Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboprop and Turbofan Engines, 59461-59463 [2014-23561]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 191 / Thursday, October 2, 2014 / Proposed Rules & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of dislodged engine fan cowl panels. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the fuselage and flight control surfaces from dislodged engine fan cowl panels. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Fastener Installation Within 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Install attaching hardware on the left and right fan cowl access panels and the nacelle attaching structures, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R–71–034, Revision B, dated August 1, 2014. (h) Credit for Previous Actions rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES (i) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. 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. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature. 13:00 Oct 01, 2014 [FR Doc. 2014–23550 Filed 10–1–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R–71–034, dated March 31, 2014; or Service Bulletin 601R–71–034, Revision A, dated April 28, 2014. This service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (j) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2014–20, dated July 9, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– 2014–0750. (2) For service information identified in ˆ this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´ Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514– 855–7401; email thd.crj@ aero.bombardier.com; Internet https:// www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 24, 2014. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Jkt 235001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 59461 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 proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB–01–06, Indianapolis, IN 46225, phone: 317–230–1667; email: CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com. 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. ADDRESSES: Federal Aviation Administration Examining the AD Docket 14 CFR Part 39 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100 series turboprop engines and AE 3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores and subsequent RRC analysis that concluded that lower life limits are needed for the affected turbine wheels. This proposed AD would reduce the approved life limits of the affected turbine wheels. This proposed AD would also require an eddy current inspection (ECI) of certain RRC engines with affected turbine wheels. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 2014. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0462; 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: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847–294–7836; fax: 847–294– 7834; email: kyri.zaroyiannis@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited [Docket No. FAA–2014–0462; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–06–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboprop and Turbofan Engines AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2014–0462; Directorate Identifier 2014– NE–06–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM 02OCP1 59462 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 191 / Thursday, October 2, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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 Relevant Service Information rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require an ECI of certain RRC engines with affected turbine wheels, and reduce the life limits of the affected turbine wheels. Costs of Compliance Inspections during the manufacturing process revealed higher than normal pitting in the bore of certain turbine wheels due to a permanganate cleaning process. Analysis and subsequent testing by RRC of these affected turbine wheels indicated that these wheels, because of the potential for pitting in the wheel bores, could not be operated safely up to their published life limits. For RRC AE 2100 series turboprop engines, the affected turbine wheels are identified as 1st stage gas generator turbine wheels and as 4th stage turbine wheels. For the RRC AE 3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines, the affected turbine wheels are identified as high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 wheels. Operation of the affected wheels above the new lower limits represents an unsafe condition. We are also proposing an ECI for certain RRC AE 3007A engines with affected turbine wheels because our risk analysis shows that these engines are operated in a more stringent environment and therefore require periodic inspections to ensure these engines are operated safely. This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. We reviewed RRC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2–A–72– 085, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3–A–72–277, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100P–A–72– 019, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; and RRC ASB No. AE 3007C–A–72–316, dated December 6, 2013. RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72– 408 provides instructions on performing an ECI of affected HPT stage 2 wheels. The other RRC ASBs list the lower approved life limits of the affected turbine wheels. VerDate Sep<11>2014 FAA’s Determination 13:00 Oct 01, 2014 Jkt 235001 We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 664 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 hour to perform an ECI in the bore of the turbine wheel for affected engines. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We estimate the pro-rated replacement cost would be $30,688 for a 1st stage gas generator turbine wheel; $63,693 for an HPT stage 1 wheel; $13,941 for an HPT stage 2 wheel; and $13,186 for a 4th stage turbine wheel. We also estimate that these parts would be replaced during an engine shop visit at no additional labor cost. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $11,317,969. 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (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. