Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500, 700 and 800 Series Turbofan Engines, 10415-10417 [06-1827]

Download as PDF 10415 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 71, No. 40 Wednesday, March 1, 2006 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–23604, Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–49–AD; Amendment 39– 14498; AD 2006–05–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500, 700 and 800 Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. erjones on PROD1PC61 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for RollsRoyce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series turbofan engines. This AD requires inspecting all engines to determine those that are equipped with a suspect oil filler cap assembly. This AD also requires, within seven days of the effective date of this AD, an initial and repetitive check of oil cap security following oil servicing of multipleengine airplanes having more than one suspect oil filler cap assembly installed. Finally, this AD requires replacing affected oil filler cap assemblies. This AD results from four in-service oil loss events since March 2005, following failures to properly install the oil tank filler cap after oil servicing. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in multiple engine in-flight shutdowns during a flight. DATES: Effective March 16, 2006. We must receive any comments on this AD by May 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD: • DOT Docket web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Feb 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), on behalf of the United Kingdom, recently notified us that an unsafe condition might exist on RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series turbofan engines. EASA advises that four in-service oil loss events have occurred since March 2005, after failures to properly install the oil tank filler cap after oil servicing. An unseated O-ring compromised the secondary sealing feature (flap valve) of the oil tank filler assembly, which would have prevented significant loss of oil on these engines during flight. The manufacturer omitted an optional notch on the O-ring locating slot of the filler cap. They have since determined that omitting the notch can cause the O-ring to unseat during flight. The manufacturer has identified a suspect group of affected oil filler cap assemblies that must be replaced. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in multiple engine inflight shutdowns during a flight. Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement These RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series engines are manufactured in the United Kingdom 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. Under this bilateral PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 airworthiness agreement, EASA kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of the EASA, 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 This AD Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use these engines, the possibility exists that the engines could be used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in multiple engine in-flight shutdowns. This AD requires inspection of all engines to determine those that are equipped with a suspect oil filler cap assembly. This AD also requires, within seven days of the effective date of this AD, an initial and repetitive check of oil cap security following oil servicing of multiple-engine airplanes having more than one suspect oil filler cap assembly installed. Finally, this AD requires replacement of the suspect group of oil filler cap assemblies. You must use the service information described previously to perform the actions required by this AD. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. A situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘AD Docket No. FAA–2006–23604; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–49–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1 10416 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 1, 2006 / Rules and Regulations aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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. We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management Facility Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. erjones on PROD1PC61 with RULES 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 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Feb 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 Adoption of the Amendment Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: I PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: I 2006–05–01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39–14498. Docket No. FAA–2006–23604; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–49–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 16, 2006. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553–61, 556B–61, 556–61, 560– 61, 553A2–61, 556A2–61, 556B2–61, 560A2– 61, 768–60, 772–60, 772B–60, 892–17, 884– 17, 892B–17, 895–17, 675–17, 884B–17, and 877–17 turbofan engines with oil filler cap assembly part number (P/N) 436–408–2 and serial numbers (SNs) 1156 through 1410 not marked with the letter ‘‘R’’ next to the SN. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340–541, A340–642, A330–243, A330–341, A330–342, and Boeing 777 airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from four in-service oil loss events since March 2005, following failures to properly install the oil tank filler Frm 00002 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. Identification of Affected Engines (f) Identify all engines with oil filler cap assembly, P/N 436–408–2, and SNs 1156 through 1410, not marked with the letter ‘‘R’’ next to the SN. Independent Inspection (g) Within seven days after the effective date of this AD, conduct an independent inspection for security of the oil filler cap after oil servicing on any airplane with more than one of the affected oil filler cap assemblies installed. (h) Repeat the inspection after every oil servicing. Replacement of Affected Oil Filler Cap Assemblies (i) Replace affected oil filler cap assemblies as follows: (1) For Trent 768–60, 772–60, 772B–60, 892–17, 884–17, 892B–17, 895–17, 675–17, 884B–17, and 877–17 turbofan engines with two affected oil filler cap assemblies on the same airplane, replace one oil filler cap assembly within 75 days after the effective date of this AD, and the other within 165 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) For Trent 553–61, 556B–61, 556–61, 560–61, 553A2–61, 556A2–61, 556B2–61, 560A2–61 turbofan engines in position 1 or 4, replace the affected oil filler cap assemblies within 75 days after the effective date of this AD, and (3) For Trent 553–61, 556B–61, 556–61, 560–61, 553A2–61, 556A2–61, 556B2–61, 560A2–61 engines in position 2 or 3, replace the affected oil filler cap assemblies within 165 days after the effective date of this AD. Definition Affected ADs (b) None. PO 00000 cap after oil servicing. