Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines, 23925-23929 [2020-09009]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 84 / Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules to receive alerts when changes or additions occur in a docket folder. To subscribe: (1) Navigate to the docket folder (NRC–2019–0250); (2) click the ‘‘Sign up for Email Alerts’’ link; and (3) enter your email address and select how frequently you would like to receive emails (daily, weekly, or monthly). Dated this 7th day of April, 2020. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Margaret M. Doane, Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. 2020–08348 Filed 4–29–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 10 CFR Chapter I [NRC–2020–0073] Clarification of Personal Access Authorization Requirements for NonImmigrant Foreign Nationals Working at Nuclear Power Plants Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Draft regulatory issue summary; extension of comment period. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: On March 31, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) solicited comments on a draft regulatory issue summary (RIS) to reinforce the existing requirement that prior to granting or reinstating unescorted access (UA), or certifying unescorted access authorization (UAA) to non-immigrant foreign nationals for the purpose of performing work, licensees shall take reasonable steps to access reliable, independent sources of information, in addition to the information provided by the applicant, to verify the applicant’s claimed non-immigration status. The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on April 30, 2020. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period to allow more time for members of the public to develop and submit their comments. DATES: The due date of comments requested in the document published on March 31, 2020 (85 FR 17770) is extended. Comments should be filed no later than June 15, 2020. Comments received after this date will be considered, if it is practical to do so, but the Commission is able to ensure consideration only for comments received on or before this date. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC–2020–0073. Address VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 29, 2020 Jkt 250001 questions about NRC dockets IDs in Regulations.gov to Jennifer Borges; telephone: 301–287–9127; email: Jennifer.Borges@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. • Mail comments to: Office of Administration, Mail Stop: TWFN–7– A60M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555– 0001, ATTN: Program Management, Announcements and Editing Staff. 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: Mark Resner, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001; telephone: 301–287– 3680, email: Mark.Resner@nrc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2020– 0073 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publiclyavailable 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–2020–0073. • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publiclyavailable 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. The Regulatory Issue Summary 2020–XX, ‘‘Clarification of Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Non-Immigrant Foreign Nationals Working at Nuclear Power Plants,’’ is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML20008D562. B. Submitting Comments Please include Docket ID NRC–2020– 0073 in your comment submission. 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:// PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 23925 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 March 31, 2020 (85 FR 17770), the NRC solicited comments on a draft RIS entitled, ‘‘Clarification of Personal Access Authorization Requirements for Non-Immigrant Foreign Nationals Working at Nuclear Power Plants.’’ The purpose of that document was to solicit public comments on the NRC requirement for licensees to ensure that non-immigrant foreign nationals being granted access to work at U.S. nuclear plants have the correct non-immigrant status to do so. The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on April 30, 2020. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period on the draft RIS until June 15, 2020, to allow more time for members of the public to submit their comments. Dated: April 23, 2020. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Lisa M. Regner, Chief, Operating Experience Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. [FR Doc. 2020–08974 Filed 4–29–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0009; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00111–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: E:\FR\FM\30APP1.SGM 30APP1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 23926 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 84 / Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2018–08–02 which applies to all RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000– D2, Trent 1000–E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2018–08–02 requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 rotor blades, IPC stage 2 rotor blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal of any cracked parts from service. Since the FAA issued AD 2018–08–02, the manufacturer identified cracking of parts in-service resulting in the need to require new inspections using new inspection thresholds and intervals. This proposed AD would require new inspections based on updated inspection thresholds and intervals for these IPC parts. This AD would also add an optional terminating action, amend the asymmetric power condition for engine inspection, and require an inspection after a cabin depressurization event. 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 June 15, 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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 29, 2020 Jkt 250001 www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0009; 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 arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0009; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00111–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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 FAA issued AD 2018–08–02, Amendment 39–19255 (83 FR 17746, April 24, 2018), (‘‘AD 2018–08–02’’), for all RRD Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000– AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000–E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000– J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2018–08– 02 requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic and visual inspections of the IPC stage 1 rotor blades, IPC stage 2 rotor blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal of any cracked parts from service. AD 2018– 08–02 resulted from IPC blade separations resulting in engine failures. The FAA issued AD 2018–08–02 to prevent failure of the IPC. Actions Since AD 2018–08–02 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2018–08– 02, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2019–0250, dated October 9, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: Occurrences were reported on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 ‘Pack C’ engines, where some IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades were found cracked. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-flight blade release, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce initially issued Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ814 and 72–AJ819 to provide inspection instructions for IPC Rotor 1 blades, and IPC Rotor 2 blades and IPC shaft Stage 2 dovetail posts, respectively. Rolls-Royce also issued NMSB TRENT 1000 72–J871 to provide rework instructions for the affected parts, and Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ869 to inspect those post-rework parts. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017– 0248 to require repetitive inspections of the affected IPC Rotor blades and IPC shaft Stage 2 dovetail posts and, depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for corrective action. After that [EASA] AD was issued, RollsRoyce issued Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72– AK058 to provide instructions for a one-time on-wing inspection. Consequently, EASA E:\FR\FM\30APP1.SGM 30APP1 23927 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 84 / Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules issued AD 2018–0073, retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2017–0248, which was superseded, to require an additional borescope inspection of certain engines and, depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for corrective action. After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that repetitive borescope inspections are necessary on all engines to ensure fleet-wide continued safe operation. Consequently, Rolls-Royce revised Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ869, Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ814, Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ819 and NMSB TRENT 1000 72– J871, and issued NMSB TRENT 1000 72– AK060 to consolidate all inspection instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2018–0084 (later revised), retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2018–0073, which was superseded, and requiring repetitive onwing borescope inspections of the affected Rotor 1 parts and affected Rotor 2 parts and, depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for corrective action. That [EASA] AD also introduced specific requirements for engines installed on aeroplanes involved in ETOPS, and inspection following operation in asymmetric power conditions. Rolls-Royce then introduced NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK092 to provide inspections for the rear face of the Rotor 2 blades and NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AK060 was revised (R1) accordingly. Later, Rolls-Royce developed mod 72–J941, installing improved IPC Stage 1 and Stage 2 rotor blades, and issued the modification SB, providing the necessary instructions for in-service application. EASA issued AD 2018–0084R2 to exclude post-mod 72–J941 engines from the Applicability and introducing the modification SB as terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by that [EASA] AD. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, RollsRoyce issued the NMSB and revised Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AJ814, 72–AJ819 and 72–AK092 to introduce new inspections, new thresholds and new intervals, depending on engine configuration. These inspections are now applicable for all operations, ETOPS and non-ETOPS. The latest revision of the NMSB also amended the asymmetric power conditions for engine inspection and introduced cabin depressurisation as an event to trigger engine inspection(s). For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires introduction of the new inspections, replacing those previously imposed by EASA AD 2018–0084R2 (through NMSB TRENT 1000 72–AK060), and removes the references to Engine Health Monitoring messages and ETOPS-related requirements. 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– 0009. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72–AK313, Revision 1, dated August 22, 2019; and RR Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72– J941, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2019, and Initial Issue, dated December 6, 2018. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72– AK313 defines the initial inspection threshold and repeat inspection intervals for Trent 1000 IPC stage 1 blade, stage 2 blade, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. RR SB Trent 1000 72– J941 describes procedures for modifying the engine by installing the redesigned IPC stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades. 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. Other Related Service Information The FAA reviewed RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ819, Revision 4, dated May 3, 2019; RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ814, Revision 5, dated May 3, 2019; and RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK092, Revision 4, dated May 3, 2019. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72– AJ819 describes procedures for performing a visual borescope inspection of the IPC stage 2 rotor blades and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72– AJ814 describes procedures for performing an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the IPC stage 1 rotor blades. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK092 describes procedures for performing a USI of the IPC stage 2 rotor blades. FAA’s Determination The FAA is 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 retain certain requirements of AD 2018–08–02. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections, of the IPC stage 1 blade root (front face), IPC stage 2 blade root (front and rear face), and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face), and removal of any cracked parts from service. This AD would also require an inspection after asymmetric power and cabin depressurization events. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Inspect the IPC Face). Inspect the IPC Face) and IPC (Front Face). Inspect the IPC Face). Labor cost Cost per product Parts cost Cost on U.S. operators stage 1 blade root (Front 20 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,700 ........ $0 $1,700 $11,900 stage 2 blade root (Front shaft stage 2 dovetail post 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ............. 0 510 3,570 stage 2 blade root (Rear 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ........... 0 850 5,950 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of engines that might need these replacements. ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Replace all 34 R1 Blades ........................... 280 work-hours × $85 per hour = $23,800 ................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 29, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Parts cost E:\FR\FM\30APP1.SGM 30APP1 $52,360 Cost per product $76,160 23928 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 84 / Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules ON-CONDITION COSTS—Continued Action Labor cost Replace all 49 R2 Blades ........................... Replace IPC Drum ...................................... 280 work-hours × $85 per hour = $23,800 ................................... 144 work-hours × $85 per hour = $12,240 ................................... 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 has 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 that the 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 29, 2020 Jkt 250001 Parts cost PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2018–08–02, Amendment 39–19255 (83 FR 17746, April 24, 2018), and adding the following new AD: ■ Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously held by RollsRoyce plc): Docket No. FAA–2020–0009; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00111–E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by June 15, 2020. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2018–08–02, Amendment 39–19255 (83 FR 17746, April 24, 2018). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000– E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 model turbofan engines, except those that have the redesigned intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades introduced by Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72–J941, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2019. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by IPC blade separations resulting in engine failures. Subsequently, the manufacturer identified cracking of parts in-service resulting in the need to require new inspections using new inspection thresholds and intervals. The manufacturer also determined the need to add an optional terminating action, amend the asymmetric power condition for engine inspection, and require an inspection after a cabin depressurization event. