Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines, 18478-18481 [2020-06736]

Download as PDF 18478 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 64 / Thursday, April 2, 2020 / Proposed Rules • Fax comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at 301– 415–1101. • Mail comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff. • Hand deliver comments to: 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) Federal workdays; telephone: 301–415–1677. For additional direction on obtaining information and submitting comments, see ‘‘Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments’’ in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew G. Carrera, telephone: 301– 415–1078; email: Andrew.Carrera@ nrc.gov; or Pamela Noto, telephone: 301–415–6795; email: Pamela.Noto@ nrc.gov. Both are staff of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2017– 0214 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly available information related to this action by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC–2017–0214. • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ adams.html. To begin the search, select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301– 415–4737, or by email to pdr.resource@ nrc.gov. • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at https:// www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information. If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment into ADAMS. II. Discussion On February 4, 2020, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (85 FR 6103) requesting input from its licensees and members of the public to identify outdated or duplicative administrative requirements that may be eliminated without an adverse effect on public health or safety, common defense and security, protection of the environment, or regulatory efficiency and effectiveness. The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on April 6, 2020. By letter dated March 12, 2020 (ADAMS Accession No. ML20084Q158), the Nuclear Energy Institute requested that the NRC extend the comment period by 30 days. The NRC is granting this request and will extend the public comment period until May 6, 2020, to allow more time for members of the public to submit their comments. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 26th day of March 2020. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. John R. Tappert, Director, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. [FR Doc. 2020–06682 Filed 4–1–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P B. Submitting Comments Please include Docket ID NRC–2017– 0214 in your comment submission. When preparing and submitting your comments, see ‘‘Tips for Submitting Effective Comments’’ (ADAMS Accession No. ML20014E720). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Apr 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0293; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00122–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). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 1000–AE3, Trent 1000– CE3, Trent 1000–D3, Trent 1000–G3, Trent 1000–H3, Trent 1000–J3, Trent 1000–K3, Trent 1000–L3, Trent 1000– M3, Trent 1000–N3, Trent 1000–P3, Trent 1000–Q3, Trent 1000–R3, Trent 7000–72, and Trent 7000–72C model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack finding of the front air seal on the intermediatepressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the IPC shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly with a part eligible for installation. 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 18, 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/ SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02APP1.SGM 02APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 64 / Thursday, April 2, 2020 / Proposed Rules 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– 0293; 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: summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. 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. Comments Invited Discussion 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–2020–0293; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00122–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 (CBI) 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 The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2019–0282, dated November 20, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: An occurrence was reported of finding cracks in the front air seal of the IPC shaft assembly during stripping of a flight test engine. Follow-up inspections of other inshop engines revealed two more cracked front air seals of IPC shaft assemblies. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to IPC shaft failure, possibly resulting in engine in-flight shutdown and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce developed an inspection method and issued the NMSB, providing those inspection instructions. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive on-wing 18479 inspections of the front air seal of the affected part at a specific area between the fourth (rearmost) seal fin of the IPC shaft assembly front air seal and the IPC Stage 1 disc and, depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for corrective action(s). 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– 0293. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72–AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. 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 initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly with a part eligible for installation. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators BSI IPC shaft assembly .................................. 3.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $297.50 ..... $0 $297.50 $4,165 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacement VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Apr 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FAA has no way of determining the E:\FR\FM\02APP1.SGM 02APP1 18480 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 64 / Thursday, April 2, 2020 / Proposed Rules number of engines that might need this replacement: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replace IPC shaft assembly ........... 1,080 work-hours × $85 per hour = $91,800 ............................................ $1,365,219 $1,457,019 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. (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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Regulatory Findings jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Apr 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by RollsRoyce plc): Docket No. FAA–2020–0293; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00122–E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by May 18, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (c) Applicability This AD applies to: (1) Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000–AE3, Trent 1000–CE3, Trent 1000–D3, Trent 1000–G3, Trent 1000–H3, Trent 1000–J3, Trent 1000– K3, Trent 1000–L3, Trent 1000–M3, Trent 1000–N3, Trent 1000–P3, Trent 1000–Q3, and Trent 1000–R3 model turbofan engines. (2) RRD Trent 7000–72 and Trent 7000– 72C model turbofan engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a crack finding of the front air seal on the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC shaft assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of thrust control and reduced control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within the compliance times specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 200 flight cycles (FCs), perform a borescope inspection (BSI) of the IPC shaft assembly, part number KH18436, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72–AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019. E:\FR\FM\02APP1.SGM 02APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 64 / Thursday, April 2, 2020 / Proposed Rules (h) Definitions For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is: (1) An IPC shaft assembly that is new (not previously installed on an engine); (2) An IPC shaft assembly that, before (re)installation, has passed an inspection (no crack detected) in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of RR Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72– AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019. (i) No Reporting Requirement The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A. and 3.B., of RR Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72–AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019, are not required by this AD. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (j) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the initial BSI of the IPC shaft assembly that is required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you performed the BSI before the effective date of this AD using RR Trent 1000 NMSB 72–K452, Initial Issue, dated October 21, 2019. (k) 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 (l)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Apr 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 (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. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (l) Related Information [Docket No. 200117–0024] (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: stephen.l.elwin@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0282, dated November 20, 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–2020–0293. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 BlankenfeldeMahlow, 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. RIN 0605–AA49 Issued on March 26, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–06736 Filed 4–1–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Office of the Secretary 15 CFR Part 4 Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017 Implementation Office of the Secretary, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: This proposed rule would revise the Department of Commerce (Department) regulations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. The revisions would clarify and update the language of procedural requirements pertaining to the inclusion of Social Security account numbers (SSNs) on documents that the Department sends by mail. These revisions are necessary to implement the Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, which restricts the inclusion of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) on documents sent by mail by the Federal Government. DATES: Submit comments on or before April 24, 2020. Comments received by mail will be considered timely if they are postmarked on or before that date. The electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) will accept comments until Midnight Eastern Time at the end of that day. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 0605–AA49, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Departmental Privacy Act Officer, Office of Privacy and Open SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02APP1.SGM 02APP1 EP02AP20.001</GPH> (2) An in-shop BSI in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A, of RR Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72–AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019, may be substituted for any on-wing BSI, provided the compliance time specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is not exceeded. (3) If, during any initial or repetitive BSI of the IPC shaft assembly required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, any crack is detected, before further flight, remove the IPC shaft assembly and replace it with a part eligible for installation. 18481

