviewed the original technical justification for 
introducing the life limits and modifications. Given the lives of the 
UPS fleet, a 400 flight cycle extension does not have an appreciable 
effect on engine safety. The dual engine in-flight shut down rate 
remains below the continued airworthiness threshold.
    We agree. A RR review supports the requested drawdown plan. We 
revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Request To Define Engine Hours/Cycles Since New

    UPS requests that the compliance thresholds be listed as (engine or 
part) hours/cycles since new or since last accomplishment of SB RB.211-
73-E355, whichever is sooner. They state that SB RB.211-73-E355 
installs a new LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube.
    We partially agree. We agree that time since accomplishing SB 
RB.211-73-E355 is equivalent to time since new for the replaced part. 
We disagree that the compliance thresholds need to be changed as this 
AD already specifies compliance before ``the part exceeds 4,750 engine 
flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours (FH), since new''. We did not 
change this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Rolls-Royce plc has issued SB RB.211-73-G230, Revision 3, dated 
April 8, 2016. The SB describes a modification (mod 73-G230) and 
introduces new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill 
return tube assemblies with a larger O-ring groove on the end adaptor 
sealing face. RR has also issued SB RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1, dated 
September 2, 2014. The SB introduces a new LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel 
pump tube assembly. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 100 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 fuel tube assemblies...  8.5 work-hours x $85 per      $17,800.00      $18,522.50   $1,852,250.00
                                         hour = $722.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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),

[[Page 58109]]

    (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) 
2014-24-08, Amendment 39 18041 (79 FR 71308, December 2, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-24-08 Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA 2017-1117; Amendment 39-
19112; Product Identifier 94-ANE-39-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-24-08, Amendment 39-18041 (79 FR 
71308, December 2, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, 
RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines with low-
pressure (LP) fuel filter-to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump tube 
assembly, part number (P/N) UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, or 
163521545, installed; or HP fuel pump-to-fuel flow governor (FFG), 
P/N UL16691 or UL37214, installed; or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill 
return tube assemblies, P/N UL16690 or UL37213, installed; or 
flanged adaptor, P/N UL37218, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks that have resulted 
in engine in-flight shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
loss of fuel supply to the engine, which could lead to the in-flight 
shutdown of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage 
to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Remove LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assembly, P/N 
UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, and 163521545, and replace with a 
part eligible for installation, at the applicable compliance times 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, using the Accomplishment Instructions of RR Service 
Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-H131, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014.
    (i) At the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
or
    (ii) at the later of the following:
    (A) Before the part exceeds 4,750 engine flight cycles (FC) or 
15,000 flight hours (FH), since new, whichever occurs first, or
    (B) Within 400 FC or 800 FH, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For affected engines with an HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube 
assembly or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill return tube assembly, or 
flanged adaptor, installed, replace the parts concurrent with the 
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if applicable, or 
during the next shop visit, using the Accomplishment Instructions of 
RR SB RB.211-73-G230, Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation 
excludes the following: LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube 
assembly, P/N UL16692, AE709623-1, 163521538, or 163521545; HP fuel 
pump-to-FFG tube assembly, P/N UL16691 or UL37214; or FFG-to-HP pump 
inlet overspill return tube assembly, P/N UL16690 or UL37213; or 
flanged adaptor, P/N UL37218. The reinstallation of affected parts, 
removed to facilitate on-wing/in-service maintenance of adjacent 
components is acceptable within the limits prescribed by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is the induction of 
an engine into the shop for maintenance or overhaul.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the corrective action required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if you performed these actions 
before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-
H131, original issue, dated May 10, 2013 or RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-
G230, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2012, respectively.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 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 (EASA) AD 
2017-0006, dated January 10, 2017, and EASA AD 2014-0123, dated May 
15, 2014, 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-2017-1117.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-H131, 
Revision 1, dated September 2, 2014.
    (ii) RR SB RB.211-73-G230, Revision 3, dated April 8, 2016.
    (3) For RR 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://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.
    (5) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 22, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26572 Filed 12-8-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                        58107

