Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Turbofan Engines, 30653-30655 [05-10635]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 102 / Friday, May 27, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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.
2000–NE–12–AD’’ in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to 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 39–12218 (66 FR
20910, April 26, 2001) and by adding a
new airworthiness directive, to read as
follows:
Turbomeca: Docket No. 2000–NE–12–AD.
Revises AD 2001–08–14, Amendment
39–12218.
Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
applicable to Arrius Models 2B, 2B1, and 2F
engines. These engines are installed on but
not limited to Eurocopter France Model
EC120B and Eurocopter Deutschland EC135
T1 rotorcraft.
Note 1: This AD applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability
provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For
engines that have been modified, altered, or
repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the
owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in
accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD.
The request should include an assessment of
the effect of the modification, alteration, or
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by
this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not
been eliminated, the request should include
specific proposed actions to address it.
Compliance
Compliance with this AD is required as
indicated, unless already done.
To prevent engine flameout and the
inability to maintain the 2.5 minutes one
engine inoperative (OEI) rating due to
blockage of the fuel injection manifolds, do
the following:
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:27 May 26, 2005
Jkt 205001
Initial Replacement
(a) If not already done in accordance with
Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
A319 73 2012, Revision 2, dated May 25,
1999, or Revision 3, dated July 21, 2000, or
ASB No. A319 73 4001, Revision 3, dated
May 25, 1999 or Revision 4, dated October
20, 2000, replace injector manifolds and
borescope-inspect the flame tube and the
high pressure turbine area within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, or prior to
exceeding 200 hours time-in-service (TIS),
whichever is later. Do these in accordance
with Instructions 2.A. through 2.C. of
Turbomeca ASB No. A319 73 2012, Revision
6, dated August 14, 2004 for Arrius 2B and
2B1 turboshaft engines, and ASB No. A319
73 4001, Revision 7, dated August 14, 2004,
for Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, except that
replacement may be done at any
appropriately rated repair shop.
Repetitive Replacements
(b) Thereafter, replace injector manifolds,
in accordance with Instructions 2.A. through
2.C. of Turbomeca ASB No. A319 73 2012,
Revision 6, dated August 14, 2004 for Arrius
2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines, and ASB No.
A319 73 4001, Revision 7, dated August 14,
2004, for Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, except
that replacement may be done at any
appropriately rated repair shop, as follows:
(1) For Arrius 2B and 2B1 engines, replace
within 200 hours TIS since last injector
manifolds replacement.
(2) For Arrius 2F engines, replace within
400 hours TIS since last injector manifolds
replacement.
(3) For all engines, replace injector
manifolds before further flight after
performing the applicable flight manual or
overhaul manual power check if that check
shows a negative turbine outlet temperature
(TOT) margin or negative T4 margin.
Definition
(c) For the purposes of this AD, time-inservice (TIS) is defined as the number of
engine operating hours on the manifolds
since the manifolds were new or since the
manifolds were refurbished.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or
adjustment of the compliance time that
provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine
Certification Office. Operators shall submit
their request through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may
add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the
existence of approved alternative methods of
compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine
Certification Office.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a
location where the requirements of this AD
can be accomplished.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
30653
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 23, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–10634 Filed 5–26–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003–NE–38–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Turbofan
Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR)
models RB211 Trent 875–17, Trent 877–
17, Trent 884–17, Trent 884B–17, Trent
892–17, Trent 892B–17, and Trent 895–
17 turbofan engines with low pressure
(LP) compressor fan blades, part number
(P/N) FW18548 installed. That AD
currently requires LP compressor fan
blade replacement with new or
previously reworked blades, or rework
of the existing LP compressor fan
blades. This proposed AD would require
the same actions but at reduced
compliance times for certain airplane
and engine rating combinations and
certain maximum gross weight limits.
This proposed AD results from a
number of new production LP
compressor blades found with surfaces
formed outside of design intent. We are
proposing this AD to prevent possible
multiple uncontained LP compressor
fan blade failure, due to cracking in the
blade root caused by increased stresses
in the shear key slots.
