Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines, 49912-49915 [2021-19175]

Download as PDF 49912 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations with the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (3) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by § 91.417, § 121.380, or § 135.439. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mitch Soth, Flight Test Engineer, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email mitch.soth@faa.gov. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF–2019– 16, dated May 6, 2019. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2021–0497. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on August 26, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–19049 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0381; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01656–E; Amendment 39–21694; AD 2021–17–11] 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: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) rotor 1 (R1) blades installed on certain Trent XWB model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the affected IPC R1 blades and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of all 34 IPC R1 blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective October 12, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 12, 2021. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rollsroyce.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. It is also available at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0381. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0381; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7088; fax: (781) 238–7199; email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RRD Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2021 (86 FR 28716). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the IPC R1 blades installed on certain Trent XWB model turbofan engines. The NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive BSIs of the affected IPC R1 blades and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of all 34 IPC R1 blades with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2020–0277, dated December 11, 2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: Occurrences have been reported of finding cracked IPC R1 blades on certain Trent XWB engines that were close to their first planned refurbishment shop visit. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to blade failure and consequent engine inflight shut-down (IFSD), possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition and avoid dual engine IFSD, Rolls-Royce issued the inspection NMSB to provide inspection instructions and the NMSB to provide information on threshold and intervals. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the affected parts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0381. E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were Delta Air Lines (Delta) and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Add a Definition for ‘‘Affected IPC Blades’’ Delta requested that the FAA add a definition of ‘‘affected IPC blades’’ to paragraph (h) of this AD. Delta reasoned that the part number of the affected IPC R1 blades was established in paragraph (c), Applicability, but not in the proposed rule. The FAA disagrees with the need to add a definition of an affected IPC blade to this AD, because paragraph (c), Applicability, is part of the proposed rule. The FAA clarified paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD, by adding ‘‘(affected IPC R1 blade).’’ Request To Add Clarifying Instructions for Repeat BSI Delta requested that the FAA add language similar to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to clarify the instructions for the repeat BSI requirement. The FAA disagrees. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD instructs the operator to repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. It is unnecessary to add additional information to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD since the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is the same as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Support for the AD The ALPA supported the AD without further comment. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce NonModification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72–K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. This service information specifies procedures for performing initial and repetitive BSIs of the Trent XWB–75, XWB–79, XWB– 79B, and XWB–84 IPC R1 blades. This service information is reasonably 49913 available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES. Other Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK612, Initial Issue, dated July 9, 2020; Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK613, Initial Issue, dated July 17, 2020; and Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK632, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK612 describes procedures for performing a in-shop BSI of the Trent XWB–75, XWB–79, XWB–79B, and XWB–84 IPC R1 blades. Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK613 describes procedures for performing an on-wing BSI of the Trent XWB–75, XWB–79, XWB–79B, and XWB–84 IPC R1 blades. Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK632 defines the initial inspection threshold and repeat inspection intervals for Trent XWB–75, XWB–79, XWB–79B, and XWB–84 IPC R1 blades. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 15 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost BSI affected IPC R1 blades ............. 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ............................ The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the Cost per product Parts cost results of the mandated inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the $0 $510 Cost on U.S. operators $7,650 number of aircraft that might need this replacement. ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Replacement of IPC blades ........................ 100 work-hours × $85 per hour = $8,500 ..................................... lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 Parts cost 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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $187,408 Cost per product $195,908 develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1 49914 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) 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 Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2021–17–11 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39– 21694; Docket No. FAA–2021–0381; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01656–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines with an installed intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) rotor 1 (R1) blade, part number (P/N) KH21559 (affected IPC R1 blade). 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the IPC R1 blades installed on certain Trent XWB model turbofan engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC R1 blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown of the engine, and loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (c) Applicability PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (d) Subject (1) Within the compliance time specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform an initial borescope inspection (BSI) of the affected IPC R1 blades using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(3)(b) and (c) (on-wing) or 3.B.