Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 Series Turbofan Engines, 8303-8305 [05-3191]

Download as PDF 8303 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 70, No. 33 Friday, February 18, 2005 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2001–NE–12–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 Series Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires repetitive application of dry film lubricant (DFL) to low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade roots. This proposed AD would require the same actions but at more frequent intervals than the existing AD, add the Trent 884B engine to the list of engine models affected, add a fan blade part number (P/N) to the affected list of fan blades, and would relax the initial DFL repetitive application compliance time for certain fan blades that have never been removed from the disk. This proposed AD results from discovering DFL in worse condition than anticipated on fan blades fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. This proposed AD also results from the need to update the list of engine models affected, and to update the list of fan blade part numbers affected. We are proposing this AD to prevent LPC fan blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and possible aircraft damage. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by April 19, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD: VerDate jul<14>2003 15:39 Feb 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 • By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NE– 12–AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803–5299. • By fax: (781) 238–7055. • By e-mail: 9-aneadcomment@faa.gov. You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803–5299; telephone: (781) 238–7175, fax: (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: LPC fan blade roots. That AD resulted from an aborted take-off resulting from LPC fan blade loss, and reports of four cracked LPC fan blade roots. Comments Invited Paragraph (d) of the current AD, AD 2002–10–15, contains a paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final rule does not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with regard to the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to a repair facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we published a new Part 39 that contains a general authority regarding special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No. FAA–2004– 8460, Amendment 39–9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus, when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general authority granted in section 39.23. We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 2001–NE–12—AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will datestamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location. Discussion On May 16, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002–10–15, Amendment 39–12761 (67 FR 36803, May 28, 2002). That AD requires repetitive application of DFL to PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Actions Since AD 2002–10–15 was Issued Since that AD was issued, we have determined from a sampling of DFL coatings on fan blades, that the DFL coating condition has some variation. The condition appears worse than anticipated on fan blades fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. Also, since that AD was issued, we discovered that the Trent 884B engine needs to be added to the applicability list, and fan blade, P/N FW23552, needs to be added to the list of affected blades. Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed Replacement of References to Manual Tasks, Repair Schemes, and Coatings In this proposed AD, we have replaced references in AD 2002–10–15 to Aircraft Maintenance Manual task 72–31–11–300–801–R00 (Repair Scheme FRS A031 by air spray method only), Engine Manual task 72–31–11– R001 (Repair Scheme FRS A028), and lubricants, Dow Corning 321R (RollsRoyce (RR) Omat item 4/51), Rocol Dry Moly Spray (RR Omat item 4/52), Molydag 709 (RR Omat item 444), or PL.237/R1 (RR Omat item 4/43), with a reference to RR Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211–72–AD347, Revision 6, dated April 22, 2004, which contains that information. E:\FR\FM\18FEP1.SGM 18FEP1 8304 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 33 / Friday, February 18, 2005 / Proposed Rules Bilateral Agreement Information These engine models are manufactured in the U.K. and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would: • Require repetitive application of DFL to LPC fan blade roots at more frequent intervals than the existing AD; • Add the Trent 884B engine to the applicability; • Add a fan blade P/N to the affected list of fan blades; and • Relax the initial DFL repetitive application compliance time for certain fan blades that have never been removed from the disk. Costs of Compliance There are approximately 388 RR RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 106 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take approximately six work hours per engine to perform the DFL application, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to perform one repetitive application of DFL to the affected engines to be $41,340. 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, VerDate jul<14>2003 15:39 Feb 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 ‘‘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); and 3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No. 2001–NE–12–AD’’ in your request. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39–12761 (67 FR 36803, May 28, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows: Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2001–NE–12– AD. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by April 19, 2005. