Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines, 70489-70491 [2013-28178]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
70489
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (C)—NEW REDUCED CYCLIC LIFE LIMITS FOR HIGH-PRESSURE (HP)/INTERMEDIATE-PRESSURE
(IP) TURBINE DISCS
Engine
RB211–535E4–37,–535E4–B–37, –535E4–C–37 ..........
RB211 Trent 768–60, 772–60, and 772B–60 .................
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an
HP disc contaminated with a steel inclusion.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the HP or IP turbine disc, uncontained engine
failure, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) Remove from service, within 30 days,
any HP or IP disc identified in Table 1 to
paragraph (c) of this AD that has exceeded
the new cyclic life limit, or before the disc
accumulates flight cycles that equal the new
reduced cyclic life limit listed in Table 1 to
paragraph (c) of this AD, whichever is later.
(2) Do not approve for return to service any
engine with any installed HP or IP turbine
disc listed in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this
AD, if the disc exceeds the new reduced
cyclic life limit listed in Table 1 to paragraph
(c) of this AD.
(f) 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.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(g) Related Information
UL39767
UL39767
UL39767
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK26893
FK20795
FK20795
FK20795
FK20795
FK20795
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
or FW53118 .......
or FW53118 .......
or FW53118 .......
or FW53118 .......
or FW53118 .......
14:32 Nov 25, 2013
New reduced cyclic life
limit
LDRCZ19900 .....................
LDRCZ19903.
LDRCZ19904.
LDRCZ19901 .....................
LDRCZ20081.
LDRCZ20082.
LDRCZ20084.
LDRCZ20088.
LDRCZ20089.
LDRCZ20090.
LDRCZ20093.
LDRCZ20094.
LDRCZ20097.
LDRCZ20099.
LDRCZ20100.
LDREB12176 .....................
LDREB12177.
LDREB12178.
LDREB12179.
LDREB12180.
11,400 flight cycles (FCs).
(3) Rolls-Royce plc, Alert NonModification Service Bulletin No. RB.211–
72–AH215, dated December 6, 2012 and
RB.211–72–AH152, Revision 1, dated July 3,
2013, which are not incorporated by
reference in this AD, can be obtained from
RR using the contact information in
paragraph (g)(4) of this AD.
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate
Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24
8BJ, UK; phone: 44–0–1332–242424; fax: 44–
0–1332–249936; email: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
(5) You may view this service information
at the 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.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
November 8, 2013.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–28221 Filed 11–25–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7779; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: frederick.zink@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency AD 2012–0155, dated July 18,
2013. You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA–2013–0750.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
S/Ns
P/Ns
Jkt 232001
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8,687 FCs.
9,270 FCs.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0880; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NE–28–AD; Amendment 39–
17667; AD 2013–23–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
plc Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 553–
61, 553A2–61, 556–61, 556A2–61,
556B–61, 556B2–61, 560–61, and
560A2–61 turbofan engines. This AD
requires replacement or repair of the
low-pressure (LP) compressor fan blade
set before reaching a specified number
of flight cycles since new (FCSN) or
flight cycles since last leading edge
profile blade repair (FCSLR). This AD
was prompted by reports of erosion of
the leading edge profile of the LP
compressor blade set contributing to fan
blade flutter. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the LP compressor
blades, which could lead to an
uncontained engine failure and damage
to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 11, 2013.
We must receive comments on this
AD by January 10, 2014.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\26NOR1.SGM
26NOR1
70490
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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, DE24 8BJ, UK; phone: 44–0–
1332–242424; fax: 44–0–1332–249936;
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.
ADDRESSES:
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 mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), 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:
Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238 7779; fax: 781–238
7199; email: frederick.zink@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
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 2013–0214,
dated September 16, 2013 (referred to
herein after as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Erosion of the leading edge profile of Trent
500 engines’ low pressure (LP) compressor
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:32 Nov 25, 2013
Jkt 232001
blades is proven to contribute to fan flutter,
a risk that is mitigated by regular restoration
of the leading edge of these blades. Recently,
Rolls-Royce has conducted a review
regarding the in-service restoration of the
leading edge profile of LP compressor blades.