                                                 (iv) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320         thresholds, and requires installation of              for all RB211–535E4–37, RB211–535E4–
                                              004–25–56, dated November 12, 1999.                     new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-                   B–37, and RB211–535E4–C–37 turbofan
                                                 (5) For service information identified in            HP pump inlet overspill return tube                   engines. AD 2014–24–08 applied to the
                                              this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness                  assemblies and flanged adaptor. This                  specified products. The NPRM
                                              Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
                                              Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
                                                                                                      AD was prompted by fuel leaks that                    published in the Federal Register on
                                              telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61               have occurred at the flanged joints of                May 26, 2017 (82 FR 24262). The NPRM
                                              93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@                   the HP fuel pump-to-FFG tube assembly                 proposed to continue to require
                                              airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.             and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill                    replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP
                                              For Zodiac Aerospace service information                return tube assembly. We are issuing                  fuel pump tube assemblies. That NPRM
                                              identified in this AD, contact Air Cruisers,            this AD to correct the unsafe condition               also proposed to require installation of
                                              Cage Code 70167, 1747 State Route 34, Wall              on these products.                                    new HP fuel pump-to-FFG and FFG-to-
                                              Township, NJ 07727–3935; telephone: (732)                                                                     HP pump inlet overspill return tube
                                                                                                      DATES: This AD is effective January 16,
                                              681–3527; Internet: http://                                                                                   assemblies and flanged adaptor.
                                              www.zodiacaerospace.com.                                2018.
                                                 (6) You may view this service information            ADDRESSES: For service information                    Comments
                                              at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,                 identified in this final rule, contact
                                              1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                   Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate                              We gave the public the opportunity to
                                              information on the availability of this                 Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby,                   participate in developing this AD. We
                                              material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                 England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011–44–                     considered the comments received.
                                                 (7) You may view this service information            1332–242424; fax: 011–44–1332–
                                              that is incorporated by reference at the                                                                      Request To Change Installation
                                              National Archives and Records
                                                                                                      249936; email: http://www.rolls-                      Prohibition
                                              Administration (NARA). For information on               royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp;
                                                                                                      Internet: https://customers.rolls-                       American Airlines (AAL) and FedEx
                                              the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                              202–741–6030, or go to: http://                         royce.com/public/rollsroycecare. You                  Express stated the proposed AD would
                                              www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-              may view this service information at the              prohibit reinstallation of earlier HP fuel
                                              locations.html.                                         FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards                   pump to FFG and FFG to HP pump inlet
                                                                                                      Branch, 1200 District Avenue,                         overspill return tube assemblies. AAL
                                                Issued in Renton, Washington, on
                                              November 29, 2017.                                      Burlington, MA. For information on the                and FedEx Express request clarification
                                                                                                      availability of this material at the FAA,             that the HP fuel tube does not require
                                              Jeffrey E. Duven,
                                                                                                      call 781–238–7125. It is also available               replacement if removed simply to gain
                                              Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft                                                                 access to other components.
                                              Certification Service.                                  on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                      www.regulations.gov by searching for                     FedEx is concerned that the current
                                              [FR Doc. 2017–26363 Filed 12–8–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                      and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                     wording would result in serviceable
                                              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                      1117.                                                 tube assemblies having to be replaced in
                                                                                                                                                            a line environment when components
                                                                                                      Examining the AD Docket                               such as the FFG or fuel pump are
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                        You may examine the AD docket on                    replaced as part of fuel system
                                              Federal Aviation Administration                         the Internet at http://                               troubleshooting. AAL didn’t justify their
                                                                                                      www.regulations.gov by searching for                  request.
                                              14 CFR Part 39                                          and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                        We agree. This AD requires
                                                                                                      1117; or in person at the Docket                      replacement of the affected parts before
                                              [Docket No. FAA–2017–1117; Product                      Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    they exceed 4,750 engine flight cycles
                                              Identifier 94–ANE–39–AD; Amendment 39–
                                                                                                      and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    (FC) or 15,000 flight hours (FH), or at a
                                              19112; AD 2017–24–08]
                                                                                                      except Federal holidays. The AD docket                shop visit, whichever occurs first. To
                                              RIN 2120–AA64                                           contains this AD, the mandatory                       address this comment, we deleted the
                                                                                                      continuing airworthiness information,                 Installations Prohibition paragraph and
                                              Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce                   regulatory evaluation, any comments                   integrated the previous restrictions into
                                              plc Turbofan Engines                                    received, and other information. The                  paragraph (h), Definitions, adding the
                                              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               address for the Docket Office (phone:                 statement that ‘‘The reinstallation of
                                              Administration (FAA), DOT.                              800–647–5527) is Document                             affected parts, removed to facilitate on-
                                              ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                      Management Facility, U.S. Department                  wing/in-service maintenance of adjacent
                                                                                                      of Transportation, Docket Operations,                 components, is acceptable within the
                                              SUMMARY:    We are superseding                          M–30, West Building Ground Floor,                     limits prescribed by paragraphs (g)(1)
                                              airworthiness directive (AD) 2014–24–                   Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                         and (2) of this AD.’’
                                              08 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–                  Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
                                                                                                                                                            Request To Change Applicability
                                              535E4–37, RB211–535E4–B–37, and                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              RB211–535E4–C–37 turbofan engines                       Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO                   AAL and UPS requested clarification
                                              with certain low-pressure (LP) fuel                     Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,                    of shop visit. They would like to clarify
                                              filter-to-high-pressure (HP) fuel pump                  Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–                     the shop visit definition as, ‘‘For the
                                              tube assemblies, or HP fuel pump-to-                    238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email:                   purpose of this AD, a shop visit is
                                              fuel flow governor (FFG) or FFG-to-HP                   robert.green@faa.gov.                                 defined as the separation of major
                                              pump inlet overspill return tube                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            mating module flanges to perform
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              assemblies and flanged adaptor,                                                                               maintenance or overhaul, excluding the
                                              installed. AD 2014–24–08 required                       Discussion                                            removal or replacement of the high
                                              replacing certain LP fuel filter-to-HP                    We issued a notice of proposed                      speed gearbox, or for the sole purpose
                                              fuel pump tube assemblies. This AD                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     of transporting the engine without
                                              retains the requirement in AD 2014–24–                  part 39 to supersede AD 2014–24–08,                   performing subsequent maintenance or
                                              08 to remove the LP fuel filter-to-HP                   Amendment 39–18041 (79 FR 71308,                      overhaul.’’ They gave no justification for
                                              fuel pump tube, adds new compliance                     December 2, 2014), ‘‘AD 2014–24–08,’’                 the requested change.