(2)(b) and (c) (in-shop), as applicable, of Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletin Trent XWB 72–K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(l)-Inspection threshold Flight cycles (FCs) since new Compliance time Less than 2,300 FCs since new Before exceeding 2,300 FCs since new, or within 50 FCs after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later 2,300 or more FCs since new Within 50 FCs after the effective date of this AD (h) Definition For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is any IPC R1 blade having P/ N KH21559 with zero engine FCs since new, any IPC R1 blade having P/N KH21559 that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and a crack was VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 not found, or any IPC R1 blade having a P/ N not listed in this AD. (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the initial BSI required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you performed the initial BSI before the effective date of this AD using Rolls-Royce Alert NonModification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72–AK612, Initial Issue, dated July 9, 2020, or Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72–AK613, Initial Issue, dated July 17, 2020, as applicable. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information. You may PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@ faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7088; fax: (781) 238–7199; email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0277, dated December 11, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– 2021–0381. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1 ER07SE21.001</GPH> lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 (2) Thereafter, repeat the BSI of the affected IPC R1 blades required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD before exceeding 200 engine FCs since the last BSI of the IPC R1 blades. (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, any affected IPC R1 blade is found cracked, remove all 34 IPC R1 blades from service and replace with parts eligible for installation. Note 1 to paragraph (g): The FCs specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are those accumulated by the IPC R1 blade having the highest flight cycles in the IPC R1 blade set since the first installation of the blade on an engine. When the FCs of the IPC R1 blade set cannot be established, use the FCs accumulated by the engine since new. Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletin Trent XWB 72–K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/ contact-us.aspx. (4) 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 12, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–19175 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0727; Project Identifier AD–2021–00835–R; Amendment 39–21726; AD 2021–19–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked tail rotor blades (blades). This AD requires checking each blade for any crack and removing any cracked blade from service. This AD also requires removing all affected blades from service and prohibits installing any affected blade on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 This AD is effective September 22, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 22, 2021. 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 final rule, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Pete Riedl, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539–0508; email: eng1@robinsonheli.com; website: https://robinsonheli.com/. You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0727; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email james.guo@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA received reports of spanwise cracks found along the leading edge of part number (P/N) C029–3 blades, serial numbers (S/N) 9410 through 9909. These affected blades were factoryinstalled or shipped as spares between March and December 2019. The cracks were found at different inspection intervals ranging from preflight inspections to 100-hour inspections. In one instance, a cracked blade was PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49915 suspected when the pilot felt abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent investigation determined that the blade was cracked. The cause of the cracks is a manufacturing defect in the properties of the blade skin that makes the blades prone to stress corrosion cracking. This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB–108, dated June 30, 2021. This service bulletin specifies removing P/N C029–3 blades with S/N 9410 through 9909 from service. For continued operation until the affected blades are replaced, the service bulletin specifies a preflight inspection to be performed by the pilot. AD Requirements This AD requires, before further flight and thereafter before each flight, checking blade P/N C029–3 with S/N 9410 through 9909 inclusive, for any crack along the leading edge of the blade. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform this required check but must enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of this AD in the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves visually checking each blade for a crack. This action can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to the FAA’s standard maintenance regulations. This AD also requires, before further flight, removing from service any cracked blade and prohibits installing the affected blades on any helicopter. Additionally, this AD requires, within three months after the effective date of this AD, removing all affected blades from service. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49912-49915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19175]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0381; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01656-E; 
Amendment 39-21694; AD 2021-17-11]
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: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent 
XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan engines. This AD 
was prompted by reports of cracks in the intermediate-pressure 
compressor (IPC) rotor 1 (R1) blades installed on certain Trent XWB 
model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive 
borescope inspections (BSIs) of the affected IPC R1 blades and, 
depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of all 34 IPC 
R1 blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 12, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 12, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 
249936; website: 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0381.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0381; 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 final rule, the 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RRD Trent XWB-
75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2021 (86 
FR 28716). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the IPC R1 
blades installed on certain Trent XWB model turbofan engines. The NPRM 
proposed to require initial and repetitive BSIs of the affected IPC R1 
blades and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of 
all 34 IPC R1 blades with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2020-0277, dated December 11, 2020 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of finding cracked IPC R1 blades 
on certain Trent XWB engines that were close to their first planned 
refurbishment shop visit.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to blade failure 
and consequent engine in-flight shut-down (IFSD), possibly resulting 
in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition and avoid dual engine 
IFSD, Rolls-Royce issued the inspection NMSB to provide inspection 
instructions and the NMSB to provide information on threshold and 
intervals.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the affected parts and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0381.

