Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines, 6206-6208 [2013-01361]

Download as PDF 6206 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) 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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with (n) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917–6472; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: jeffrey.w.palmer@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1, fax 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 6, 2013. (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–21–1171, dated February 12, 2009. (ii) Reserved. (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on November 7, 2012 (77 FR 60296, October 3, 2012). (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010. (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 31A1332, Revision 2, dated August 18, 2011. (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012. (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:43 Jan 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2013. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–01720 Filed 1–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0030; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–42–AD; Amendment 39– 17325; AD 2013–02–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: Examining the AD Docket We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc RB211–Trent 970–84, RB211–Trent 970B–84, RB211–Trent 972–84, RB211–Trent 972B–84, RB211– Trent 977–84, RB211–Trent 977B–84 and RB211–Trent 980–84 turbofan engines. This AD requires on-wing inspections of low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk seal fins and interstage seals when post-flight review indicates Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) vibratory maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in flight. The AD also requires in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective action. This AD is prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing LPT stage 2 disk interstage seal material loss and increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective February 14, 2013. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 We must receive comments on this AD by March 18, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 14, 2013. 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. For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011–44–1332–242424; fax: 011–44– 1332–245418, or email: https:// www.rolls-royce.com/contact/ civil_team.jsp. You may view this 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. 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 (phone: (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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7754; fax: 781–238– 7199; email: robert.green@faa.gov. 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 Airworthiness Directive 2012–0220, dated October 22, 2012, a Mandatory E:\FR\FM\30JAR1.SGM 30JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Continuing Airworthiness Information (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Following a revenue service flight, a Trent 900 engine experienced increased lowpressure vibration. The vibration did not exceed any engine limits, and the engine was not shut down during flight. Upon post-flight inspection of the engine, debris was found in the exhaust tail pipe and the engine was removed. The results of a subsequent strip inspection revealed that the stage 2 LowPressure Turbine (LPT) disc had suffered material loss from a portion of the Interstage Seal (ISS) area of the disc, with impact damage to downstream LPT stages. All debris was contained within the engine casings. Preliminary findings show that the ISS fin had rubbed into the stage 2 vane honeycomb seal, which overheated and cracked, finally resulting in releasing a portion of the ISS area of the disc. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to LPT stage 2 disc cracks, possibly resulting in an uncontained engine failure and subsequent damage to the aeroplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disks, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information RR has issued Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated July 27, 2012; Repeater Technical Variance 125658, Issue 2, dated August 14, 2012; Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211–72–AH054, Initial issue, dated September 14, 2012; and Alert NMSB RB.211–72–AH054, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2012. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This AD This product has been approved by the United Kingdom and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, 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 on-wing inspections of LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals when post-flight review of the EHM lowpressure rotor (N1) vibration data indicates maintenance-alert limits were VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:43 Jan 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 exceeded in flight. The AD also requires in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on the findings, the accomplishment of corrective action. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 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–2013–0030; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–42–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 with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, 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). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 6207 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, Incorporation by reference, 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: ■ 2013–02–04 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39–17325; Docket No. FAA–2013–0030; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–42–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 14, 2013. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–Trent 970–84, RB211–Trent 970B–84, E:\FR\FM\30JAR1.SGM 30JAR1 6208 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations RB211–Trent 972–84, RB211–Trent 972B–84, RB211–Trent 977–84, RB211–Trent 977B–84, and RB211–Trent 980–84 engines, all serial numbers. (d) Reason This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 disk interstage seal material loss and increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. (e) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following. (1) After every flight after the effective date of this AD, review the Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) low-pressure rotor (N1) vibration data. If you find that the maximum and average vibrations exceed 0.7 inches/sec (ips) and 0.5 ips, respectively, then within 10 engine flight cycles, confirm that the vibration data was not the result of indicator error. (2) If you cannot show that the vibration increase was caused by indicator error, inspect the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals. Use RR Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated July 27, 2012, to do the inspections. (3) After the effective date of this AD, at each engine shop visit inspect the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals. Use RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211– 72–AH054, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2012, or Initial Issue, dated September 14, 2012, to do the inspections. (4) If, during the inspection required by paragraphs (e)(2) or (e)(3) of this AD, you find any cracks in the disk seal fins or that the interstage seals are missing seal material, replace the parts with hardware eligible for installation before returning the engine to service. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email: robert.green@faa.gov. (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012–0220, dated October 22, 2012. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211–72–AH054, Initial Issue, dated September 14, 2012. (ii) RR NMSB RB.211–72–AH054, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2012. (iii) RR Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated July 27, 2012. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011–44–1332– 242424; fax: 011–44–1332–245418, or email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/ civil_team.jsp. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. (5) You may view this service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 15, 2013. Thomas A. Boudreau, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. (g) Credit for Previous Actions If you took corrective action before the effective date of this AD in accordance with RR Repeater Technical Variance 125658, Issue 2, dated August 14, 2012, for detected excessive vibration, you met the inspection requirements of this AD. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with (f) Definitions For the purposes of this AD, a shop visit is defined as whenever engine maintenance performed prior to reinstallation requires one of the following: (1) Separation of a pair of major mating engine module flanges. However, separation of flanges solely for the purpose of shipment without subsequent internal maintenance is not a shop visit. Separation of the external gearbox engine mating flanges or removal of the external gearbox is also not classified as a shop visit. (2) Removal of a disk, hub, or spool. 32 CFR Part 68 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:43 Jan 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 [FR Doc. 2013–01361 Filed 1–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket No. DOD–2009–OS–0034] RIN 0790–AI50 Voluntary Education Programs Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, DoD. ACTION: Final rule; notice of stay. AGENCY: On Friday, December 7, 2012 (77 FR 72941–72956), the Department of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Defense published a final rule in the Federal Register titled Voluntary Education Programs. Subsequent to the publication of that rule, the Department discovered that the effective date in the DATES section was calculated incorrectly. The DoD is taking action to stay the rule to the appropriate effective date. DATES: Effective January 30, 2013, 32 CFR part 68 is stayed until February 5, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Toppings, 571–372–0485. Dated: January 25, 2013. Aaron Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2013–01988 Filed 1–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [USCG–2013–0031] Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Belle Chasse, LA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Louisiana State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span bridge, also known as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This deviation is necessary to repair bridge machinery and to replace the wire ropes of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for eight consecutive days in order to perform scheduled maintenance. DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2013, until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2013. ADDRESSES: The docket for this notice, docket number USCG–2013–0031, is available online. To view it, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, type the docket number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this notice of deviation. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30JAR1.SGM 30JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6206-6208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01361]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0030; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-42-AD; 
Amendment 39-17325; AD 2013-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 970-84, RB211-Trent 970B-84, RB211-Trent 
972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 977-84, RB211-Trent 977B-84 
and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan engines. This AD requires on-wing 
inspections of low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk seal fins and interstage 
seals when post-flight review indicates Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) 
vibratory maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in flight. The AD also 
requires in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage 
seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on the findings, 
accomplishment of corrective action. This AD is prompted by a Trent 900 
engine experiencing LPT stage 2 disk interstage seal material loss and 
increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could result in 
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 14, 2013.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 18, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 14, 
2013.