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Amend § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Rolls Royce Corporation (Formerly Allison Engine Company): Docket No. FAA– 2014–0462; Directorate Identifier 2014– NE–06–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by December 1, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, 2100D2A, 2100D3, and 2100P turboprop engines and AE 3007A1, A1/1, A1/3, A1E, A1P, A2, A3, C, C1, and C2 turbofan engines: (1) With an installed 1st stage gas generator turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 23079946, 23088906, or 23089692, all serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2– A–72–085, dated July 25, 2013; and in Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3– A–72–277, dated July 25, 2013. (2) With an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 or HPT stage 2 wheel, P/N 23079946, 23088906, 23088784, 23084520, 23084781, 23088817, or 23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 through Table 7 of RRC ASB E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM 02OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 191 / Thursday, October 2, 2014 / Proposed Rules No. AE 3007A–A–72–407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014, except those S/Ns excluded by Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, and Table 5 of RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014. (3) With an installed HPT stage 2 wheel, P/N 23084520 or 23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE 3007C–A–72–316, dated December 6, 2013, except those S/Ns excluded by Table 1 of RRC ASB No. AE 3007C–A–72–316, dated December 6, 2013. (4) With an installed 4th stage turbine wheel, P/N 23083536, all S/Ns listed in Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100P–A–72–019, dated July 25, 2013. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores and subsequent RRC analysis that concluded that lower life limits are needed for the affected turbine wheels. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) For all RRC AE 3007A1, A1/1, A1/3, A1E, A1P, and A3 series engines with an HPT stage 2 wheel P/N and S/N identified in RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014, at each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, eddy current inspect the bore of the affected HPT stage 2 wheels. Use RRC ASB AE 3007A–A– 72–408, Revision 1, August 29, 2014, to do the inspection. Do not return to service any wheel that fails the inspection required by this AD. (2) Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not return to service any engine that has a turbine wheel with a P/N and an S/N listed in any of the following RR ASBs whose wheel life exceeds the new life limits identified in the RR ASBs: RRC ASB No. AE 2100D2–A–72–085, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3–A–72–277, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100P–A–72–019, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; or RRC ASB No. AE 3007C–A–72–316, dated December 6, 2013. (f) Installation Prohibition Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected wheel, as identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, into any RRC AE 3007C2 engine. rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES (g) Definition For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘engine shop visit’’ is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance is not an engine shop visit. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:00 Oct 01, 2014 Jkt 235001 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 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 Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847–294–7836; fax: 847–294–7834; email: kyri.zaroyiannis@faa.gov. (2) RRC ASB No. AE 2100D2–A–72–085, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3–A–72–277, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100P–A–72–019, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A–A–72–408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; and RRC ASB No. AE 3007C–A–72–316, dated December 6, 2013, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from RRC using the contact information in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB– 01–06, Indianapolis, IN 46225, phone: 317– 230–1667; email: CMSEindyOSD@rollsroyce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com. (4) 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. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 25, 2014. Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–23561 Filed 10–1–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0961; Directorate Identifier 2011–NE–22–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–14– 06, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250–C20, –C20B, and –C20R/2 turboshaft engines. AD 2012– SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 59463 14–06 currently requires a one-time visual inspection and fluorescentpenetrant inspection (FPI) on certain 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels for cracks in the turbine blades. Since we issued AD 2012–14–06, we determined that the one-time inspection required by AD 2012–14–06 should be changed to repetitive inspections and that we should add an inspection after any engine hot start. We also identified additional engine models subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would replace the one-time visual inspection and FPI with repetitive visual inspections and FPIs, and would also require inspection and FPI after any engine hot start. This proposed AD would also add certain engine models to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheel blades, which could cause engine failure and damage to the aircraft. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 2014. 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 proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225–1103; phone: 888–255–4766 or 317–230–2720; email: helicoptercustsupp@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com. 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2011– 0961; 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 E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM 02OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 191 (Thursday, October 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59461-59463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23561]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-06-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboprop and 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100 series turboprop engines 
and AE 3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores and subsequent RRC 
analysis that concluded that lower life limits are needed for the 
affected turbine wheels. This proposed AD would reduce the approved 
life limits of the affected turbine wheels. This proposed AD would also 
require an eddy current inspection (ECI) of certain RRC engines with 
affected turbine wheels. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the engine, and 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 
2014.

