Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 Series Turbofan Engines, 73169-73171 [E8-28549]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 2, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), 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. You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: ■ 73169 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 39–14786 (71 FR 59651, October 11, 2006) and adding the following new AD: ■ 2006–20–51–R1 Boeing: Amendment 39– 15754. Docket No. FAA–2008–1241; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–121–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 6, 2009. Affected ADs (b) This AD revises AD 2006–20–51. Applicability (c) This AD applies to airplanes in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category. TABLE 1—APPLICABILITY Boeing model— Powered by General Electric (GE) model— Equipped with full authority digital engine control software version— (1) 777–200LR series airplanes ........................ (2) 777–300ER series airplanes ........................ GE90–110B engines ........................................ GE90–115B engines ........................................ A.0.4.5 A.0.4.5 Unsafe Condition Special Flight Permit (g) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6500; fax (425) 917–6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. [Docket No. FAA–2008–1122; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–35–AD; Amendment 39– 15759; AD 2008–25–01] (d) This AD results from a report of two occurrences of engine thrust rollback during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to prevent dual-engine thrust rollback during the takeoff phase of flight, which could result in the airplane failing to lift off before reaching the end of the runway or failing to clear obstacles below the takeoff flight path. Compliance (e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Restatement of AD 2006–20–51: Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES (f) Within 24 hours after October 16, 2006 (the effective date of 2006–20–51), revise the Certificate Limitations Section of the AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. Use of reduced thrust takeoff ratings determined by either the assumed temperature method or the fixed de-rate method or a combination of both, is prohibited. Full-rated thrust must be used for takeoff. Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (f) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM. VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:11 Dec 01, 2008 Jkt 217001 Material Incorporated by Reference (i) None. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 16, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–28158 Filed 12–1–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Recent analysis of the low-pressure turbine (LPT) discs 1–5 carried out by Rolls-Royce plc concluded that it is necessary to reduce the declared safe cyclic life of all Trent 500 E:\FR\FM\02DER1.SGM 02DER1 73170 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 2, 2008 / Rules and Regulations LPT stage 3 discs, part number (P/N) FK29581. cyclic life of all Trent 500 LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581. Rolls-Royce plc has reduced the declared safe cyclic life of these LPT stage 3 discs to 7,990 cycles-since-new (CSN). This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI, which could result in uncontained failure of LPT stage 3 discs, resulting in damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective December 17, 2008. We must receive comments on this AD by January 2, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • 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. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.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 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: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7176; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2008– 0098, dated May 21, 2008, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The EASA AD states: Recent analysis of the LPT discs 1–5 carried out by Rolls-Royce plc concluded that it is necessary to reduce the declared safe VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:11 Dec 01, 2008 Jkt 217001 FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This 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 MCAI and service information referenced above. We are issuing 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 AD requires removing LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581, from service before reaching the new reduced declared safe cyclic life of 7,990 CSN. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date Since there are currently no domestic operators of these engine models, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. Therefore, 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 we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–1122; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–35–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 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 this AD: 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: ■ PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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: ■ 2008–25–01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39–15759; Docket No. FAA–2008–1122; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–35–AD. E:\FR\FM\02DER1.SGM 02DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 2, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Effective Date DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 17, 2008. Federal Aviation Administration Affected ADs 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, and 125 (b) None. [Docket No. FAA–1999–6482; Amendment No. 91–304, 125–56, 121–342] Applicability (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553–61, 553A2–61, 556–61, 556A2–61, 556B–61, 556B2–61, 560–61, and 560A2–61 turbofan engines with a lowpressure turbine (LPT) stage 3 disc, part number (P/N) FK29581, installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340–500 and A340–600 series airplanes. Reason (d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008–0098, dated May 21, 2008, states the unsafe condition as follows: Recent analysis of the LPT discs 1–5 carried out by Rolls-Royce plc concluded that it is necessary to reduce the declared safe cyclic life of all Trent 500 LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581. Rolls-Royce plc has reduced the declared safe cyclic life of these LPT stage 3 discs to 7,990 cycles-since-new (CSN). We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the LPT stage 3 disc, resulting in damage to the airplane. Actions and Compliance (e) After the effective date of this AD, remove LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581, from service before reaching the new reduced declared safe cyclic life of 7,990 CSN. (f) Do not install an LPT stage 3 disc, P/N FK29581, onto any engine, unless it has been verified that the disc has not yet accumulated 7,990 CSN. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) 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 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES (h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008–0098, dated May 21, 2008, and RollsRoyce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211– 72–AF781, dated April 2, 2008, for related information. Contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011–44–1332–242424; fax: 011–44–1332– 245418, for the alert service bulletin. (i) Contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7176; fax (781) 238– 7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 24, 2008. Francis A. Favara, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–28549 Filed 12–1–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:11 Dec 01, 2008 Jkt 217001 RIN 2120–AG87 Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulations for Boeing 737 Airplanes and for All Part 125 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA amends the regulations governing flight data recorders to increase the number of digital flight data recorder parameters for all Boeing 737 series airplanes manufactured after August 18, 2000. This change is based on safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board following its investigations of two accidents and several incidents involving 737s. The rule also adopts a prohibition on deviations from flight recorder requirements for all airplanes operated under part 125. DATES: These amendments become effective February 2, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues: Brian A. Verna, Avionics Systems Branch, Aircraft Certification Service, AIR–130, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 385–4643; facsimile (202) 385–4651; email brian.verna@faa.gov. For legal issues: Karen L. Petronis, Senior Attorney, Regulations Division, AGC– 200, Office of the Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–3073; facsimile (202) 267–7971; e-mail: karen.petronis@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations providing minimum standards for other PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 73171 practices, methods and procedures necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority since flight data recorders are the only means available to account for aircraft movement and flight crew actions critical to finding the probable cause of incidents or accidents, including data that could prevent future incidents or accidents. I. Background The following is a summary of the events leading up to this final rule. For a more detailed discussion of these events, please refer to the ‘‘Background’’ section of the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking that preceded this final rule (71 FR 52382, September 5, 2006). A. Statement of the Problem Two accidents in the United States involving Boeing 737 series airplanes (737s) appear to have been caused by an uncommanded rudder hardover, with resultant roll and sudden descent. These accidents were United Airlines flight 585, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, on March 3, 1991, and USAir flight 427, near Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 1994. In addition, between 1996 and 1999, seven incidents of suspected uncommanded rudder movement involving U.S.-registered 737s occurred that did not result in the loss of control of the airplanes involved. All the 737s mentioned above were equipped with the flight data recorders required by the regulations then in effect. However, these 737s were not required to record (nor were they equipped to provide) information about the airplanes’ movement about their three axes or the position of flight control surfaces immediately preceding the accidents or incidents. Without such data, neither the FAA nor the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could definitively identify the causes of these suspected uncommanded rudder events. B. FAA Actions Following piloted computer simulations of the USAir accident and reports of malfunctions in the 737’s yaw damper system (which moves the rudder independent of flight crew input), the FAA mandated design changes to the 737’s rudder system. First, we issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97–14–03 (62 FR 34623, June 27, 1997). This AD requires installation of a newly designed rudder-limiting device and a newly designed yaw damper system to address possible rudder hardover situations and uncommanded yaw damper movements. Second, in E:\FR\FM\02DER1.SGM 02DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 2, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73169-73171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-28549]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1122; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-35-AD; 
Amendment 39-15759; AD 2008-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 500 Series 
Turbofan Engines