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 48,755 1,370,000 Cost per product 72,555 1,382,240 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the initial inspection thresholds and repeat inspection intervals specified in Table 1 of RR Alert NonModification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72–AK313, Revision 1, dated August 22, 2019 (‘‘RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, R1’’): (i) Perform initial ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the IPC stage 1 blade root (front face). (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive USIs of the IPC stage 1 blade root (front face). (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1)(a) (on-wing) or 3.A.(2)(a) and (b) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72– AK313, R1 to perform the inspections. (2) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the initial inspection thresholds and repeat inspection intervals specified in Table 2 of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, R1: (i) Perform initial visual inspections of the IPC stage 2 blade root (front face) and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face). (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive visual inspections of the IPC stage 2 blade root (front face) and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face). (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) (on-wing) or 3.B.(2)(b) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, R1 to perform the inspections. (3) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the initial inspection threshold and repeat inspection intervals specified in Table 2 of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, R1: (i) Perform initial USIs of IPC stage 2 blade root (rear face). (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive USIs of IPC stage 2 blade root (rear face). (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1)(a) (on-wing) or 3.C.(2)(a) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, R1 to perform the inspections. (4) After the effective date of this AD, within 5 engine flight cycles (FCs) after each occurrence in which any engine operates in asymmetric power conditions at an altitude of less than 28,000 feet, perform the following inspections on the engine not affected by the power reduction or in-flight shutdown (IFSD): (i) Perform initial USIs and visual inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD. (ii) Thereafter, perform the repetitive USIs and visual inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD. E:\FR\FM\30APP1.SGM 30APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 84 / Thursday, April 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules (iii) Use the service information and repetitive inspection thresholds required by paragraphs (g)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), and (3)(iii) to perform the inspections, as applicable. (5) After the effective date of this AD, within 5 engine FCs following a cabin depressurization event, perform the following inspections on both engines installed on the airplane: (i) Perform initial USIs and visual inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD. (ii) Thereafter, perform the repetitive USIs and visual inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD. (iii) Use the service information and repetitive inspection thresholds required by paragraphs (g)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), and (3)(iii) to perform the inspections, as applicable. (6) If any IPC stage 1 blade root (front face), IPC stage 2 blade root (front face), IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face), or IPC stage 2 blade root (rear face) is found cracked during any inspection required by this AD, replace the part with a part eligible for installation before further flight. (h) Terminating Action (Optional) Modification of an engine by installing the redesigned IPC stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades, using RR SB Trent 1000 72–J941, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2019, or Initial Issue, dated December 6, 2018, is the terminating action for the initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspection requirements, as applicable, of paragraph (g)(1) through (5) of this AD for that engine. (i) Definition For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘asymmetric power condition’’ is the operation of the airplane at an altitude of less than 28,000 feet, experiencing either single engine take-off, engine fault (reduced power on one engine), or single engine IFSD, which includes execution of any non-normal checklist procedure. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (j) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the initial inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD if you performed these inspections before the effective date of this AD using any of the following. (1) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ819, Revision 3, dated April 13, 2018, or earlier revisions; (2) RR NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ814, Revision 4, dated September 28, 2018, or earlier revisions; (3) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK313, Initial Issue, dated May 2, 2019; or (4) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AK092, Revision 3, dated February 28, 2019 or earlier revisions. (k) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are subject to the requirements of paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (1) Operators who are prohibited from further flight due to a crack finding as a result of paragraph (g) of this AD, may perform a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to a location where the engine can be VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 29, 2020 Jkt 250001 23929 removed from service. This ferry flight must be performed without passengers, involve non-ETOPS operation, and consume no more than three FCs. (2) [Reserved] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [Docket No. FAA–2020–0424; Project Identifier MCAI–2019–00130–E] (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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-ADAMOC@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. RIN 2120–AA64 (m) 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: Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0250, dated October 9, 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–2020–0009. (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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. Issued on April 23, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–09009 Filed 4–29–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 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: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent 1000–A, Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000–AE, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000– C, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D, Trent 1000– D2, Trent 1000–E, Trent 1000–E2, Trent 1000–G, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer identifying 38 low-pressure compressor (LPC) front cases that have non-optimal properties that could inhibit their ability to contain certain engine failures. This proposed AD would require removing the LPC front case from service and replacing it 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 June 15, 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 E:\FR\FM\30APP1.SGM 30APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 84 (Thursday, April 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23925-23929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09009]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0009; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00111-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).