[[Page 49913]]

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were 
Delta Air Lines (Delta) and the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA). The following presents the comments received on 
the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Add a Definition for ``Affected IPC Blades''

    Delta requested that the FAA add a definition of ``affected IPC 
blades'' to paragraph (h) of this AD. Delta reasoned that the part 
number of the affected IPC R1 blades was established in paragraph (c), 
Applicability, but not in the proposed rule.
    The FAA disagrees with the need to add a definition of an affected 
IPC blade to this AD, because paragraph (c), Applicability, is part of 
the proposed rule. The FAA clarified paragraph (c), Applicability, of 
this AD, by adding ``(affected IPC R1 blade).''

Request To Add Clarifying Instructions for Repeat BSI

    Delta requested that the FAA add language similar to paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to clarify the 
instructions for the repeat BSI requirement.
    The FAA disagrees. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD instructs the 
operator to repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD. It is unnecessary to add additional information to paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD since the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD is the same as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Support for the AD

    The ALPA supported the AD without further comment.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and any 
other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) Trent XWB 72-K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. This 
service information specifies procedures for performing initial and 
repetitive BSIs of the Trent XWB-75, XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 IPC R1 
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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK612, Initial 
Issue, dated July 9, 2020; Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK613, 
Initial Issue, dated July 17, 2020; and Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent 
XWB 72-AK632, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020.
    Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK612 describes procedures for 
performing a in-shop BSI of the Trent XWB-75, XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-
84 IPC R1 blades. Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK613 describes 
procedures for performing an on-wing BSI of the Trent XWB-75, XWB-79, 
XWB-79B, and XWB-84 IPC R1 blades. Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-
AK632 defines the initial inspection threshold and repeat inspection 
intervals for Trent XWB-75, XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 IPC R1 blades.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 15 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSI affected IPC R1 blades............  6 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $510          $7,650
                                         hour = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of IPC blades.....................  100 work-hours x $85 per hour =         $187,408        $195,908
                                                 $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and

[[Page 49914]]

responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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 Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-17-11 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21694; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0381; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01656-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type 
Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB-75, Trent 
XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 model turbofan engines with 
an installed intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) rotor 1 (R1) 
blade, part number (P/N) KH21559 (affected IPC R1 blade).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the IPC R1 blades 
installed on certain Trent XWB model turbofan engines. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC R1 blades. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine, 
in-flight shutdown of the engine, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within the compliance time specified in Figure 1 to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform an initial borescope inspection 
(BSI) of the affected IPC R1 blades using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(3)(b) and (c) (on-wing) or 3.B.(2)(b) 
and (c) (in-shop), as applicable, of Rolls-Royce Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin Trent XWB 72-K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 
2020.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07SE21.001

    (2) Thereafter, repeat the BSI of the affected IPC R1 blades 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD before exceeding 200 engine 
FCs since the last BSI of the IPC R1 blades.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or 
(2) of this AD, any affected IPC R1 blade is found cracked, remove 
all 34 IPC R1 blades from service and replace with parts eligible 
for installation.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g):  The FCs specified in Figure 1 to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are those accumulated by the IPC R1 
blade having the highest flight cycles in the IPC R1 blade set since 
the first installation of the blade on an engine. When the FCs of 
the IPC R1 blade set cannot be established, use the FCs accumulated 
by the engine since new.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is 
any IPC R1 blade having P/N KH21559 with zero engine FCs since new, 
any IPC R1 blade having P/N KH21559 that has been inspected in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and a crack was not 
found, or any IPC R1 blade having a P/N not listed in this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial BSI required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD if you performed the initial BSI before the 
effective date of this AD using Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK612, Initial Issue, dated 
July 9, 2020, or Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK613, Initial 
Issue, dated July 17, 2020, as applicable.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. You may email your request to: 
[email protected]ov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0277, dated December 11, 2020, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0381.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 49915]]

(IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletin Trent XWB 72-
K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this AD, 
contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, 
Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 
(0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19175 Filed 9-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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