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002–10–15, Amendment 39–12761. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines with low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade part numbers (P/Ns): FK 30838, FK30840, FK30842, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, FW13175, FW18548, or FW23552. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777 series airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from the discovery of dry film lubricant (DFL) condition appearing worse than anticipated on fan blades fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. This AD also results from the need to update the list of engine models affected, and to update the list of fan blade part numbers affected. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent LPC fan blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and possible aircraft damage. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. (f) Apply an approved DFL to LPC fan blade roots as follows: (1) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FW13175, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, FW18548, and FW23552 that have never been removed from the disk, apply DFL at the first removal from the disk or before 1,200 cycles-inservice (CIS), whichever occurs first. (2) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FW13175, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, FW18548, and FW23552 that have been removed from the disk since entering service, apply DFL before accumulating 600 cycles-since-new (CSN) or before accumulating 600 cyclessince-last DFL application, or within 200 CIS from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (3) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FK30842, FK30840, and FK300838, apply DFL before accumulating 600 CSN or before accumulating 600 cycles-since-last DFL application, or within 100 CIS after July 2, 2002 (effective date of superseded AD 2002– 10–15), whichever occurs first. (4) Thereafter, reapply DFL to LPC fan blade roots within 600 cycles-since-last DFL application. (5) Information on applying DFL to fan blade roots can be found in RR Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211–72–AD347, Revision 6, dated April 22, 2004. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. E:\FR\FM\18FEP1.SGM 18FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 33 / Friday, February 18, 2005 / Proposed Rules Related Information (h) Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G–2004–0008, dated April 29, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 10, 2005. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–3191 Filed 2–17–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 51 [Public Notice 4993] RIN 1400–AB93 Electronic Passport AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: This proposed rule would amend the passport regulations to incorporate changes required by the electronic passport. The rule would define ‘‘electronic passport,’’ would include a damaged electronic chip as an additional basis for possible invalidation of a passport, would abolish the U.S. passport amendment process except for the convenience of the U.S. Government, and would enlarge the reasons for issuing a replacement passport at no fee. The rule would also add unpaid fees as a ground for invalidating a passport. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to 45 days from February 18, 2005. ADDRESSES: Written comments and questions regarding the proposed rule should be addressed to: Chief, Legal Division, Office of Passport Policy, Planning and Advisory Services, 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20037. You may also send comments by e-mail to: PassportRules@state.gov. Persons with access to the internet may also view this notice and provide comments by going to the regulations.gov Web site at: https:// www.regulations.gov/index.cfm. You must include the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) in the subject line of your message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Palmer-Royston, Office of Passport Policy, Planning and Advisory Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, who may be reached at (202) 663–2662. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1101(a)(30) of Title 8, United States Code (U.S.C.), defines a passport as any VerDate jul<14>2003 17:23 Feb 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 travel document issued by a competent authority showing the bearer’s origin, identity and nationality, which is valid for the admission of the bearer into a foreign country. Acquisition of United States nationality is provided for by Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1401, et seq.), including the acquisition of U.S. nationality but not citizenship under 8 U.S.C. 1408 by individuals born in an outlying possession of the United States. Section 1185(b) of Title 8, U.S.C., requires U.S. citizens to bear a valid U.S. passport to enter or depart the United States unless excepted—exceptions are provided in 22 CFR 53.2. The Secretary of State has sole authority to grant and issue passports, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 211a. Before a passport is issued to any person by or under authority of the United States, such person must subscribe to and submit a written application, as required by 22 U.S.C. 213. During its period of validity, a passport (when issued to a U.S. citizen for the maximum period authorized by law) is a document establishing proof of United States citizenship, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2705. 