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

[[Page 23926]]

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 
2018-08-02 which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(RRD) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, 
Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-
J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2018-
08-02 requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections 
of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 rotor blades, IPC 
stage 2 rotor blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal 
of any cracked parts from service. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-08-02, 
the manufacturer identified cracking of parts in-service resulting in 
the need to require new inspections using new inspection thresholds and 
intervals. This proposed AD would require new inspections based on 
updated inspection thresholds and intervals for these IPC parts. This 
AD would also add an optional terminating action, amend the asymmetric 
power condition for engine inspection, and require an inspection after 
a cabin depressurization event. 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 June 15, 
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, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-
0009; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0009; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00111-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 FAA issued AD 2018-08-02, Amendment 39-19255 (83 FR 17746, 
April 24, 2018), (``AD 2018-08-02''), for all RRD Trent 1000-A2, Trent 
1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, 
Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 
1000-L2 model turbofan engines. AD 2018-08-02 requires initial and 
repetitive ultrasonic and visual inspections of the IPC stage 1 rotor 
blades, IPC stage 2 rotor blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, 
and removal of any cracked parts from service. AD 2018-08-02 resulted 
from IPC blade separations resulting in engine failures. The FAA issued 
AD 2018-08-02 to prevent failure of the IPC.

Actions Since AD 2018-08-02 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2018-08-02, The European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2019-0250, dated 
October 9, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address 
the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 `Pack C' 
engines, where some IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades were found 
cracked.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight blade release, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce 
initially issued Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ814 and 72-AJ819 to 
provide inspection instructions for IPC Rotor 1 blades, and IPC 
Rotor 2 blades and IPC shaft Stage 2 dovetail posts, respectively. 
Rolls-Royce also issued NMSB TRENT 1000 72-J871 to provide rework 
instructions for the affected parts, and Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-
AJ869 to inspect those post-rework parts. Consequently, EASA issued 
AD 2017-0248 to require repetitive inspections of the affected IPC 
Rotor blades and IPC shaft Stage 2 dovetail posts and, depending on 
findings, removal from service of the engine for corrective action.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued Alert NMSB 
TRENT 1000 72-AK058 to provide instructions for a one-time on-wing 
inspection. Consequently, EASA