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by July 26, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD:
• By mail: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003–NE–
38–AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803–5299.
• By fax: (781) 238–7055.
• By e-mail: 9-aneadcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from
E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM
27MYP1
30654
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 102 / Friday, May 27, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby,
England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011–44–
1332–242424; fax: 011–44–1332–
245418.
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 send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No.
2003–NE–38–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 July 14, 2004, we issued AD 2004–
15–02, Amendment 39–13736 (69 FR
44925, July 28, 2004). That AD requires
LP compressor fan blade replacement
with new or previously reworked
blades, or rework of the existing LP
compressor fan blades. The Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the
airworthiness authority for the United
Kingdom (U.K.), notified the FAA that
an unsafe condition may exist on RollsRoyce plc RB211 Trent 800 Series
turbofan engines. The CAA advises that
RR has introduced revised rework lives
for LP compressor fan blades, P/N
FW18548, in redefined airplane and
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:27 May 26, 2005
Jkt 205001
engine rating combinations. These
rating combinations also take into
account the airplane gross weight.
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S.
operators to be $689,000.
Relevant Service Information
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.
We have reviewed and approved the
technical contents of RR Service
Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211–72–E044,
Revision 2, dated October 8, 2004, that
describes procedures for inspecting and
reworking LP compressor fan blades
P/N FW18548, that utilize the shear key
blade retention device. The CAA
classified this service bulletin as
mandatory and issued AD G–2004–
0030, dated December 23, 2004, in order
to ensure the airworthiness of these
RB211 Trent 800 series turbofan engines
in the U.K.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in
the U.K. and is 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. In keeping
with this bilateral airworthiness
agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described
above. We have 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
at or before the accumulation of certain
cycles-since-new based on airplane and
engine rating combinations and airplane
gross weight, replacement of LP
compressor fan blades with new or
previously reworked LP compressor fan
blades, or rework of the existing blades.
The proposed AD would require that
you do these actions using the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
About 392 RR RB211 Trent 800 series
turbofan engines of the affected design
are in the worldwide fleet. We estimate
that this proposed AD would affect 106
engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that about 100
work hours per engine are needed to
perform blade rework, and that the
average labor rate is $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Authority for This Rulemaking
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.
2003–NE–38–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:
E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM
27MYP1
30655
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 102 / Friday, May 27, 2005 / Proposed Rules
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
airworthiness directive (AD) action by July
26, 2005.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2004–15–02,
Amendment 39–13736.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Amendment 39–13736 (69 FR
44925, July 28, 2004) and by adding a
new airworthiness directive, to read as
follows:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2003–NE–38–
AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR)
models RB211 Trent 875–17, Trent 877–17,
Trent 884–17, Trent 884B–17, Trent 892–17,
Trent 892B–17, and Trent 895–17 turbofan
engines, with low pressure (LP) compressor
fan blades, part number FW18548 installed.
These engines are installed on, but not
limited to, Boeing 777 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a number of new
production LP compressor blades found with
surfaces formed outside of design intent. We
are issuing this AD to prevent possible
multiple uncontained LP compressor fan
blade failure, due to cracking in the blade
root caused by increased stresses in the shear
key slots.
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.
Actions Required for LP Compressor Fan
Blades
(f) Replace LP compressor fan blades with
new or previously reworked LP compressor
blades before accumulating the specified
cycles-since-new (CSN) in the following
Table 1, or rework the existing blades as
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
TABLE 1.—LP COMPRESSOR FAN BLADE REPLACEMENT OR REWORK SCHEDULE
Airplane maximum gross weight
(times 1,000 pounds)
RB211 Trent engine model
660, 632.5 ..............................................
656 .........................................................
648 .........................................................
632.5 ......................................................
632.5 ......................................................
555 .........................................................
545 .........................................................
535 .........................................................
506 .........................................................
–884, –892, –884B ................................