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:23 Dec 08, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00011   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\11DER1.SGM   11DER1


                                              58108            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 We disagree. The shop visit definition               has previously interpreted as ‘‘soft                  flight hours (FH), since new’’. We did
                                              is intended to require the replacement                  limits’’ rather than ‘‘hard limits’’ due to           not change this AD.
                                              of parts when the engine is in a shop for               the verbiage used in the SB. UPS
                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion
                                              maintenance or overhaul with no                         requests the final rule include a
                                              exceptions, consistent with the                         drawdown period of 400 cycles/800                       We reviewed the available data,
                                              associated service bulletin. We did not                 hours to allow time for operators to                  including the comments received, and
                                              change this AD.                                         incorporate these modifications on                    determined that air safety and the
                                              Request To Add Credit for Previous                      those engines which already exceed the                public interest require adopting this AD
                                              Actions                                                 stated thresholds. UPS justified the                  with the changes described previously.
                                                                                                      request to prevent operational                        We determined that these changes will
                                                UPS stated the proposed AD requires                   disruptions. RR has reviewed the                      not increase the economic burden on
                                              incorporation of Service Bulletins (SBs)                original technical justification for                  any operator or increase the scope of
                                              RB.211–73–H131, Revision 1 and                          introducing the life limits and                       this AD.
                                              RB.211–73–G230, Revision 3. UPS                         modifications. Given the lives of the
                                              requests this AD give credit for previous                                                                     Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                      UPS fleet, a 400 flight cycle extension
                                              incorporation of any prior revision of                                                                        CFR Part 51
                                                                                                      does not have an appreciable effect on
                                              these two service bulletins.                            engine safety. The dual engine in-flight                 Rolls-Royce plc has issued SB
                                                We agree. Corrective action done prior                shut down rate remains below the                      RB.211–73–G230, Revision 3, dated
                                              to the effective date of this AD using                  continued airworthiness threshold.                    April 8, 2016. The SB describes a
                                              earlier revisions of the cited service                                                                        modification (mod 73–G230) and
                                                                                                        We agree. A RR review supports the
                                              bulletins is acceptable. We added a new                                                                       introduces new HP fuel pump-to-FFG
                                                                                                      requested drawdown plan. We revised
                                              section Credit for Previous Actions after                                                                     and FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill
                                                                                                      paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
                                              paragraph (h) of this AD.                                                                                     return tube assemblies with a larger O-
                                                                                                      Request To Define Engine Hours/Cycles                 ring groove on the end adaptor sealing
                                              Request To Change Required Actions
                                                                                                      Since New                                             face. RR has also issued SB RB.211–73–
                                                 UPS requested that the pre-SB
                                              RB.211–73–H131 part numbers be listed                      UPS requests that the compliance                   H131, Revision 1, dated September 2,
                                              in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, to clarify              thresholds be listed as (engine or part)              2014. The SB introduces a new LP fuel
                                              only pre-SB RB.73–H131 engines are                      hours/cycles since new or since last                  filter-to-HP fuel pump tube assembly.
                                              affected.                                               accomplishment of SB RB.211–73–E355,                  This service information is reasonably
                                                 We agree. We revised paragraph (g)(1)                whichever is sooner. They state that SB               available because the interested parties
                                              of this AD.                                             RB.211–73–E355 installs a new LP fuel                 have access to it through their normal
                                                                                                      filter-to-HP fuel pump tube.                          course of business or by the means
                                              Request To Change Compliance Time                          We partially agree. We agree that time             identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                 UPS stated the proposed AD section                   since accomplishing SB RB.211–73–                     Costs of Compliance
                                              (g)(1) requires incorporation of SB                     E355 is equivalent to time since new for
                                              RB.211–73–H131 before the LP fuel                       the replaced part. We disagree that the                 We estimate that this AD affects 100
                                              filter-to-HP fuel pump tube exceeds                     compliance thresholds need to be                      engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
                                              4,750 FC or 15,000 FH. These time and                   changed as this AD already specifies                  registry.
                                              cycle limits appear to have originated                  compliance before ‘‘the part exceeds                    We estimate the following costs to
                                              with SB RB.211–73–E355, which UPS                       4,750 engine flight cycles (FC) or 15,000             comply with this AD:

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

                                              Replacement of fuel tube assemblies ............       8.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $722.50 .....           $17,800.00       $18,522.50   $1,852,250.00



