83 FR 32203 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboshaft Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 134 (July 12, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) model 250-C turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of engine power loss, one of which resulted in a fatal helicopter accident. This AD requires removal of the power turbine governor (PTG) bearing assembly, part number (P/N) 2544198, and its replacement with a bearing assembly eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32203-32206]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14801]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1118; Product Identifier 2017-NE-40-AD; Amendment 
39-19313; AD 2018-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) model 250-C turboshaft engines. This AD 
was prompted by several reports of engine power loss, one of which 
resulted in a fatal helicopter accident. This AD requires removal of 
the power turbine governor (PTG) bearing assembly, part number (P/N) 
2544198, and its replacement with a bearing assembly eligible for 
installation. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code 
NB-02-05, Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317-230-3774; email: 
royce.com">indy.pubs.services@rolls-royce.com; internet: www.rolls-royce.com. 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 781-238-7759. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1118.

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-
1118; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 
phone: 847-294-8180; fax: 847-294-7834; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Rolls-Royce 
Corporation (RRC) model 250-C turboshaft engines. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on February 1, 2018 (83 FR 4609). The NPRM was 
prompted by several reports of loss of engine power on certain RRC 
model 250-C turboshaft engines installed on single-engine helicopters. 
One of these instances of power loss resulted in a fatal helicopter 
accident on May 4, 2016. The NPRM proposed to require removal of the 
affected PTG bearing assembly and replace it with a bearing assembly 
with a new design. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Specify the New Bearing Assembly

    The NTSB and Honeywell Aerospace requested that the AD prohibit the 
installation of bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, and specify the 
installation of the new bearing assembly, P/N 2526146. The NTSB 
expressed concern that differences between the proposed AD and the 
actions described in the Honeywell SB and Rolls-Royce CEBs could lead 
to the reinstallation of a dual-spool bearing into an affected PTG.
    We partially agree. We agree with the request to prohibit the 
installation of another bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, because our 
intent is to remove them from service. We disagree with the request to 
specify the installation of the new bearing assembly, P/N 2526146, 
because of the possibility of a new bearing P/N being introduced or the 
specified P/N being discontinued in the future. We added an 
installation prohibition paragraph to this AD to prohibit the 
installation of bearing assembly, P/N 2544198.

Request To Re-Identify the PTG After Changing the Bearing Assembly

    The NTSB and Honeywell Aerospace requested that the AD require re-
identifying the PTG P/N after changing the bearing assembly in 
accordance with the related service information. Honeywell Aerospace 
reasoned that maintenance personnel and operators could easily 
determine if the service bulletin has been accomplished. This increases 
the efficiency of operations and reduces the potential for 
misunderstandings about whether the bearing assembly has been replaced.
    We disagree. While re-identifying the PTG after changing the 
bearing assembly is helpful for maintenance personnel, we are not 
requiring this action within this AD. During the replacement of the 
bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, the related service information 
instructs personnel to re-identify the PTG. We did not change this AD.

Request To Reduce the Compliance Time

    Honeywell Aerospace requested that we reduce the compliance time to 
50 hours or within 90 days for PTGs that have greater than 750 hours. 
The commenter reasoned that the original compliance schedule was 
established 10 years ago based on field experience at that time. The 
fatal accident referenced in the NPRM occurred on a PTG with 1,048.7 
hours since new.
    We disagree. The compliance time for removing the bearing assembly, 
P/N 2544198, in this AD is based on Rolls-

[[Page 32204]]

Royce Corporation Commercial Engine Bulletin (CEB) 1402, Revision 2, 
dated February 4, 2009. The failure history shows that the number of 
bearing assembly failures fell sharply following the initial 
publication of RRC CEB 1402 in 2008. The replacement strategy has 
proven successful. As a result, we believe that the majority of the 
fleet has replaced the bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, and only a few 
remain in service. Besides the fatal accident, there have not been any 
other bearing failures noted between 2012 and 2018. We, therefore, find 
it unnecessary to reduce the compliance time as noted by the commenter. 
We did not change this AD.

Request To Increase the Number of Affected Engines

    Honeywell Aerospace noted that only 1,200 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry may be affected, compared with the 2,928 
mentioned in the NPRM, based on a review of modification records 
provided to Honeywell by repair stations.
    We disagree. We are estimating the total number of engines affected 
by this AD based on the data available to us. We did not change this 
AD.