22 CFR 51.2(b) provides that unless authorized by the Department no person shall bear more than one valid or potentially valid U.S. passport at any one time. The Department plans to introduce an enhanced version of the traditional passport, using an embedded electronic chip to digitally carry the information printed on the data page, a biometric version of the bearer’s photo, and coding to prevent any digital data from being altered or removed. The contents of the data page of the traditional passport have been established for a very long time by international usage and by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The current Machine Readable Passport format has been the international standard, used by the United States, since 1982 (ICAO Publication 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents, Part I, Machine Readable Passports, Fifth Edition 2003). The first passport using the enhanced, electronic passport format is expected to be issued in mid-2005. After that, the issuance technology would be sequentially placed into all passport agencies, so that, within a year, all new passports would be issued in this format. All valid old-style passports would continue to be valid until they normally expire unless they were individually invalidated. The technology selected for the electronic passport is the 64 kilobyte contactless integrated circuit chip with an antenna. The electronic chip itself PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 8305 has a very short read distance, approximately four inches. This choice is compatible with standards and recommendations of ICAO. The standards and recommendations are found in ICAO Publication 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents, Part 1, Machine Readable Passports, Fifth Edition 2003; and in the recommendations found in Technical Reports and an Annex supplementing that publication relating to the technology supporting the use of electronic chips in travel documents. Specifically, the three Technical Reports are ‘‘Development of a Logical Data Structure—LDS for Optimal Capacity Expansion Technologies,’’ Revision 1.7, May 18, 2004; ‘‘Development and Specification of Globally Interoperable Biometric Standards for Machine Assisted Identity Confirmation Using Machine Readable Travel Documents,’’ Version 2.0, May 21, 2004; ‘‘PKI for Machine Readable Travel Documents Offering ICC Read-only Access,’’ Version 1.1, October 1, 2004. The Annex is ‘‘Use of Contactless Integrated Circuits in Machine Readable Travel Documents,’’ Version 4.0, May 5, 2004. The electronic chip will carry the information on the data page of the passport plus a biometric identifier to enhance the ability to identify the bearer. The biometric chosen for the initial version of the U.S. electronic passport is the facial image, one of three biometrics currently identified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as suitable for inclusion in international travel documents, although the facial image was mandatory. Under the proposed rule, border inspectors would compare the passport bearer with the digital facial image stored on the electronic chip. ICAO also recognizes fingerprints and iris scans as acceptable biometrics. As biometric technology is rapidly advancing, the inclusion of facial image data in U.S. passports is considered a first step in ensuring that an effective biometric system is incorporated into the U.S. passport system. Using an embedded electronic chip in the passport to store the information from the passport data page will enhance the security of the document and is expected to benefit travelers by improving the ability of border officials to verify personal identities. The Department plans to use this format because of the enhanced security features and improved port of entry performance provided by the electronic chip technology. The Department considers the inclusion of biometric identifiers in international travel documents, made E:\FR\FM\18FEP1.SGM 18FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8303-8305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3191]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 33 / Friday, February 18, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 8303]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 
884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 
892B, and 895 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires 
repetitive application of dry film lubricant (DFL) to low pressure 
compressor (LPC) fan blade roots. This proposed AD would require the 
same actions but at more frequent intervals than the existing AD, add 
the Trent 884B engine to the list of engine models affected, add a fan 
blade part number (P/N) to the affected list of fan blades, and would 
relax the initial DFL repetitive application compliance time for 
certain fan blades that have never been removed from the disk. This 
proposed AD results from discovering DFL in worse condition than 
anticipated on fan blades fitted to disks previously run for a 
significant period. This proposed AD also results from the need to 
update the list of engine models affected, and to update the list of 
fan blade part numbers affected. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
LPC fan blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure 
and possible aircraft damage.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by April 19, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2001-NE-12-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
     By fax: (781) 238-7055.
     By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
    You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone: (781) 238-7175, fax: (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2001-NE-12--AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and 
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received 
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those 
comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Discussion

