Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 Series Turbofan Engines, 58267-58268 [E7-20242]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 198 / Monday, October 15, 2007 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28059; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–13–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 500, 700, and 800 Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) provided by the aviation authority of the United Kingdom to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI states the following: This action is necessary following the discovery of IP Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore presents a potential unsafe condition. We are proposing this AD to detect cracking on the intermediate pressure (IP) Compressor rotor rear balance land. IP compressor rotor rear balance land cracking can lead to uncontained failure of the rotor and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 14, 2007. You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. ADDRESSES: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:33 Oct 12, 2007 Jkt 214001 comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7175; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–28059; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–13–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. 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 we receive about this proposed AD. 58267 evidence suggests it relates to an unusual balance weight condition. You may obtain further information by examining the EASA AD in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information RR has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211–72–AF313, dated February 22, 2007 and ASB RB.211–72– AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the EASA AD. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of the United Kingdom, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require inspecting the IP Compressor rotor rear balance land for cracks. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007–0052, dated February 23, 2007 to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The EASA AD states: Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 110 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3.5 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $30,800. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage. This Airworthiness Directive requires inspections for cracks in the rear balance land of the IP Compressor Rotor. The inspections comprise an on-wing one-off inspection by borescope for RR Trent 800 engines which must be completed within a short timescale, and in-shop inspections to be completed at each opportunity for RR Trent 500, 700 and 800 engines (the in-shop inspection may be carried out in lieu of the on-wing inspection for the Trent 800 engines if it is accomplished within the timescale applicable to the on-wing inspection). This action is necessary following the discovery of IP Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore presents a potential unsafe condition. The cause of the cracking is currently not fully understood but 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\15OCP1.SGM 15OCP1 58268 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 198 / Monday, October 15, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 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 this 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. 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 FAA 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 adding the following new AD: Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA–2007– 28059; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE– 13–AD. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by November 14, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553–61, 553A2–61, 556–61, 556A2–61, 556B–61, 560–61, 560A2–61, 768–60, 772–60, 772B–60, 772C–60, 875–17, 877–17, 884–17, 884B–17, 892–17, 892B–17, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:33 Oct 12, 2007 Jkt 214001 and 895–17 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A330, A340–500, A340–600, and Boeing 777 series airplanes. Reason (d) This action is necessary following the discovery of IP Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore presents a potential unsafe condition. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. We are proposing this AD to detect cracking on the intermediate pressure (IP) Compressor rotor rear balance land. IP compressor rotor rear balance land cracking can lead to uncontained failure of the rotor and damage to the airplane. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions: Inspection—On-Wing (1) Applicable to RR Trent 800 engines not previously inspected per Rolls-Royce RB211 Propulsion System Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211–72–AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007 or original issue, dated October17, 2006: Within 400 flight cycles of the Effective Date of this AD inspect the IP Compressor rotor rear balance land for cracks in accordance with Rolls-Royce RB211 Propulsion System Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211–72–AF313, dated February 22, 2007 section 3 Accomplishment Instructions. Engines on which cracking is found should be rejected from service. Inspection—In-Shop (2) Applicable to RR Trent 500, 700 and 800 engines at each shop visit in which the engine is sufficiently disassembled to access the IP Compressor Module rear face: Inspect the IP Compressor rotor rear balance land for cracks in accordance with Rolls-Royce RB211 Propulsion System Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211–72–AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007, or original issue section 3 Accomplishment Instructions. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (g) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007–0052, dated February 23, 2007, and Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211–72–AF313, dated February 22, 2007, and ASB RB.211–72–AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007, for related information. (h) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7175; fax (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 9, 2007. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–20242 Filed 10–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 541 [Docket No. NHTSA 2007–28874] Preliminary Theft Data; Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Publication of preliminary theft data; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document requests comments on data about passenger motor vehicle thefts that occurred in calendar year (CY) 2005 including theft rates for existing passenger motor vehicle lines manufactured in model year (MY) 2005. The preliminary theft data indicate that the vehicle theft rate for CY/MY 2005 vehicles (1.85 thefts per thousand vehicles) increased by 1.1 percent from the theft rate for CY/MY 2004 vehicles (1.83 thefts per thousand vehicles). Publication of these data fulfills NHTSA’s statutory obligation to periodically obtain accurate and timely theft data, and publish the information for review and comment. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before December 14, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by DOT Docket No. NHTSA– 2007–28874) by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 202–493–2251. Instructions: For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the Public Participation heading of E:\FR\FM\15OCP1.SGM 15OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 198 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58267-58268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20242]



[[Page 58267]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) provided by the aviation 
authority of the United Kingdom to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI states the following:

    This action is necessary following the discovery of IP 
Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 
800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a 
possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore 
presents a potential unsafe condition.