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in multiple engine in-flight shutdowns during a flight. Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (j) For the purposes of this AD, an ‘‘independent inspection’’ means inspection and confirmation by a qualified person who was not involved in the original oil servicing. Alternative Methods of Compliance (k) 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 (l) Information on replacing the oil filler cap can be found in Rolls-Royce Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211–79– AE964, dated October 13, 2005. (m) EASA airworthiness directive 2005– 0025, dated October 26, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 1, 2006 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 22, 2006. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06–1827 Filed 2–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2006–23896; Airspace Docket No. 06–ACE–2] Modification of Class E Airspace; Scott City Municipal Airport, KS Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Direct final rule; request for comments. erjones on PROD1PC61 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR 71) by revising the Class E airspace area at Scott City, KS. A review of the controlled airspace at Scott City, KS revealed that the area does not comply with the criteria for 700 feet above ground level (AGL) airspace required for diverse departures and does not reflect the current Scott City, KS Municipal Airport airport reference point (ARP). This action increases the radius of the existing controlled airspace at Scott City, KS and corrects the ARP in the legal description. DATES: This direct final rule is effective on 0901 UTC, June 8, 2006. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before March 31, 2006. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must identify the docket number FAA–2006–23896/ Airspace Docket No. 06–ACE–2, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–5527) is on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Mumper, Air Traffic Division, Airspace Branch, ACE–520A, DOT Regional Headquarters Building, Federal Aviation Administration, 901 Locust, VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Feb 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone: (816) 329–2524. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment to 14 CFR 71 modifies the Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet AGL at Scott City, KS. A review of the controlled airspace at Scott City, KS revealed that the area does not comply with the criteria for 700 feet above ground level (AGL) airspace required for diverse departures and does not reflect the current ARP. The radius of the Class E airspace area is expanded from within a 6.5-mile radius to within a 6.9 mile radius of the airport and corrects the ARP in the legal description. These modifications bring the legal description of the Scott City, KS Class E airspace area into compliance with FAA Orders 7400.2F and 8260.19C. Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9N, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 1, 2005, and effective September 16, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. The Direct Final Rule Procedure The FAA anticipates that this regulation will not result in adverse or negative comment and, therefore, is issuing it as a direct final rule. Previous actions of this nature have not been controversial and have not resulted in adverse comments or objections. Unless a written adverse or negative comment or a written notice of intent to submit an adverse or negative comment is received within the comment period, the regulation will become effective on the date specified above. After the close of the comment period, the FAA will publish a document in the Federal Register indicating that no adverse or negative comments were received and confirming the date on which the final rule will become effective. If the FAA does receive, within the comment period, an adverse or negative comment, or written notice of intent to submit such a comment, a document withdrawing the direct final rule will be published in the Federal Register, and a notice of proposed rulemaking may be published with a new comment period. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this rulemaking by submitting such written data, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 10417 presented are participating helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2006–23896/Airspace Docket No. 06–ACE–2.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. Agency Findings The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. The FAA has determined that this regulation is noncontroversial and unlikely to result in adverse or negative comments. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, I certify that this regulation (1) is not a ‘‘significant action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart I, section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority since it contains aircraft executing instrument approach procedures to Scott City Municipal Airport, KS. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows: I E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10415-10417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1827]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 1, 2006 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 10415]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23604, Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-49-AD; 
Amendment 39-14498; AD 2006-05-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500, 700 
and 800 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series turbofan 
engines. This AD requires inspecting all engines to determine those 
that are equipped with a suspect oil filler cap assembly. This AD also 
requires, within seven days of the effective date of this AD, an 
initial and repetitive check of oil cap security following oil 
servicing of multiple-engine airplanes having more than one suspect oil 
filler cap assembly installed. Finally, this AD requires replacing 
affected oil filler cap assemblies. This AD results from four in-
service oil loss events since March 2005, following failures to 
properly install the oil tank filler cap after oil servicing. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in multiple 
engine in-flight shutdowns during a flight.