The results of this review concluded that not
all LP compressor blades have been restored
as intended.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to fan flutter, LP compressor blade cracking
and uncontained LP compressor blade
failures, possibly resulting in damage to, and
reduced control of, the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires initial and repetitive leading edge
restoration of the LP compressor blades.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–
2013–0880.
Relevant Service Information
RR has issued Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin No. RB.211–72–AH149,
Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013 and
RB.211–72–H464, dated August 28,
2013. 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 aviation authority of the United
Kingdom and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the European
Community, EASA has 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.
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–2013–0880;
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Directorate Identifier 2013–NE–28–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).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD would affect
0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 6 hours per engine to comply
with this AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the total cost of this AD to U.S.
operators is $0.
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,
E:\FR\FM\26NOR1.SGM
26NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
70491
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction, 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) If on the effective date of this AD, the
LP compressor fan blades:
(i) Have less that 3,750 flight cycles since
new (FCSN) or flight cycles since last leading
edge profile blade repair (FCSLR), replace or
repair the LP compressor fan blade set before
accumulating 4,000 FCSN or FCSLR;
(ii) Have 3,750 or more FCSN or FCSLR,
but less than 4,400 FCSN or FCSLR, replace
or repair the LP compressor fan blade set
within 250 flight cycles (FC), but not later
than 4,500 FCSN or FCSLR;
(iii) Have 4,400 FCSN or FCSLR or more,
replace or repair the LP compressor fan blade
set within 100 FC; or
(iv) Have FCSN or FCSLR that are
unknown, replace or repair the LP
compressor fan blade set within 100 FC.
(2) Thereafter, replace or repair the LP
compressor fan blade set within every 4,000
FCSN or FCSLR.
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(f) Definition
LP compressor fan blades eligible for
installation are:
(1) LP compressor fan blades with less than
4,000 FCSN; or
(2) LP compressor fan blades with less than
4,000 FCSLR, if LP compressor fan blades
were repaired using RR Alert NonModification Service Bulletin No. RB.211–
72–AH149, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013 or
earlier version or, for initial restoration only,
RB.211–72–H464, dated August 28, 2013.
Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
Miscellaneous Amendments
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2013–23–12 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment
39–17667; Docket No. FAA–2013–0880;
Directorate Identifier 2013–NE–28–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 11, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR)
RB211 Trent 553–61, 553A2–61, 556–61,
556A2–61, 556B–61, 556B2–61, 560–61, and
560A2–61 turbofan engines.
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
erosion of the leading edge profile of the lowpressure (LP) compressor blade set
contributing to fan blade flutter. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LP
compressor blades, which could lead to an
uncontained engine failure and damage to
the airplane.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:32 Nov 25, 2013
Jkt 232001
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
make your request.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7779; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: frederick.zink@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency, AD 2013–0214, dated
September 16, 2013, for more information.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA–2013–0880.
(3) Rolls-Royce plc Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin No. RB.211–72–AH149,
Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013 and RB.211–
72–H464, dated August 28, 2013, which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD, can
be obtained from RR, using the contact
information in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD.
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate
Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24
8BJ, UK; phone: 44–0–1332–242424; fax: 44–
0–1332–249936; email: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
(5) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
November 8, 2013.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–28178 Filed 11–25–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 97
[Docket No. 30930; Amdt. No. 3565]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This rule establishes, amends,
suspends, or revokes Standard
Instrument Approach Procedures
(SIAPs) and associated Takeoff
Minimums and Obstacle Departure
Procedures for operations at certain
airports. These regulatory actions are
needed because of the adoption of new
or revised criteria, or because of changes
occurring in the National Airspace
System, such as the commissioning of
new navigational facilities, adding new
obstacles, or changing air traffic
requirements. These changes are
designed to provide safe and efficient
use of the navigable airspace and to
promote safe flight operations under
instrument flight rules at the affected
airports.