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.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce 
plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; 
phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-245418, or email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp. You may view this 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 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 (phone: (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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: robert.green@faa.gov.

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 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0220, dated October 22, 2012, a Mandatory

[[Page 6207]]

Continuing Airworthiness Information (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Following a revenue service flight, a Trent 900 engine 
experienced increased low-pressure vibration. The vibration did not 
exceed any engine limits, and the engine was not shut down during 
flight. Upon post-flight inspection of the engine, debris was found 
in the exhaust tail pipe and the engine was removed. The results of 
a subsequent strip inspection revealed that the stage 2 Low-Pressure 
Turbine (LPT) disc had suffered material loss from a portion of the 
Interstage Seal (ISS) area of the disc, with impact damage to 
downstream LPT stages. All debris was contained within the engine 
casings.
    Preliminary findings show that the ISS fin had rubbed into the 
stage 2 vane honeycomb seal, which overheated and cracked, finally 
resulting in releasing a portion of the ISS area of the disc.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to LPT 
stage 2 disc cracks, possibly resulting in an uncontained engine 
failure and subsequent damage to the aeroplane.

We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disks, which could 
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. You 
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    RR has issued Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated 
July 27, 2012; Repeater Technical Variance 125658, Issue 2, dated 
August 14, 2012; Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-
72-AH054, Initial issue, dated September 14, 2012; and Alert NMSB 
RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2012. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the United Kingdom and is 
approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral 
agreement with the European Community, 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 on-wing inspections of LPT disk seal fins and 
interstage seals when post-flight review of the EHM low-pressure rotor 
(N1) vibration data indicates maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in 
flight. The AD also requires in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal 
fins and interstage seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on 
the findings, the accomplishment of corrective action.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

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-2013-0030; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-NE-42-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 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, 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).

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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

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:

2013-02-04 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-17325; Docket No. FAA-2013-
0030; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-42-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 14, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84, 
RB211-Trent 970B-84,

[[Page 6208]]

RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 977-84, RB211-
Trent 977B-84, and RB211-Trent 980-84 engines, all serial numbers.

(d) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing low-
pressure turbine (LPT) stage 2 disk interstage seal material loss 
and increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could 
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following.
    (1) After every flight after the effective date of this AD, 
review the Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) low-pressure rotor (N1) 
vibration data. If you find that the maximum and average vibrations 
exceed 0.7 inches/sec (ips) and 0.5 ips, respectively, then within 
10 engine flight cycles, confirm that the vibration data was not the 
result of indicator error.
    (2) If you cannot show that the vibration increase was caused by 
indicator error, inspect the LPT disk seal fins and interstage 
seals. Use RR Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated 
July 27, 2012, to do the inspections.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, at each engine shop 
visit inspect the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals. Use RR 
Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 1, 
dated November 5, 2012, or Initial Issue, dated September 14, 2012, 
to do the inspections.
    (4) If, during the inspection required by paragraphs (e)(2) or 
(e)(3) of this AD, you find any cracks in the disk seal fins or that 
the interstage seals are missing seal material, replace the parts 
with hardware eligible for installation before returning the engine 
to service.

(f) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, a shop visit is defined as whenever 
engine maintenance performed prior to reinstallation requires one of 
the following:
    (1) Separation of a pair of major mating engine module flanges. 
However, separation of flanges solely for the purpose of shipment 
without subsequent internal maintenance is not a shop visit. 
Separation of the external gearbox engine mating flanges or removal 
of the external gearbox is also not classified as a shop visit.
    (2) Removal of a disk, hub, or spool.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you took corrective action before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with RR Repeater Technical Variance 125658, Issue 
2, dated August 14, 2012, for detected excessive vibration, you met 
the inspection requirements of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
robert.green@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012-0220, 
dated October 22, 2012.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) RB.211-72-AH054, Initial Issue, dated September 14, 2012.
    (ii) RR NMSB RB.211-72-AH054, Revision 1, dated November 5, 
2012.
    (iii) RR Repeater Technical Variance 125060, Issue 1, dated July 
27, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
245418, or email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.
    (5) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 15, 2013.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-01361 Filed 1-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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