    On May 16, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-10-15, Amendment 39-12761 
(67 FR 36803, May 28, 2002). That AD requires repetitive application of 
DFL to LPC fan blade roots. That AD resulted from an aborted take-off 
resulting from LPC fan blade loss, and reports of four cracked LPC fan 
blade roots.

Actions Since AD 2002-10-15 was Issued

    Since that AD was issued, we have determined from a sampling of DFL 
coatings on fan blades, that the DFL coating condition has some 
variation. The condition appears worse than anticipated on fan blades 
fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. Also, since 
that AD was issued, we discovered that the Trent 884B engine needs to 
be added to the applicability list, and fan blade, P/N FW23552, needs 
to be added to the list of affected blades.

Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed

    Paragraph (d) of the current AD, AD 2002-10-15, contains a 
paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final 
rule does not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with 
regard to the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to 
a repair facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we 
published a new Part 39 that contains a general authority regarding 
special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No. 
FAA-2004-8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus, 
when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on 
special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general 
authority granted in section 39.23.

Replacement of References to Manual Tasks, Repair Schemes, and Coatings

    In this proposed AD, we have replaced references in AD 2002-10-15 
to Aircraft Maintenance Manual task 72-31-11-300-801-R00 (Repair Scheme 
FRS A031 by air spray method only), Engine Manual task 72-31-11-R001 
(Repair Scheme FRS A028), and lubricants, Dow Corning 321R (Rolls-Royce 
(RR) Omat item 4/51), Rocol Dry Moly Spray (RR Omat item 4/52), Molydag 
709 (RR Omat item 444), or PL.237/R1 (RR Omat item 4/43), with a 
reference to RR Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AD347, Revision 6, 
dated April 22, 2004, which contains that information.

[[Page 8304]]

Bilateral Agreement Information

    These engine models are manufactured in the U.K. and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would:
     Require repetitive application of DFL to LPC fan blade 
roots at more frequent intervals than the existing AD;
     Add the Trent 884B engine to the applicability;
     Add a fan blade P/N to the affected list of fan blades; 
and
     Relax the initial DFL repetitive application compliance 
time for certain fan blades that have never been removed from the disk.

Costs of Compliance

    There are approximately 388 RR RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 884B, 
892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 106 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We 
also estimate that it would take approximately six work hours per 
engine to perform the DFL application, and that the average labor rate 
is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total 
cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to perform one repetitive 
application of DFL to the affected engines to be $41,340.

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); and
    3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-12761 (67 FR 
36803, May 28, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to 
read as follows:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2001-NE-12-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by April 19, 
2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-10-15, Amendment 39-12761.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, 
877, 884, 884B, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines with low 
pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade part numbers (P/Ns): FK 30838, 
FK30840, FK30842, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, FW13175, FW18548, or 
FW23552. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 
777 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the discovery of dry film lubricant 
(DFL) condition appearing worse than anticipated on fan blades 
fitted to disks previously run for a significant period. This AD 
also results from the need to update the list of engine models 
affected, and to update the list of fan blade part numbers affected. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent LPC fan 
blade loss, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and 
possible aircraft damage.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.
    (f) Apply an approved DFL to LPC fan blade roots as follows:
    (1) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FW13175, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, 
FW18548, and FW23552 that have never been removed from the disk, 
apply DFL at the first removal from the disk or before 1,200 cycles-
in-service (CIS), whichever occurs first.
    (2) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FW13175, FW12960, FW12961, FW12962, 
FW18548, and FW23552 that have been removed from the disk since 
entering service, apply DFL before accumulating 600 cycles-since-new 
(CSN) or before accumulating 600 cycles-since-last DFL application, 
or within 200 CIS from the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
    (3) For LPC fan blades P/Ns FK30842, FK30840, and FK300838, 
apply DFL before accumulating 600 CSN or before accumulating 600 
cycles-since-last DFL application, or within 100 CIS after July 2, 
2002 (effective date of superseded AD 2002-10-15), whichever occurs 
first.
    (4) Thereafter, reapply DFL to LPC fan blade roots within 600 
cycles-since-last DFL application.
    (5) Information on applying DFL to fan blade roots can be found 
in RR Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AD347, Revision 6, dated 
April 22, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

[[Page 8305]]

Related Information

    (h) Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G-2004-
0008, dated April 29, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 10, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3191 Filed 2-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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