Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines., 17513-17515 [2020-06412]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) AMOCs approved previously for the actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of AD 2015–13–06 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019, that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email: eric.lin@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Issued on March 22, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–06501 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P manufacturing, which could result in air leakage through the low-pressure turbine (LPT) rear support seal panel assembly (‘‘LPT seal panel’’). This proposed AD would require replacement of the LPT seal panel. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2020. 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 NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/ contact-us.aspx. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238– 7759. Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by RollsRoyce plc) Turbofan Engines. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a lack of weld fusion on the resistance welding during SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Mar 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0265; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781–238–7236; fax: 781–238–7199; email: stephen.l.elwin@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 17513 arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Discussion The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2019–0071, dated March 28, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: The affected parts, as defined in this [EASA] AD, are static parts, located behind the intermediate pressure (IP) turbine 2 disc, forming a seal between the IP and LP cavities through an interface with the rotating IP E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1 17514 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules flying seal. It was recently determined that, on certain affected parts, insufficient fusion was achieved on the resistance welding during manufacturing. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to air leakage through the LP seal panel, affecting the service lives of the IP turbine 2 and LP turbine 1 discs, possibly resulting in premature disc failure and high energy uncontained debris release from the engine, with consequent damage to, and reduced control of, the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce identified the affected parts and published the NMSB, providing instructions to replace these affected parts. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected parts during a qualified shop visit. and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0265. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72–AJ994, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for removing and replacing the LPT seal panel. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for This product has been approved by EASA 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. The FAA is proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA 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 replacement of the LPT seal panel. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 26 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Replace the LPT seal panel ............ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost estimate. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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. The FAA is 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. Parts cost 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Mar 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 § 39.13 $282,975 Cost on U.S. operators $7,357,350 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by May 14, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. (d) Subject The Proposed Amendment (e) Unsafe Condition Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: This AD was prompted by reports of a lack of weld fusion on the resistance welding during manufacturing, which could result in air leakage through the low-pressure turbine (LPT) rear support seal panel assembly (‘‘LPT seal panel’’) causing a life reduction to the intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) 2 and LPT 1 disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPT 2 and LPT 1 disks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order $282,890 Cost per product 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section. E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions During the next qualified shop visit after the effective date of this AD, or during the current shop visit, if, on the effective date of this AD, the engine or module 51 is in a qualified shop visit, remove the affected LPT seal panel from service and replace it with a part eligible for installation in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A., of Rolls-Royce plc Alert NonModification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72–AJ994, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘qualified shop visit’’ is a Level 4 (Overhaul) or Level 3 (Refurbishment) shop visit of an affected engine with an affected LPT seal panel installed, or Level 2 shop visit (Check and Repair) of module 51 with an affected LPT seal panel installed. (2) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘module 51’’ is the intermediate pressure low-pressure turbine assembly. (3) For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘affected LPT seal panel’’ is LPT rear support seal panel assembly, identified as catalogue serial number (CSN) 72512301890, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Appendix 1 of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AJ994, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019. This appendix additionally lists the module 51 S/N and engine S/N in which these panels were originally installed. (4) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is a LPT seal panel, CSN 72512301890, with a S/N not listed in Appendix 1 of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AJ994, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for replacement of the LPT seal panel requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed the replacement before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AJ994, Revision 1, dated November 15, 2018, or Initial Issue, dated September 5, 2018. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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 manager of the ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@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. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Mar 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781–238– 7236; fax: 781–238–7199; email: stephen.l.elwin@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0071, dated March 28, 2019, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2020–0265. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. Issued on March 24, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–06412 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration 19 CFR Part 360 [Docket No. 200312–0078] RIN 0625–AB17 Modification of Regulations Regarding the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: On May 17, 2019, the United States announced joint understandings with Canada and Mexico, respectively, to eliminate tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, on imports of steel and aluminum products from Canada and Mexico and to establish a process for monitoring such imports. Consistent with the joint understandings, and to enhance U.S. Government monitoring and analysis of steel imports more generally, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) publishes this proposed rule to enhance its existing Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system to allow for the effective and timely monitoring of import surges of specific steel products which will aid in the prevention of transshipment of steel products. Specifically, Commerce SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 17515 proposes to modify its regulations to require import license applicants to identify the country where the steel used in the manufacture of the imported steel product was melted and poured, and to release this data on an aggregate basis, as appropriate; to harmonize the scope of SIMA’s licensing requirement with the scope of steel products subject to Section 232 tariffs; to extend the SIMA system indefinitely by eliminating the regulatory provision concerning the duration of the SIMA system; and to expand eligibility for use of the low-value license for certain steel entries. Commerce will address the monitoring of aluminum imports in a separate rulemaking. DATES: To be assured of consideration, written comments must be received no later than April 29, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.Regulations.gov, Docket No. ITA–2019–0008. Comments may also be submitted by mail or hand delivery/ courier, addressed to Jeffrey I. Kessler, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, Room 1870, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230. Commerce will consider all comments received before the close of the comment period. All comments responding to this document will be a matter of public record and will generally be available on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.Regulations.gov. Commerce will not accept comments accompanied by a request that part or all of the material be treated confidentially because of its business proprietary nature or for any other reason. Therefore, do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. Any questions concerning the process for submitting comments should be submitted to Enforcement and Compliance (E&C) Communications office at (202) 482–0063 or ECCommunications@trade.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Al-Saadawi at (202) 482–1930, Brandon Custard (202) 482–1823, or Jessica Link at (202) 482–1411. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The SIMA System The purpose of the SIMA system is to provide steel producers, steel consumers, importers, and the general public with accurate and timely information on anticipated imports of certain steel products into the United E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM 30MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 61 (Monday, March 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17513-17515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06412]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0265; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00131-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-
79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan engines. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of a lack of weld fusion on the 
resistance welding during manufacturing, which could result in air 
leakage through the low-pressure turbine (LPT) rear support seal panel 
assembly (``LPT seal panel''). This proposed AD would require 
replacement of the LPT seal panel. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 
2020.