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Recent analysis of the low-pressure turbine (LPT) discs 1-5 
carried out by Rolls-Royce plc concluded that it is necessary to 
reduce the declared safe cyclic life of all Trent 500

[[Page 73170]]

LPT stage 3 discs, part number (P/N) FK29581.

Rolls-Royce plc has reduced the declared safe cyclic life of these LPT 
stage 3 discs to 7,990 cycles-since-new (CSN). This AD requires actions 
that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the 
MCAI, which could result in uncontained failure of LPT stage 3 discs, 
resulting in damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 17, 2008.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 2, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590-0001.
     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://
www.regulations.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 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: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2008-0098, dated May 21, 2008, to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The EASA AD states:

    Recent analysis of the LPT discs 1-5 carried out by Rolls-Royce 
plc concluded that it is necessary to reduce the declared safe 
cyclic life of all Trent 500 LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581.

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

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing 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 AD requires removing LPT stage 3 discs, P/N 
FK29581, from service before reaching the new reduced declared safe 
cyclic life of 7,990 CSN.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of these engine 
models, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this 
AD are unnecessary. Therefore, 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 we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1122; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-NE-35-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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 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 this AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-25-01 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-15759; Docket No. FAA-2008-
1122; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-35-AD.

[[Page 73171]]

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
17, 2008.

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, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 
turbofan engines with a low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 3 disc, 
part number (P/N) FK29581, installed. These engines are installed 
on, but not limited to, Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 series 
airplanes.

Reason

    (d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0098, 
dated May 21, 2008, states the unsafe condition as follows:
    Recent analysis of the LPT discs 1-5 carried out by Rolls-Royce 
plc concluded that it is necessary to reduce the declared safe 
cyclic life of all Trent 500 LPT stage 3 discs, P/N FK29581.
    Rolls-Royce plc has reduced the declared safe cyclic life of 
these LPT stage 3 discs to 7,990 cycles-since-new (CSN). We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the LPT stage 3 
disc, resulting in damage to the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) After the effective date of this AD, remove LPT stage 3 
discs, P/N FK29581, from service before reaching the new reduced 
declared safe cyclic life of 7,990 CSN.
    (f) Do not install an LPT stage 3 disc, P/N FK29581, onto any 
engine, unless it has been verified that the disc has not yet 
accumulated 7,990 CSN.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) 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

    (h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0098, dated May 
21, 2008, and Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-
AF781, dated April 2, 2008, for related information. Contact Rolls-
Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; telephone: 011-44-
1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418, for the alert service 
bulletin.
    (i) Contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-
7199, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 24, 2008.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-28549 Filed 12-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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