                                              Authority for This Rulemaking                           is within the scope of that authority                 Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                      because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                           This AD will not have federalism
                                              specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                  that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                                                                      products identified in this rulemaking                implications under Executive Order
                                              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                                                                         13132. This AD will not have a
                                              Section 106, describes the authority of                 action.
                                                                                                                                                            substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                              the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,                       This AD is issued in accordance with
                                                                                                                                                            the relationship between the national
                                              Aviation Programs, describes in more                    authority delegated by the Executive
                                                                                                                                                            government and the States, or on the
                                              detail the scope of the Agency’s                        Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
                                                                                                                                                            distribution of power and
                                              authority.                                              as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
                                                                                                                                                            responsibilities among the various
                                                 We are issuing this rulemaking under                 In accordance with that order, issuance
                                                                                                      of ADs is normally a function of the                  levels of government.
                                              the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                              Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,                     Compliance and Airworthiness                            For the reasons discussed above, I
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                    Division, but during this transition                  certify that this AD:
                                              section, Congress charges the FAA with                  period, the Executive Director has                      (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              delegated the authority to issue ADs                  action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                              air commerce by prescribing regulations                 applicable to engines, propellers, and
                                                                                                      associated appliances to the Manager,                   (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                              for practices, methods, and procedures
                                              the Administrator finds necessary for                   Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,                DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                              safety in air commerce. This regulation                 Policy and Innovation Division.                       (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),



                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:23 Dec 08, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00012   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\11DER1.SGM   11DER1


                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                              58109