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 64 (Thursday, April 2, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18478-18481]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06736]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0293; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00122-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 certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 
1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, 
Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-
P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C 
model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a 
crack finding of the front air seal on the intermediate-pressure 
compressor (IPC) shaft assembly during the stripping of a flight test 
engine. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope 
inspections (BSIs) of the IPC shaft assembly and, depending on the 
results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly with a 
part eligible for installation. 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 18, 
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/

[[Page 18479]]

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-
0293; 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-2020-0293; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00122-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 (CBI) 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 final rule.

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 2019-0282, dated November 20, 2019 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of finding cracks in the front air 
seal of the IPC shaft assembly during stripping of a flight test 
engine. Follow-up inspections of other in-shop engines revealed two 
more cracked front air seals of IPC shaft assemblies.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to IPC 
shaft failure, possibly resulting in engine in-flight shut-down and 
consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
developed an inspection method and issued the NMSB, providing those 
inspection instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive on-wing inspections of the front air seal of the affected 
part at a specific area between the fourth (rearmost) seal fin of 
the IPC shaft assembly front air seal and the IPC Stage 1 disc and, 
depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for 
corrective action(s).

    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-2020-0293.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72-AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 
2019. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for initial and repetitive 
BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. 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 initial and repetitive BSIs of the 
IPC shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, 
replacement of the IPC shaft assembly with a part eligible for 
installation.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSI IPC shaft assembly..............  3.5 work-hours x $85                 $0          $297.50           $4,165
                                       per hour = $297.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the

[[Page 18480]]

number of engines that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace IPC shaft assembly................  1,080 work-hours x $85 per hour =       $1,365,219       $1,457,019
                                             $91,800.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2020-0293; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2019-00122-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 18, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, 
Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 
1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, 
Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 model turbofan engines.
    (2) RRD Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack finding of the front 
air seal on the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft 
assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC shaft assembly. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of thrust 
control and reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within the compliance times specified in Table 1 to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed 200 flight cycles (FCs), perform a borescope inspection (BSI) 
of the IPC shaft assembly, part number KH18436, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Rolls-Royce (RR) 
Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72-AK451, 
Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019.

[[Page 18481]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP02AP20.001

    (2) An in-shop BSI in accordance with Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.A, of RR Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451, 
Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019, may be substituted for any 
on-wing BSI, provided the compliance time specified in Table 1 to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is not exceeded.
    (3) If, during any initial or repetitive BSI of the IPC shaft 
assembly required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, any crack 
is detected, before further flight, remove the IPC shaft assembly 
and replace it with a part eligible for installation.

(h) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is:
    (1) An IPC shaft assembly that is new (not previously installed 
on an engine);
    (2) An IPC shaft assembly that, before (re)installation, has 
passed an inspection (no crack detected) in accordance with 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of RR Trent 1000 Alert 
NMSB 72-AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.A. and 3.B., of RR Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451, 
Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019, are not required by this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial BSI of the IPC shaft 
assembly that is required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you 
performed the BSI before the effective date of this AD using RR 
Trent 1000 NMSB 72-K452, Initial Issue, dated October 21, 2019.

(k) 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 (l)(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.

(l) 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 
2019-0282, dated November 20, 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-2020-0293.
    (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 26, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06736 Filed 4-1-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.