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 proposed AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-06, 
Indianapolis, IN 46225, phone: 317-230-1667; email: royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0462; 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: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7836; fax: 
847-294-7834; email: kyri.zaroyiannis@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0462; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-06-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy

[[Page 59462]]

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

    Inspections during the manufacturing process revealed higher than 
normal pitting in the bore of certain turbine wheels due to a 
permanganate cleaning process. Analysis and subsequent testing by RRC 
of these affected turbine wheels indicated that these wheels, because 
of the potential for pitting in the wheel bores, could not be operated 
safely up to their published life limits. For RRC AE 2100 series 
turboprop engines, the affected turbine wheels are identified as 1st 
stage gas generator turbine wheels and as 4th stage turbine wheels. For 
the RRC AE 3007A and 3007C series turbofan engines, the affected 
turbine wheels are identified as high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 
and stage 2 wheels. Operation of the affected wheels above the new 
lower limits represents an unsafe condition.
    We are also proposing an ECI for certain RRC AE 3007A engines with 
affected turbine wheels because our risk analysis shows that these 
engines are operated in a more stringent environment and therefore 
require periodic inspections to ensure these engines are operated 
safely.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained 
failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the engine, and damage to the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed RRC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-
085, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 
25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB 
No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; RRC ASB No. 
AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014; and RRC ASB No. 
AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013. RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-
408 provides instructions on performing an ECI of affected HPT stage 2 
wheels. The other RRC ASBs list the lower approved life limits of the 
affected turbine wheels.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require an ECI of certain RRC engines with 
affected turbine wheels, and reduce the life limits of the affected 
turbine wheels.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 664 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 1 hour to perform an ECI in the bore of the turbine wheel 
for affected engines. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We 
estimate the pro-rated replacement cost would be $30,688 for a 1st 
stage gas generator turbine wheel; $63,693 for an HPT stage 1 wheel; 
$13,941 for an HPT stage 2 wheel; and $13,186 for a 4th stage turbine 
wheel. We also estimate that these parts would be replaced during an 
engine shop visit at no additional labor cost. Based on these figures, 
we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be 
$11,317,969.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (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.

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

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Rolls Royce Corporation (Formerly Allison Engine Company): Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-06-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 1, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, 
2100D2A, 2100D3, and 2100P turboprop engines and AE 3007A1, A1/1, 
A1/3, A1E, A1P, A2, A3, C, C1, and C2 turbofan engines:
    (1) With an installed 1st stage gas generator turbine wheel, 
part number (P/N) 23079946, 23088906, or 23089692, all serial 
numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013; and in 
Table 2 and Table 3 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 
25, 2013.
    (2) With an installed high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 or HPT 
stage 2 wheel, P/N 23079946, 23088906, 23088784, 23084520, 23084781, 
23088817, or 23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 through Table 7 of 
RRC ASB

[[Page 59463]]

No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014, except 
those S/Ns excluded by Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, and Table 5 of RRC 
ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014.
    (3) With an installed HPT stage 2 wheel, P/N 23084520 or 
23088818, all S/Ns listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE 
3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013, except those S/Ns excluded 
by Table 1 of RRC ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013.
    (4) With an installed 4th stage turbine wheel, P/N 23083536, all 
S/Ns listed in Table 2 of RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 
25, 2013.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of pitting in the wheel bores 
and subsequent RRC analysis that concluded that lower life limits 
are needed for the affected turbine wheels. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent uncontained failure of the turbine wheels, damage to the 
engine, and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) For all RRC AE 3007A1, A1/1, A1/3, A1E, A1P, and A3 series 
engines with an HPT stage 2 wheel P/N and S/N identified in RRC ASB 
No. AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2014, at each 
shop visit after the effective date of this AD, eddy current inspect 
the bore of the affected HPT stage 2 wheels. Use RRC ASB AE 3007A-A-
72-408, Revision 1, August 29, 2014, to do the inspection. Do not 
return to service any wheel that fails the inspection required by 
this AD.
    (2) Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not 
return to service any engine that has a turbine wheel with a P/N and 
an S/N listed in any of the following RR ASBs whose wheel life 
exceeds the new life limits identified in the RR ASBs:
    RRC ASB No. AE 2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013;
    RRC ASB No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 25, 2013;
    RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-72-019, dated July 25, 2013;
    RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 1, dated August 29, 
2014; or
    RRC ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated December 6, 2013.

(f) Installation Prohibition

    Thirty days after the effective date of this AD, do not install 
an affected wheel, as identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, into 
any RRC AE 3007C2 engine.

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation without subsequent engine maintenance is not an 
engine shop visit.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 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 Kyri 
Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Des 
Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7836; fax: 847-294-7834; email: 
kyri.zaroyiannis@faa.gov.
    (2) RRC ASB No. AE 2100D2-A-72-085, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB 
No. AE 2100D3-A-72-277, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 2100P-A-
72-019, dated July 25, 2013; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-407, Revision 
1, dated August 29, 2014; RRC ASB No. AE 3007A-A-72-408, Revision 1, 
dated August 29, 2014; and RRC ASB No. AE 3007C-A-72-316, dated 
December 6, 2013, which are not incorporated by reference in this 
AD, can be obtained from RRC using the contact information in 
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code NB-01-
06, Indianapolis, IN 46225, phone: 317-230-1667; email: 
royce.com">CMSEindyOSD@rolls-royce.com; Internet: www.rolls-royce.com.
    (4) 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 25, 2014.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23561 Filed 10-1-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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