                                                (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation               (f) Compliance                                        paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. You may email
                                              in Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  Comply with this AD within the                     your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
                                              making a regulatory distinction, and                    compliance times specified, unless already              (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                                (4) Will not have a significant                       done.                                                 notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                              economic impact, positive or negative,                                                                        or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                                                                                      (g) Required Actions
                                              on a substantial number of small entities                                                                     of the local flight standards district office/
                                                                                                         (1) Remove LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump          certificate holding district office.
                                              under the criteria of the Regulatory                    tube assembly, P/N UL16692, AE709623–1,
                                              Flexibility Act.                                        163521538, and 163521545, and replace with            (k) Related Information
                                                                                                      a part eligible for installation, at the
                                              List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      applicable compliance times specified in
                                                                                                                                                              (1) For more information about this AD,
                                                                                                      paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD,              contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                                                                      ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
                                              safety, Incorporation by reference,                     whichever occurs first, using the
                                                                                                      Accomplishment Instructions of RR Service             Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
                                              Safety.                                                                                                       7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
                                                                                                      Bulletin (SB) RB.211–73–H131, Revision 1,
                                              Adoption of the Amendment                               dated September 2, 2014.                              robert.green@faa.gov.
                                                                                                         (i) At the next shop visit after the effective       (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
                                                Accordingly, under the authority                      date of this AD, or                                   Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017–0006, dated
                                              delegated to me by the Administrator,                      (ii) at the later of the following:                January 10, 2017, and EASA AD 2014–0123,
                                              the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal                      (A) Before the part exceeds 4,750 engine           dated May 15, 2014, for more information.
                                              Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as                flight cycles (FC) or 15,000 flight hours (FH),       You may examine the MCAI in the AD
                                              follows:                                                since new, whichever occurs first, or
                                                                                                                                                            docket on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                         (B) Within 400 FC or 800 FH, whichever
                                                                                                      occurs first, after the effective date of this        www.regulations.gov by searching for and
                                              PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                                                         locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–1117.
                                              DIRECTIVES                                              AD.
                                                                                                         (2) For affected engines with an HP fuel           (l) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 pump-to-FFG tube assembly or FFG-to-HP
                                                                                                      pump inlet overspill return tube assembly, or            (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                              continues to read as follows:                                                                                 approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                      flanged adaptor, installed, replace the parts
                                                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          concurrent with the actions specified in              (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                                                                                      paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if applicable, or        paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                              § 39.13   [Amended]                                     during the next shop visit, using the                 part 51.
                                              ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by                          Accomplishment Instructions of RR SB                     (2) You must use this service information
                                                                                                      RB.211–73–G230, Revision 3, dated April 8,            as applicable to do the actions required by
                                              removing airworthiness directive (AD)
                                                                                                      2016.                                                 this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                                              2014–24–08, Amendment 39 18041 (79
                                              FR 71308, December 2, 2014), and                        (h) Definitions                                          (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Service Bulletin
                                              adding the following new AD:                               (1) For the purpose of this AD, a part             (SB) RB.211–73–H131, Revision 1, dated
                                                                                                      eligible for installation excludes the                September 2, 2014.
                                              2017–24–08 Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No.