[[Page 23927]]

issued AD 2018-0073, retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2017-
0248, which was superseded, to require an additional borescope 
inspection of certain engines and, depending on findings, removal 
from service of the engine for corrective action.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that 
repetitive borescope inspections are necessary on all engines to 
ensure fleet-wide continued safe operation. Consequently, Rolls-
Royce revised Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ869, Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 
72-AJ814, Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ819 and NMSB TRENT 1000 72-
J871, and issued NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AK060 to consolidate all 
inspection instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2018-0084 
(later revised), retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2018-0073, 
which was superseded, and requiring repetitive on-wing borescope 
inspections of the affected Rotor 1 parts and affected Rotor 2 parts 
and, depending on findings, removal from service of the engine for 
corrective action. That [EASA] AD also introduced specific 
requirements for engines installed on aeroplanes involved in ETOPS, 
and inspection following operation in asymmetric power conditions.
    Rolls-Royce then introduced NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK092 to provide 
inspections for the rear face of the Rotor 2 blades and NMSB TRENT 
1000 72-AK060 was revised (R1) accordingly. Later, Rolls-Royce 
developed mod 72-J941, installing improved IPC Stage 1 and Stage 2 
rotor blades, and issued the modification SB, providing the 
necessary instructions for in-service application. EASA issued AD 
2018-0084R2 to exclude post-mod 72-J941 engines from the 
Applicability and introducing the modification SB as terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections as required by that [EASA] AD.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Rolls-Royce issued the NMSB and 
revised Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AJ814, 72-AJ819 and 72-AK092 to 
introduce new inspections, new thresholds and new intervals, 
depending on engine configuration. These inspections are now 
applicable for all operations, ETOPS and non-ETOPS. The latest 
revision of the NMSB also amended the asymmetric power conditions 
for engine inspection and introduced cabin depressurisation as an 
event to trigger engine inspection(s).
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
introduction of the new inspections, replacing those previously 
imposed by EASA AD 2018-0084R2 (through NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AK060), 
and removes the references to Engine Health Monitoring messages and 
ETOPS-related requirements.

    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-2020-0009.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK313, Revision 1, dated August 
22, 2019; and RR Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72-J941, Revision 1, 
dated February 6, 2019, and Initial Issue, dated December 6, 2018. RR 
Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313 defines the initial inspection threshold 
and repeat inspection intervals for Trent 1000 IPC stage 1 blade, stage 
2 blade, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. RR SB Trent 1000 72-J941 
describes procedures for modifying the engine by installing the 
redesigned IPC stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ819, Revision 4, 
dated May 3, 2019; RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ814, Revision 5, dated 
May 3, 2019; and RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK092, Revision 4, dated 
May 3, 2019. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ819 describes procedures for 
performing a visual borescope inspection of the IPC stage 2 rotor 
blades and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 
72-AJ814 describes procedures for performing an ultrasonic inspection 
(USI) of the IPC stage 1 rotor blades. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-
AK092 describes procedures for performing a USI of the IPC stage 2 
rotor blades.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is 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 retain certain requirements of AD 2018-08-
02. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ultrasonic or 
visual inspections, of the IPC stage 1 blade root (front face), IPC 
stage 2 blade root (front and rear face), and IPC shaft stage 2 
dovetail post (front face), and removal of any cracked parts from 
service. This AD would also require an inspection after asymmetric 
power and cabin depressurization events.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the IPC stage 1 blade root      20 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,700         $11,900
 (Front Face).                           hour = $1,700.
Inspect the IPC stage 2 blade root      6 work-hours x $85 per                 0             510           3,570
 (Front Face) and IPC shaft stage 2      hour = $510.
 dovetail post (Front Face).
Inspect the IPC stage 2 blade root      10 work-hours x $85 per                0             850           5,950
 (Rear Face).                            hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
engines that might need these replacements.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace all 34 R1 Blades......................  280 work-hours x $85 per hour =          $52,360         $76,160
                                                 $23,800.

[[Page 23928]]