–892, –895 .............................................
–892, –892B ...........................................
–892B .....................................................
–892 .......................................................
–884 .......................................................
–877 .......................................................
–875 .......................................................
–875 .......................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
(g) Rework LP compressor fan blades at or
before accumulating the specified CSN in
Table 1 of this AD. Follow paragraphs 3.B.(1)
through 3.B.(22) of Accomplishment
Instructions of RR service bulletin (SB) No.
RB.211–72–E044, Revision 2, dated October
8, 2004, to do the blade rework.
(h) For engines moved between
configurations, calculate the cycles
remaining using either of the following:
(1) Subtract the total CSN from the most
limiting configuration’s limit from Table 1 of
this AD; or
(2) Calculate the cycles remaining using
the following equation:
X
X
X
X r = L c 1 − 1 + 2 + 3 +.....
L3
L1 L 2
Where:
Xr = Cycles remaining in current
configuration.
Lc = Cyclic limit of current configuration
from Table 1 of this AD.
Xn = Cycles accumulated in configuration n.
Ln = Cyclic limit in configuration n from
Table 1 of this AD.
(i) Information on the source life of the
cycle limits in Table 1 of this AD can be
found in RR Alert SB No. RB.211–72–AE055,
Revision 3, dated May 28, 2004.
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:27 May 26, 2005
Jkt 205001
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) 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.
(k) CAA airworthiness directive G–2004–
030, dated December 23, 2004, and RR Alert
SB No. RB.211–72–AE055, Revision 4, dated
December 9, 2004, pertain to the subject of
this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 23, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–10635 Filed 5–26–05; 8:45 am]
Fmt 4702
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security
15 CFR Parts 734 and 772
RIN: 0694–AD29
Revision and Clarification of Deemed
Export Related Regulatory
Requirements
Bureau of Industry and
Security, Commerce.
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed
rulemaking; extension of comment
period.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice extends the
comment period on an advance notice
of proposed rulemaking addressing
potential regulatory and policy changes
that would effect existing BIS deemed
export licensing practices. BIS is
continuing to seek comments on how
these revisions would impact industry,
the academic community, and U.S.
government agencies involved in
research. The new comment period
deadline is June 27, 2005.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Frm 00009
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
CSN.
[Docket No. 050316075–5133–02]
Related Information
PO 00000
2,400
2,400
3,200
3,200
4,100
4,100
4,100
4,100
4,100
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM
27MYP1
EP27MY05.000
Boeing 777 series
–300
–200
–200
–200
–200
–200
–200
–200
–200
Replace or rework LP compressor fan
blades before
accumulating
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 102 (Friday, May 27, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30653-30655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-10635]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 800 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) models RB211 Trent 875-17,
Trent 877-17, Trent 884-17, Trent 884B-17, Trent 892-17, Trent 892B-17,
and Trent 895-17 turbofan engines with low pressure (LP) compressor fan
blades, part number (P/N) FW18548 installed. That AD currently requires
LP compressor fan blade replacement with new or previously reworked
blades, or rework of the existing LP compressor fan blades. This
proposed AD would require the same actions but at reduced compliance
times for certain airplane and engine rating combinations and certain
maximum gross weight limits. This proposed AD results from a number of
new production LP compressor blades found with surfaces formed outside
of design intent. We are proposing this AD to prevent possible multiple
uncontained LP compressor fan blade failure, due to cracking in the
blade root caused by increased stresses in the shear key slots.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by July 26,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2003-NE-38-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from
[[Page 30654]]
Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-44-
1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418.
