Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535 Series Turbofan Engines, 65997-65999 [2011-27512]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / Proposed Rules (Configuration 1), ‘‘Inspection/Check,’’ Paragraph 1.B., of the Airbus Military CN– 235 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010. (h) For airplanes with engine condition control cable having P/N 35–56382–0003: Within 9 months or 300 flight hours after doing the detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever occurs first, repeat the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (i) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, excessive wear of the engine condition control cable is found: Before further flight, replace the engine condition control cable with P/N 35– 56382–0005, in accordance with Section 76– 10–12, ‘‘Power and Condition Control Cables,’’ Block 401 (Configuration 1), ‘‘Removal/Installation,’’ Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN–235 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010. (j) Within 27 months or 900 flight hours, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD: Unless the engine condition control cable has already been replaced in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD, replace the engine condition control cable having P/N 35–56382–0003 with an engine condition control cable having P/N 35– 56382–0005, in accordance with Section 76– 10–12, ‘‘Power and Condition Control Cables,’’ Block 401 (Configuration 1), ‘‘Removal/Installation,’’ Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN–235 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010. (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an engine condition control cable having P/N 35–56382–0003, on any airplane. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. Related Information (m) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0010, dated January 20, 2011; and Section 76–10–00, ‘‘Power and Condition Control,’’ Block 601 (Configuration 1), ‘‘Inspection/Check,’’ Paragraph 1.B., and Section 76–10–12, ‘‘Power and Condition Control Cables,’’ Block 401 (Configuration 1), ‘‘Removal/Installation,’’ Paragraph 3., of the Airbus Military CN–235 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 57, dated July 15, 2010; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–27485 Filed 10–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0994; Directorate Identifier 2009–NE–39–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 FAA AD Differences Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–535 Series Turbofan Engines erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences Other FAA AD Provisions (l) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to Attn: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone (425) 227–1112; fax (425) 227–1149. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:38 Oct 24, 2011 Jkt 226001 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all RR RB211–535E4–37, –535E4–B–37, –535E4–B–75, and –535E4–C–37 turbofan engines. The existing AD currently requires performing initial and repetitive visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) of the low-pressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs to detect cracks in the discs. Since we issued that AD, we determined that the definition of shop visit is too restrictive in the existing AD. This proposed AD would continue to require those inspections and would change the definition of a shop visit to be less restrictive. We are proposing this AD to correct the definition of shop visit, and to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 65997 uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 27, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, 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. For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/ civil_team.jsp, or download the publication from https:// www.aeromanager.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238– 7125. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7143; fax: 781– 238–7199; e-mail: alan.strom@faa.gov. 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. E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 65998 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / Proposed Rules FAA–2009–0994; Directorate Identifier 2009–NE–39–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 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 proposed AD. Discussion On May 20, 2011, we issued AD 2011–11–08, Amendment 39–16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), for all RR RB211–535E4–37, –535E4–B–37, –535E4–B–75, and –535E4–C–37 turbofan engines. That AD requires performing an initial FPI on the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs at the next engine shop inspection after the effective date of that AD. That AD also requires repetitive inspections at each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs. That AD resulted from several findings of cracking at the firtrees of LP turbine discs. We issued that AD to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Since we issued AD 2011–11–08, Amendment 39–16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), we found that the definition of ‘‘shop visit’’ in the AD is too restrictive, in that it would require operators to inspect more often than required to ensure safety. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 588 RB211–535 series turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 30 work-hours per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. No parts are required. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,499,400. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined that the definition of shop visit is too restrictive, and to correct the unsafe condition described VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:38 Oct 24, 2011 Jkt 226001 previously. This condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. The Proposed Amendment Proposed AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the same requirements as AD 2011–11–08 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), except the definition of shop visit has been redefined. 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 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 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2011–11–08, Amendment 39–16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), and adding the following new AD: Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA–2009– 0994; Directorate Identifier 2009–NE– 39–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 27, 2011. (b) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2011–11–08, Amendment 39–16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211– 535E4–37, –535E4–B–37, –535E4–B–75, and –535E4–C–37 turbofan engines. (d) Unsafe Condition 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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. PO 00000 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Sfmt 4702 This AD was prompted by our determination that the definition of ‘‘shop visit’’ in the existing AD is too restrictive, in that it would require operators to inspect more often than required to ensure safety. We are issuing this AD to correct the definition of shop visit, and to detect cracks in the lowpressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Initial Inspection Requirements At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual and a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs. (2) Repeat Inspection Requirements At each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since the last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2 and 3 discs, repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (3) Remove Cracked Discs If you find cracks, remove the disc from service. E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / Proposed Rules (f) Definitions For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘engine shop visit’’ is induction of an engine into the shop for any purpose where: (1) All the blades are removed from the high-pressure (HP) compressor discs and the HP turbine disc, or (2) All the blades are removed from the intermediate pressure turbine disc. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (h) Related Information (1) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7143; fax: 781–238– 7199; e-mail: alan.strom@faa.gov, for more information about this AD. (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009– 0244, dated November 9, 2009, and RollsRoyce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211– 72–AG272 for related information. Contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_ team.jsp, for a copy of this service information or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2011. Peter A White, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–27512 Filed 10–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Chapter 1 Effective Date for Swap Regulation Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed amendment. AGENCY: On July 14, 2011, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’ or the ‘‘Commission’’) issued a final order (‘‘July 14 Order’’) that grants temporary exemptive relief from certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act (‘‘CEA’’) that otherwise would have taken effect on the general effective date of title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (‘‘the Dodd-Frank Act’’)—July 16, 2011. The July 14 Order grants temporary relief in two parts. The first part addresses those CEA provisions erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:38 Oct 24, 2011 Jkt 226001 added or amended by title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act that reference one or more terms regarding entities or instruments that title VII requires be ‘‘further defined’’ to the extent that requirements or portions of such provisions specifically relate to such referenced terms and do not require a rulemaking. The second part, which is based on part 35 of the Commission’s regulations, addresses certain provisions of the CEA that may apply to certain agreements, contracts, and transactions in exempt or excluded commodities as a result of the repeal of various CEA exemptions and exclusions as of the general effective date of July 16, 2011. This is a notice of a proposed amendment to that July 14 Order, 76 FR 42508 (July 19, 2011), that would modify the temporary exemptive relief provided therein by extending the potential latest expiration date of the July 14 Order; and adding provisions to account for the repeal and replacement (as of December 31, 2011) of part 35 of the Commission’s regulations. Only comments pertaining to these proposed amendments to the July 14 Order will be considered as part of this notice of proposed amendment. DATES: Submit comments on or before November 25, 2011. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, referenced as ‘‘Effective Date Amendments,’’ by any of the following methods: • Agency Web site, via its Comments Online process at https:// comments.cftc.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments through the Web site. • Mail: David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mail above. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Please submit your comments using only one method. All comments must be submitted in English, or if not, accompanied by an English translation. Comments will be posted as received to https:// www.cftc.gov. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. If you wish the Commission to consider information that may be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, a petition for confidential treatment of the exempt information may be submitted according to the established procedures in § 145.9 of the PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 65999 Commission’s regulations, 17 CFR 145.9. The Commission reserves the right, but shall have no obligation, to review, pre-screen, filter, redact, refuse or remove any or all of your submission from https://www.cftc.gov that it may deem to be inappropriate for publication, such as obscene language. All submissions that have been redacted or removed that contain comments on the merits of the rulemaking will be retained in the public comment file and will be considered as required under the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable laws, and may be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Arbit, Deputy General Counsel, 202–418–5357, tarbit@cftc.gov, or Mark D. Higgins, Counsel, 202–418–5864, mhiggins@cftc.gov, Office of the General Counsel, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law.1 Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act amends the CEA 2 to establish a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps. The legislation was enacted to reduce risk, increase transparency, and promote market integrity within the financial system by, among other things: (1) Providing for the registration and comprehensive regulation of swap dealers and major swap participants; (2) imposing clearing and trade execution requirements on standardized derivative products; (3) creating robust recordkeeping and real-time reporting regimes; and (4) enhancing the rulemaking and enforcement authorities of the Commission with respect to, among others, all registered entities and intermediaries subject to the Commission’s oversight.3 Section 754 of the Dodd-Frank Act states that, unless otherwise provided, the provisions of subtitle A of title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act 4 ‘‘shall take 1 See Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010). 2 7 U.S.C. 1 et seq. 3 Title VII also includes amendments to the federal securities laws to establish a similar regulatory framework for security-based swaps under the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’). 4 All of the amendments to the CEA in title VII are contained in subtitle A. Accordingly, for convenience, references to ‘‘title VII’’ in this notice of proposed amendment shall refer only to subtitle A of title VII. E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65997-65999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27512]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535 Series 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-75, 
and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. The existing AD currently requires 
performing initial and repetitive visual and fluorescent penetrant 
inspections (FPI) of the low-pressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 
discs to detect cracks in the discs. Since we issued that AD, we 
determined that the definition of shop visit is too restrictive in the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would continue to require those 
inspections and would change the definition of a shop visit to be less 
restrictive. We are proposing this AD to correct the definition of shop 
visit, and to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, 
which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 27, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, 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.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce 
plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 
242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7143; fax: 781-238-7199; e-mail: 
alan.strom@faa.gov.