    We are proposing this AD to detect cracking on the intermediate 
pressure (IP) Compressor rotor rear balance land. IP compressor rotor 
rear balance land cracking can lead to uncontained failure of the rotor 
and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 14, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as the 
Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-
mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 
238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
28059; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-13-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0052, dated February 23, 2007 to correct 
an unsafe condition for the specified products. The EASA AD states:

    This Airworthiness Directive requires inspections for cracks in 
the rear balance land of the IP Compressor Rotor. The inspections 
comprise an on-wing one-off inspection by borescope for RR Trent 800 
engines which must be completed within a short timescale, and in-
shop inspections to be completed at each opportunity for RR Trent 
500, 700 and 800 engines (the in-shop inspection may be carried out 
in lieu of the on-wing inspection for the Trent 800 engines if it is 
accomplished within the timescale applicable to the on-wing 
inspection). This action is necessary following the discovery of IP 
Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 
800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a 
possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore 
presents a potential unsafe condition. The cause of the cracking is 
currently not fully understood but evidence suggests it relates to 
an unusual balance weight condition.

You may obtain further information by examining the EASA AD in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    RR has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211-72-AF313, dated 
February 22, 2007 and ASB RB.211-72-AF260, Revision 1, dated January 
17, 2007. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the EASA AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of the 
United Kingdom, and is approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, they have 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design. This proposed AD would require inspecting the IP 
Compressor rotor rear balance land for cracks.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 110 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 3.5 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions 
and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. 
operators to be $30,800. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible 
warranty coverage.

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

[[Page 58268]]

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 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 this 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. 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 FAA 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 adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2007-28059; Directorate Identifier 
2007-NE-13-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 14, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553-61, 
553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-
60, 772B-60, 772C-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-
17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but 
not limited to, Airbus A330, A340-500, A340-600, and Boeing 777 
series airplanes.

Reason

    (d) This action is necessary following the discovery of IP 
Compressor Rotor rear balance land cracking on an in-service Trent 
800 engine. Stress analysis of the damaged rotor has shown a 
possible threat to the rotor integrity, the cracking therefore 
presents a potential unsafe condition. The proposed AD would require 
actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described 
in the MCAI.
    We are proposing this AD to detect cracking on the intermediate 
pressure (IP) Compressor rotor rear balance land. IP compressor 
rotor rear balance land cracking can lead to uncontained failure of 
the rotor and damage to the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions:

Inspection--On-Wing

    (1) Applicable to RR Trent 800 engines not previously inspected 
per Rolls-Royce RB211 Propulsion System Alert Non Modification 
Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007 
or original issue, dated October17, 2006: Within 400 flight cycles 
of the Effective Date of this AD inspect the IP Compressor rotor 
rear balance land for cracks in accordance with Rolls-Royce RB211 
Propulsion System Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-
AF313, dated February 22, 2007 section 3 Accomplishment 
Instructions. Engines on which cracking is found should be rejected 
from service.

Inspection--In-Shop

    (2) Applicable to RR Trent 500, 700 and 800 engines at each shop 
visit in which the engine is sufficiently disassembled to access the 
IP Compressor Module rear face: Inspect the IP Compressor rotor rear 
balance land for cracks in accordance with Rolls-Royce RB211 
Propulsion System Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-
AF260, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007, or original issue section 
3 Accomplishment Instructions.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19.

Related Information

    (g) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0052, dated 
February 23, 2007, and Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
RB.211-72-AF313, dated February 22, 2007, and ASB RB.211-72-AF260, 
Revision 1, dated January 17, 2007, for related information.
    (h) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 
238-7199, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 9, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-20242 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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