DATES: Effective March 16, 2006.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by May 1, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
     DOT Docket web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), 
on behalf of the United Kingdom, recently notified us that an unsafe 
condition might exist on RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series 
turbofan engines. EASA advises that four in-service oil loss events 
have occurred since March 2005, after failures to properly install the 
oil tank filler cap after oil servicing. An unseated O-ring compromised 
the secondary sealing feature (flap valve) of the oil tank filler 
assembly, which would have prevented significant loss of oil on these 
engines during flight. The manufacturer omitted an optional notch on 
the O-ring locating slot of the filler cap. They have since determined 
that omitting the notch can cause the O-ring to unseat during flight. 
The manufacturer has identified a suspect group of affected oil filler 
cap assemblies that must be replaced. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
oil loss that could result in multiple engine in-flight shutdowns 
during a flight.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    These RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series engines are 
manufactured in the United Kingdom 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. Under this bilateral airworthiness 
agreement, EASA kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. 
We have examined the findings of the EASA, 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 This AD

    Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use 
these engines, the possibility exists that the engines could be used on 
airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. The 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on 
other RR RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 series engines of the same type 
design. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss that could result in 
multiple engine in-flight shutdowns. This AD requires inspection of all 
engines to determine those that are equipped with a suspect oil filler 
cap assembly. This AD also requires, within seven days of the effective 
date of this AD, an initial and repetitive check of oil cap security 
following oil servicing of multiple-engine airplanes having more than 
one suspect oil filler cap assembly installed. Finally, this AD 
requires replacement of the suspect group of oil filler cap assemblies. 
You must use the service information described previously to perform 
the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine 
model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are unnecessary. A situation exists that allows the immediate adoption 
of this regulation.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2006-23604; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-49-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy

[[Page 10416]]

aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. We will 
post all comments we receive, without change, to https://dms.dot.gov, 
including any personal information you provide. We will also post a 
report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS web site, 
anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including 
the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment 
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may 
review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register 
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
the DMS receives them.

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 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal 
Aviation Administration 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2006-05-01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-14498. Docket No. FAA-2006-
23604; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-49-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
16, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553-61, 556B-
61, 556-61, 560-61, 553A2-61, 556A2-61, 556B2-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 
772-60, 772B-60, 892-17, 884-17, 892B-17, 895-17, 675-17, 884B-17, 
and 877-17 turbofan engines with oil filler cap assembly part number 
(P/N) 436-408-2 and serial numbers (SNs) 1156 through 1410 not 
marked with the letter ``R'' next to the SN. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340-541, A340-642, A330-
243, A330-341, A330-342, and Boeing 777 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from four in-service oil loss events since 
March 2005, following failures to properly install the oil tank 
filler cap after oil servicing. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
oil loss that could result in multiple engine in-flight shutdowns 
during a flight.

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.

Identification of Affected Engines

    (f) Identify all engines with oil filler cap assembly, P/N 436-
408-2, and SNs 1156 through 1410, not marked with the letter ``R'' 
next to the SN.

Independent Inspection

    (g) Within seven days after the effective date of this AD, 
conduct an independent inspection for security of the oil filler cap 
after oil servicing on any airplane with more than one of the 
affected oil filler cap assemblies installed.
    (h) Repeat the inspection after every oil servicing.

Replacement of Affected Oil Filler Cap Assemblies

    (i) Replace affected oil filler cap assemblies as follows:
    (1) For Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 892-17, 884-17, 892B-17, 
895-17, 675-17, 884B-17, and 877-17 turbofan engines with two 
affected oil filler cap assemblies on the same airplane, replace one 
oil filler cap assembly within 75 days after the effective date of 
this AD, and the other within 165 days after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (2) For Trent 553-61, 556B-61, 556-61, 560-61, 553A2-61, 556A2-
61, 556B2-61, 560A2-61 turbofan engines in position 1 or 4, replace 
the affected oil filler cap assemblies within 75 days after the 
effective date of this AD, and
    (3) For Trent 553-61, 556B-61, 556-61, 560-61, 553A2-61, 556A2-
61, 556B2-61, 560A2-61 engines in position 2 or 3, replace the 
affected oil filler cap assemblies within 165 days after the 
effective date of this AD.

Definition

    (j) For the purposes of this AD, an ``independent inspection'' 
means inspection and confirmation by a qualified person who was not 
involved in the original oil servicing.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) 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

    (l) Information on replacing the oil filler cap can be found in 
Rolls-Royce Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-79-AE964, 
dated October 13, 2005.
    (m) EASA airworthiness directive 2005-0025, dated October 26, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.


[[Page 10417]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 22, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1827 Filed 2-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.