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 send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-38-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 July 14, 2004, we issued AD 2004-15-02, Amendment 39-13736 (69
FR 44925, July 28, 2004). That AD requires LP compressor fan blade
replacement with new or previously reworked blades, or rework of the
existing LP compressor fan blades. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (U.K.),
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Rolls-Royce plc
RB211 Trent 800 Series turbofan engines. The CAA advises that RR has
introduced revised rework lives for LP compressor fan blades, P/N
FW18548, in redefined airplane and engine rating combinations. These
rating combinations also take into account the airplane gross weight.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR Service
Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-E044, Revision 2, dated October 8, 2004,
that describes procedures for inspecting and reworking LP compressor
fan blades P/N FW18548, that utilize the shear key blade retention
device. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and
issued AD G-2004-0030, dated December 23, 2004, in order to ensure the
airworthiness of these RB211 Trent 800 series turbofan engines in the
U.K.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in the U.K. and is 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. In keeping with this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have 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 at or before the accumulation of certain cycles-since-new
based on airplane and engine rating combinations and airplane gross
weight, replacement of LP compressor fan blades with new or previously
reworked LP compressor fan blades, or rework of the existing blades.
The proposed AD would require that you do these actions using the
service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
About 392 RR RB211 Trent 800 series turbofan engines of the
affected design are in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that this
proposed AD would affect 106 engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that about 100 work hours per engine are
needed to perform blade rework, 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 be $689,000.
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. 2003-NE-38-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:
[[Page 30655]]
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 39-13736 (69 FR
44925, July 28, 2004) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to
read as follows:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2003-NE-38-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by July 26,
2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-15-02, Amendment 39-13736.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) models RB211 Trent
875-17, Trent 877-17, Trent 884-17, Trent 884B-17, Trent 892-17,
Trent 892B-17, and Trent 895-17 turbofan engines, with low pressure
(LP) compressor fan blades, part number FW18548 installed. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777 series
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a number of new production LP
compressor blades found with surfaces formed outside of design
intent. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible multiple
uncontained LP compressor fan blade failure, due to cracking in the
blade root caused by increased stresses in the shear key slots.
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.
Actions Required for LP Compressor Fan Blades
(f) Replace LP compressor fan blades with new or previously
reworked LP compressor blades before accumulating the specified
cycles-since-new (CSN) in the following Table 1, or rework the
existing blades as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Table 1.--LP Compressor Fan Blade Replacement or Rework Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane maximum gross Replace or rework LP
Boeing 777 series weight (times 1,000 RB211 Trent engine compressor fan blades
pounds) model before accumulating
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-300............................... 660, 632.5............ -884, -892, -884B..... 2,400 CSN.
-200............................... 656................... -892, -895............ 2,400 CSN.
-200............................... 648................... -892, -892B........... 3,200 CSN.
-200............................... 632.5................. -892B................. 3,200 CSN.
-200............................... 632.5................. -892.................. 4,100 CSN.
-200............................... 555................... -884.................. 4,100 CSN.
-200............................... 545................... -877.................. 4,100 CSN.
-200............................... 535................... -875.................. 4,100 CSN.
-200............................... 506................... -875.................. 4,100 CSN.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(g) Rework LP compressor fan blades at or before accumulating
the specified CSN in Table 1 of this AD. Follow paragraphs 3.B.(1)
through 3.B.(22) of Accomplishment Instructions of RR service
bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-E044, Revision 2, dated October 8, 2004,
to do the blade rework.
(h) For engines moved between configurations, calculate the
cycles remaining using either of the following:
(1) Subtract the total CSN from the most limiting
configuration's limit from Table 1 of this AD; or
(2) Calculate the cycles remaining using the following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY05.000
Where:
Xr = Cycles remaining in current configuration.
Lc = Cyclic limit of current configuration from Table 1 of this AD.
Xn = Cycles accumulated in configuration n.
Ln = Cyclic limit in configuration n from Table 1 of this AD.
(i) Information on the source life of the cycle limits in Table
1 of this AD can be found in RR Alert SB No. RB.211-72-AE055,
Revision 3, dated May 28, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) 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.
Related Information
(k) CAA airworthiness directive G-2004-030, dated December 23,
2004, and RR Alert SB No. RB.211-72-AE055, Revision 4, dated
December 9, 2004, pertain to the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-10635 Filed 5-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P