 
Replace all 49 R2 Blades......................  280 work-hours x $85 per hour =           48,755          72,555
                                                 $23,800.
Replace IPC Drum..............................  144 work-hours x $85 per hour =        1,370,000       1,382,240
                                                 $12,240.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 has 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 that the 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2018-08-02, Amendment 39-19255 (83 FR 17746, April 24, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously 
held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2020-0009; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2019-00111-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by June 15, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-08-02, Amendment 39-19255 (83 FR 17746, 
April 24, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type 
Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 
1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-
E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and 
Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines, except those that have the 
redesigned intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 and stage 
2 rotor blades introduced by Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Service Bulletin 
(SB) Trent 1000 72-J941, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2019.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by IPC blade separations resulting in 
engine failures. Subsequently, the manufacturer identified cracking 
of parts in-service resulting in the need to require new inspections 
using new inspection thresholds and intervals. The manufacturer also 
determined the need to add an optional terminating action, amend the 
asymmetric power condition for engine inspection, and require an 
inspection after a cabin depressurization event. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the IPC. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of 
thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the 
initial inspection thresholds and repeat inspection intervals 
specified in Table 1 of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK313, Revision 1, dated August 22, 2019 (``RR 
NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, R1''):
    (i) Perform initial ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the IPC 
stage 1 blade root (front face).
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive USIs of the IPC stage 1 
blade root (front face).
    (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1)(a) 
(on-wing) or 3.A.(2)(a) and (b) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-
AK313, R1 to perform the inspections.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the 
initial inspection thresholds and repeat inspection intervals 
specified in Table 2 of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, R1:
    (i) Perform initial visual inspections of the IPC stage 2 blade 
root (front face) and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face).
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive visual inspections of the 
IPC stage 2 blade root (front face) and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail 
post (front face).
    (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) 
(on-wing) or 3.B.(2)(b) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, R1 
to perform the inspections.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, before exceeding the 
initial inspection threshold and repeat inspection intervals 
specified in Table 2 of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, R1:
    (i) Perform initial USIs of IPC stage 2 blade root (rear face).
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive USIs of IPC stage 2 blade 
root (rear face).
    (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1)(a) 
(on-wing) or 3.C.(2)(a) (in-shop) of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, R1 
to perform the inspections.
    (4) After the effective date of this AD, within 5 engine flight 
cycles (FCs) after each occurrence in which any engine operates in 
asymmetric power conditions at an altitude of less than 28,000 feet, 
perform the following inspections on the engine not affected by the 
power reduction or in-flight shutdown (IFSD):
    (i) Perform initial USIs and visual inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform the repetitive USIs and visual 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD.

[[Page 23929]]

    (iii) Use the service information and repetitive inspection 
thresholds required by paragraphs (g)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), and 
(3)(iii) to perform the inspections, as applicable.
    (5) After the effective date of this AD, within 5 engine FCs 
following a cabin depressurization event, perform the following 
inspections on both engines installed on the airplane:
    (i) Perform initial USIs and visual inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform the repetitive USIs and visual 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD.
    (iii) Use the service information and repetitive inspection 
thresholds required by paragraphs (g)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), and 
(3)(iii) to perform the inspections, as applicable.
    (6) If any IPC stage 1 blade root (front face), IPC stage 2 
blade root (front face), IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front 
face), or IPC stage 2 blade root (rear face) is found cracked during 
any inspection required by this AD, replace the part with a part 
eligible for installation before further flight.

(h) Terminating Action (Optional)

    Modification of an engine by installing the redesigned IPC stage 
1 and stage 2 rotor blades, using RR SB Trent 1000 72-J941, Revision 
1, dated February 6, 2019, or Initial Issue, dated December 6, 2018, 
is the terminating action for the initial and repetitive ultrasonic 
or visual inspection requirements, as applicable, of paragraph 
(g)(1) through (5) of this AD for that engine.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``asymmetric power condition'' is 
the operation of the airplane at an altitude of less than 28,000 
feet, experiencing either single engine take-off, engine fault 
(reduced power on one engine), or single engine IFSD, which includes 
execution of any non-normal checklist procedure.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD if you performed these 
inspections before the effective date of this AD using any of the 
following.
    (1) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ819, Revision 3, dated April 
13, 2018, or earlier revisions;
    (2) RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-AJ814, Revision 4, dated September 28, 
2018, or earlier revisions;
    (3) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK313, Initial Issue, dated May 
2, 2019; or
    (4) RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK092, Revision 3, dated 
February 28, 2019 or earlier revisions.

(k) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are subject to the requirements of paragraph (k)(1) of 
this AD.
    (1) Operators who are prohibited from further flight due to a 
crack finding as a result of paragraph (g) of this AD, may perform a 
one-time non-revenue ferry flight to a location where the engine can 
be removed from service. This ferry flight must be performed without 
passengers, involve non-ETOPS operation, and consume no more than 
three FCs.
    (2) [Reserved]

(l) 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (m)(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.

(m) 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 
2019-0250, dated October 9, 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-2020-0009.
    (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, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued on April 23, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-09009 Filed 4-29-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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