Request To Clarify the Affected Engines

    An individual commenter requested that we clarify that only those 
engine models that have bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, installed are 
affected.
    We agree. We have updated paragraph (c) of this AD to clarify that 
engines with bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, installed are affected.

Request To Identify the Model, Brand, and P/N of the PTG

    Aircraft Maintenance Netherlands requested that this AD identify 
the model, brand, and P/N of the affected PTG that must be replaced. 
The commenter reasoned that various PTG models can be installed on the 
affected engines.
    We disagree. This AD provides the overall engine model 
applicability. The related service information provides specific 
information regarding the PTGs, including the manufacturer, model, and 
P/Ns. We did not change this AD.

Question on Not Issuing the AD Earlier

    An individual commenter asked why an AD was not issued in 2009 when 
RRC issued a statement regarding the failure of the bearing assembly.
    The FAA uses a risk-based approach to make continued operational 
safety decisions. When RRC issued CEB 1402, Revision 2, in 2009, our 
evaluation of the fleet risk did not support an AD. We update our fleet 
risk evaluation periodically as new information becomes available and 
have now determined that an AD is justified. We did not change this AD.

Question if Replacement Part Verification Testing Was Completed

    An individual commenter asked if tests or procedures were completed 
to verify that the replacement bearing assembly resolves the failure of 
bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, due to the lack of lubrication.
    We note that replacement parts, such as this replacement bearing 
assembly, undergo design analysis and testing before being approved for 
use by the FAA. No change is requested. We did not change this AD.

Request for Clarification on the Number of Affected Engines

    An individual commenter noted that the NPRM estimates that 2,928 
model 250-C turboshaft engines are affected, however, the RRC website 
estimates that there are an estimated 16,000 model 250-C engines 
currently in service.
    This AD applies to all RRC model 250-C turboshaft engines that 
could have the bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, installed. Many of those 
engines have already had the bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, replaced 
when new parts became available. Based on the available data, we 
estimate that 2,928 engines may still have the bearing assembly, P/N 
2544198, installed. We did not change this AD.

Question on the Availability of a Replacement Bearing Assembly

    An individual commenter asked if RRC still needs to design a new 
bearing assembly or if a replacement bearing assembly is already 
available.
    A replacement bearing assembly, P/N 2526146, is available for 
installation. We did not change this AD.

Support for the AD

    An individual commenter expressed support for the NPRM as written.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Rolls-Royce Corporation Commercial Engine Bulletin 
(CEB) 1402, Revision 2, dated February 4, 2009. The CEB provides 
guidance on replacing the PTG bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, with a 
bearing assembly eligible for installation.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 2,928 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace PTG bearing          8 work-hours x $85 per            $1,700          $2,380      $6,968,640
 assembly.                               hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 32205]]

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-13-01 Roll-Royce Corporation (Type Certificate previously held 
by Allison Engine Company): Amendment 39-19313; Docket No. FAA-2017-
1118; Product Identifier 2017-NE-40-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) model 250-C10D, 
250-C18, 250-C18A, 250-C18B, 250-C18C, 250-C19, 250-C20, 250-C20B, 
250-C20C, 250-C20F, 250-C20J, 250-C20R, 250-C20R/1, 250-C20R/2, 250-
C20R/4, 250-C20S, 250-C20W, 250-C28, 250-C28B, 250-C28C, 250-C30, 
250-C30G, 250-C30G/2, 250-C30M, 250-C30P, 250-C30S, and 250-C30U 
turboshaft engines with power turbine governor (PTG) bearing 
assembly, part number (P/N) 2544198, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7323, Turbine 
Governor.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of loss of power, one of 
which resulted in a fatal helicopter accident. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the PTG bearing assembly. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the PTG, 
failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and forced autorotation 
landing or accident.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Remove the bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, from the PTG in 
accordance with the compliance times in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of 
this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.
TR12JY18.017

    (2) After such removal, replace the affected PTG bearing 
assembly with a part eligible for installation before further 
flight.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install PTG bearing 
assembly, P/N 2544198, on any engine.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago ACO 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 Chicago ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact John Tallarovic, 
Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 32206]]

Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 
phone: 847-294-8180; fax: 847-294-7834; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 6, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14801 Filed 7-11-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P