DATES: This rule is effective November
26, 2013. The compliance date for each
SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
and ODP is specified in the amendatory
provisions.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of November
26, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Availability of matter
incorporated by reference in the
amendment is as follows:
For Examination—
1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA
Headquarters Building, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591;
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\26NOR1.SGM
26NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70489-70491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28178]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0880; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-28-AD;
Amendment 39-17667; AD 2013-23-12]
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 (RR) RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61,
556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 turbofan engines. This AD
requires replacement or repair of the low-pressure (LP) compressor fan
blade set before reaching a specified number of flight cycles since new
(FCSN) or flight cycles since last leading edge profile blade repair
(FCSLR). This AD was prompted by reports of erosion of the leading edge
profile of the LP compressor blade set contributing to fan blade
flutter. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LP compressor
blades, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 10, 2014.
[[Page 70490]]
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, DE24 8BJ, UK; phone:
44-0-1332-242424; fax: 44-0-1332-249936; 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 mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), 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: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238 7779;
fax: 781-238 7199; email: frederick.zink@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 2013-0214, dated September 16, 2013 (referred
to herein after as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Erosion of the leading edge profile of Trent 500 engines' low
pressure (LP) compressor blades is proven to contribute to fan
flutter, a risk that is mitigated by regular restoration of the
leading edge of these blades. Recently, Rolls-Royce has conducted a
review regarding the in-service restoration of the leading edge
profile of LP compressor blades. The results of this review
concluded that not all LP compressor blades have been restored as
intended.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to fan flutter, LP
compressor blade cracking and uncontained LP compressor blade
failures, possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control of,
the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires initial and
repetitive leading edge restoration of the LP compressor blades.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0880.
Relevant Service Information
RR has issued Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No. RB.211-
72-AH149, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013 and RB.211-72-H464, dated
August 28, 2013. 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 aviation authority of the
United Kingdom and is approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA
has 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.
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-2013-0880; Directorate
Identifier 2013-NE-28-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).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD would affect 0 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 6
hours per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this AD
to U.S. operators is $0.
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,
[[Page 70491]]
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2013-23-12 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-17667; Docket No. FAA-2013-
0880; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-28-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 11, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 553-61,
553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61
turbofan engines.
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of erosion of the leading edge
profile of the low-pressure (LP) compressor blade set contributing
to fan blade flutter. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the LP compressor blades, which could lead to an uncontained engine
failure and damage to the airplane.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) If on the effective date of this AD, the LP compressor fan
blades:
(i) Have less that 3,750 flight cycles since new (FCSN) or
flight cycles since last leading edge profile blade repair (FCSLR),
replace or repair the LP compressor fan blade set before
accumulating 4,000 FCSN or FCSLR;
(ii) Have 3,750 or more FCSN or FCSLR, but less than 4,400 FCSN
or FCSLR, replace or repair the LP compressor fan blade set within
250 flight cycles (FC), but not later than 4,500 FCSN or FCSLR;
(iii) Have 4,400 FCSN or FCSLR or more, replace or repair the LP
compressor fan blade set within 100 FC; or
(iv) Have FCSN or FCSLR that are unknown, replace or repair the
LP compressor fan blade set within 100 FC.
(2) Thereafter, replace or repair the LP compressor fan blade
set within every 4,000 FCSN or FCSLR.
(f) Definition
LP compressor fan blades eligible for installation are:
(1) LP compressor fan blades with less than 4,000 FCSN; or
(2) LP compressor fan blades with less than 4,000 FCSLR, if LP
compressor fan blades were repaired using RR Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AH149, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013
or earlier version or, for initial restoration only, RB.211-72-H464,
dated August 28, 2013.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
frederick.zink@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency, AD 2013-0214,
dated September 16, 2013, for more information. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0880.
(3) Rolls-Royce plc Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-AH149, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013 and RB.211-72-H464,
dated August 28, 2013, which are not incorporated by reference in
this AD, can be obtained from RR, using the contact information in
paragraph (h)(4) of this AD.
(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24
8BJ, UK; phone: 44-0-1332-242424; fax: 44-0-1332-249936; email:
https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp.
(5) You may view this service information at the 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.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 8, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28178 Filed 11-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P