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 NPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-
Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2020-
0265; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-
238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2020-0265; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00131-E'' at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. 
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the 
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Any commentary that 
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be 
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2019-0071, dated March 28, 2019 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    The affected parts, as defined in this [EASA] AD, are static 
parts, located behind the intermediate pressure (IP) turbine 2 disc, 
forming a seal between the IP and LP cavities through an interface 
with the rotating IP

[[Page 17514]]

flying seal. It was recently determined that, on certain affected 
parts, insufficient fusion was achieved on the resistance welding 
during manufacturing.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to air leakage 
through the LP seal panel, affecting the service lives of the IP 
turbine 2 and LP turbine 1 discs, possibly resulting in premature 
disc failure and high energy uncontained debris release from the 
engine, with consequent damage to, and reduced control of, the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
identified the affected parts and published the NMSB, providing 
instructions to replace these affected parts.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected parts during a qualified shop visit.

    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 Docket No. FAA-2020-0265.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc Alert Non-Modification Service 
Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AJ994, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019. 
The Alert NMSB describes procedures for removing and replacing the LPT 
seal panel. This service information is reasonably available because 
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA 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. The FAA is proposing this AD because we evaluated all the 
relevant information provided by EASA 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 replacement of the LPT seal panel.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 26 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the LPT seal panel............  1 work-hour x $85 per           $282,890        $282,975      $7,357,350
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in 
our cost estimate.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2020-0265; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00131-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 14, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB-75, 
Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of a lack of weld fusion on the 
resistance welding during manufacturing, which could result in air 
leakage through the low-pressure turbine (LPT) rear support seal 
panel assembly (``LPT seal panel'') causing a life reduction to the 
intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) 2 and LPT 1 disks. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPT 2 and LPT 1 disks. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained 
debris release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

[[Page 17515]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    During the next qualified shop visit after the effective date of 
this AD, or during the current shop visit, if, on the effective date 
of this AD, the engine or module 51 is in a qualified shop visit, 
remove the affected LPT seal panel from service and replace it with 
a part eligible for installation in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A., of Rolls-Royce plc 
Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AJ994, 
Revision 2, dated August 29, 2019.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``qualified shop visit'' is a 
Level 4 (Overhaul) or Level 3 (Refurbishment) shop visit of an 
affected engine with an affected LPT seal panel installed, or Level 
2 shop visit (Check and Repair) of module 51 with an affected LPT 
seal panel installed.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``module 51'' is the 
intermediate pressure low-pressure turbine assembly.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, an ``affected LPT seal panel'' 
is LPT rear support seal panel assembly, identified as catalogue 
serial number (CSN) 72512301890, with a serial number (S/N) listed 
in Appendix 1 of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ994, Revision 2, dated 
August 29, 2019. This appendix additionally lists the module 51 S/N 
and engine S/N in which these panels were originally installed.
    (4) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is a LPT seal panel, CSN 72512301890, with a S/N not 
listed in Appendix 1 of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AJ994, Revision 
2, dated August 29, 2019.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for replacement of the LPT seal panel 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed the 
replacement before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB 
Trent XWB 72-AJ994, Revision 1, dated November 15, 2018, or Initial 
Issue, dated September 5, 2018.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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 manager of the 
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0071, dated March 28, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0265.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: 
https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7759.

    Issued on March 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06412 Filed 3-27-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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