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.

[[Page 65998]]

FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-39-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 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 20, 2011, we issued AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 
30529, May 26, 2011), for all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-
75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. That AD requires performing an 
initial FPI on the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs at the next 
engine shop inspection after the effective date of that AD. That AD 
also requires repetitive inspections at each engine shop visit after 
accumulating 1,500 cycles since last inspection of the LP turbine stage 
1, 2, and 3 discs. That AD resulted from several findings of cracking 
at the firtrees of LP turbine discs. We issued that AD to detect cracks 
in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an 
uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 30529, May 
26, 2011), we found that the definition of ``shop visit'' in the AD is 
too restrictive, in that it would require operators to inspect more 
often than required to ensure safety.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 588 RB211-535 
series turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it would take about 30 work-hours per product to 
comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. No parts are required. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,499,400.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined that the definition of shop visit is too 
restrictive, and to correct the unsafe condition described previously. 
This condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the 
same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the same requirements as AD 2011-11-
08 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), except the definition of shop visit has 
been redefined.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 30529, May 26, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2009-0994; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NE-39-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 27, 
2011.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-11-08, Amendment 39-16707 (76 FR 
30529, May 26, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, 
-535E4-B-75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by our determination that the definition of 
``shop visit'' in the existing AD is too restrictive, in that it 
would require operators to inspect more often than required to 
ensure safety. We are issuing this AD to correct the definition of 
shop visit, and to detect cracks in the low-pressure (LP) turbine 
stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained 
release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(1) Initial Inspection Requirements

    At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this 
AD, perform a visual and a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 
the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs.

(2) Repeat Inspection Requirements

    At each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since 
the last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2 and 3 discs, repeat 
the inspections specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(3) Remove Cracked Discs

    If you find cracks, remove the disc from service.

[[Page 65999]]

(f) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is 
induction of an engine into the shop for any purpose where:
    (1) All the blades are removed from the high-pressure (HP) 
compressor discs and the HP turbine disc, or
    (2) All the blades are removed from the intermediate pressure 
turbine disc.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(h) Related Information

    (1) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7143; fax: 781-
238-7199; e-mail: alan.strom@faa.gov, for more information about 
this AD.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0244, dated November 9, 2009, and Rolls-Royce plc 
Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG272 for related information. 
Contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United 
Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-
mail: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, for a copy 
of this service information or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2011.
Peter A White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-27512 Filed 10-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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