                                                                                                      following: LP fuel filter-to-HP fuel pump tube           (ii) RR SB RB.211–73–G230, Revision 3,
                                                  FAA 2017–1117; Amendment 39–19112;
                                                                                                      assembly, P/N UL16692, AE709623–1,                    dated April 8, 2016.
                                                  Product Identifier 94–ANE–39–AD.
                                                                                                      163521538, or 163521545; HP fuel pump-to-                (3) For RR service information identified in
                                              (a) Effective Date                                      FFG tube assembly, P/N UL16691 or                     this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate
                                                This AD is effective January 16, 2018.                UL37214; or FFG-to-HP pump inlet overspill            Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby,
                                                                                                      return tube assembly, P/N UL16690 or                  England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011–44–1332–
                                              (b) Affected ADs                                        UL37213; or flanged adaptor, P/N UL37218.             242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; email:
                                                This AD supersedes AD 2014–24–08,                     The reinstallation of affected parts, removed         http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_
                                              Amendment 39–18041 (79 FR 71308,                        to facilitate on-wing/in-service maintenance
                                                                                                                                                            team.jsp; Internet: https://customers.rolls-
                                              December 2, 2014).                                      of adjacent components is acceptable within
                                                                                                      the limits prescribed by paragraphs (g)(1) and        royce.com/public/rollsroycecare.
                                              (c) Applicability                                       (2) of this AD.                                          (4) You may view this service information
                                                 This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR)             (2) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit       at FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards
                                              RB211–535E4–37, RB211–535E4–B–37, and                   is the induction of an engine into the shop           Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
                                              RB211–535E4–C–37 turbofan engines with                  for maintenance or overhaul.                          MA. For information on the availability of
                                              low-pressure (LP) fuel filter-to-high-pressure                                                                this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
                                                                                                      (i) Credit for Previous Actions
                                              (HP) fuel pump tube assembly, part number                                                                        (5) You may view this service information
                                              (P/N) UL16692, AE709623–1, 163521538, or                   You may take credit for the corrective             at the National Archives and Records
                                              163521545, installed; or HP fuel pump-to-               action required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2)          Administration (NARA). For information on
                                              fuel flow governor (FFG), P/N UL16691 or                of this AD, if you performed these actions
                                                                                                                                                            the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                              UL37214, installed; or FFG-to-HP pump inlet             before the effective date of this AD using RR
                                                                                                      Alert NMSB RB.211–73–H131, original issue,            202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                              overspill return tube assemblies, P/N
                                              UL16690 or UL37213, installed; or flanged               dated May 10, 2013 or RR Alert NMSB                   www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                              adaptor, P/N UL37218, installed.                        RB.211–73–G230, Revision 2, dated                     locations.html.
                                                                                                      December 20, 2012, respectively.                        Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
                                              (d) Subject
                                                                                                      (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 November 22, 2017.
                                                Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
                                                                                                      (AMOCs)                                               Robert J. Ganley,
                                              Code 7321, Fuel Control/Turbine Engines.
                                                                                                         (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has              Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
                                              (e) Unsafe Condition
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                      the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,           Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                 This AD was prompted by reports of fuel              if requested using the procedures found in 14         [FR Doc. 2017–26572 Filed 12–8–17; 8:45 am]
                                              leaks that have resulted in engine in-flight            CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                              shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to                    send your request to your principal inspector         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                              prevent loss of fuel supply to the engine,              or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                              which could lead to the in-flight shutdown              appropriate. If sending information directly
                                              of one or more engines, loss of thrust control,         to the manager of the ECO Branch, send it to
                                              and damage to the airplane.                             the attention of the person identified in



                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:23 Dec 08, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00013   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 9990   E:\FR\FM\11DER1.SGM   11DER1



Document Created: 2017-12-09 01:49:39
Document Modified: 2017-12-09 01:49:39
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective January 16, 2018.
ContactRobert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781- 238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 58107 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR