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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 231 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 86630-86633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27923]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0363; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-17-
19 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 
and 772B-60 turbofan engines. AD 2015-17-19 requires inspection of the 
fan case low-pressure (LP) fuel tubes and associated clips and the fuel 
oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and associated hardware. Since we 
issued AD 2015-17-19, fractures on the LP fuel return tube at mid-span 
locations were found with resulting fuel leaks. This proposed AD would 
require a modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tubes, 
which could lead to an in-flight shutdown, loss of thrust control, and 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 30, 
2017.

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 http://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 plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, 
DE248BJ; phone:

[[Page 86631]]

011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Web site: https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0363; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite 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-2014-0363; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-08-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On August 20, 2015, we issued AD 2015-17-19, Amendment 39-18252 (80 
FR 55232, September 15, 2015), (``AD 2015-17-19'') for RR RB211 Trent 
768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. AD 2015-17-19 requires 
inspection of the fan case LP fuel tubes and associated clips and the 
FOHE mounts and associated hardware. AD 2015-17-19 resulted from fuel 
leaks caused by damage to the fan case LP fuel tube. We issued AD 2015-
17-19 to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tube, which could lead 
to an in-flight shutdown, loss of thrust control, and damage to the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2015-17-19 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-17-19, fractures on the LP fuel return tube 
at mid-span locations were found with resulting fuel leaks. Also since 
we issued AD 2015-17-19, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has 
issued AD 2016-0120, dated June 17, 2016, which supersedes EASA AD 
2014-0243, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2014 and Correction, dated 
March 23, 2015.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    RR has issued Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 
RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016; Alert NMSB RB.211-
73-AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015; and Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) RB.211-73-AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 
3, 2016. Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016 
describes procedures for inspecting and, if necessary, replacing worn 
rubber sections of the P-clip. Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH837, Revision 1, 
dated November 6, 2015 describes procedures for inspecting and, if 
necessary, replacing the P-clip attaching bracket, supporting hardware, 
and low-pressure (LP) fuel tube.Alert SB RB.211-73-AJ366, Initial Issue 
and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016 describes procedures for modification 
of the routing of fuel, oil, and hydraulic tube assemblies. 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

    RR has issued SB RB.211-73-F343, Revision 4, dated May 26, 2011. 
The service information describes procedures for replacing the fuel 
tube assemblies and supporting hardware.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2015-17-19, 
(80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015), except it would require a 
modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This 
proposed AD would add a mandatory terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections by incorporating ASB RB.211-73-AJ366, Initial Issue and 
Supplement, dated May 3, 2016.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 108 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 6 
hours per engine to perform the inspections in this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We also estimate that 54 of the 
engines will fail the inspections required by this AD. Replacement 
parts cost about $4,031 per engine.
    We also estimate that it would take about 50 hours per engine to 
modify each engine. The modification would cost about $150,000 per 
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $16,931,754.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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

[[Page 86632]]

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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2015-17-19, Amendment 39-18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA-2014-0363; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NE-08-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 30, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2015-17-19, Amendment 39-18252 (80 FR 
55232, September 15, 2015).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 
772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines, if fitted with fuel tube, part 
number (P/N) FW53576, which was incorporated through RR production 
modification 73-F343 or which were modified in service in accordance 
with RR Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-73-F343, Revision 4, dated May 
26, 2011.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by fractures found on the low-pressure (LP) 
fuel return tube at mid span locations with resulting fuel leaks. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tube, 
which could lead to an in-flight engine shutdown, loss of thrust 
control, and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Within 800 flight hours (FH) after October 20, 2015 (the 
effective date of AD 2015-17-19, Amendment 39-18252 (80 FR 55232, 
September 15, 2015)), or prior to further flight, whichever occurs 
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 FH, inspect the 
clip at the uppermost fan case LP fuel tube clip position, CP4881, 
and support bracket, P/N FW26692. Use Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.A, of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 
RB.211-73-AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 
3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated 
January 18, 2016, to do the inspection.
    (i) If the clip at the uppermost clip position, CP4881, fails 
inspection, before further flight, replace the clip with a part 
eligible for installation and inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N 
FW53576, for fretting, and clips for cracks or failure, according to 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-
73-AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 3.A. or 
3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 
2016.
    (ii) If the support bracket, P/N FW26692, fails inspection, 
before further flight, replace the bracket with a part eligible for 
installation and inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, and 
clips for cracks or failure, according to Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.A. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH837, 
Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR 
Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016.
    (2) Within 4,000 FH since new or 800 FH after October 20, 2015 
(the effective date of AD 2015-17-19, Amendment 39-18252 (80 FR 
55232, September 15, 2015)), or prior to further flight, whichever 
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 FH, 
inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, and clips, and the 
fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and hardware, for damage, 
wear, or fretting. Use paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., Accomplishment 
Instructions, of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated 
January 18, 2016, to do the inspection.
    (i) If the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, fails inspection, 
before further flight, replace the fuel tube and clips with parts 
eligible for installation.
    (ii) If any FOHE mount or hardware shows signs of damage, wear, 
or fretting, before further flight, replace the damaged part with a 
part eligible for installation.
    (3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the fan case LP fuel tubes, P/Ns FW26589, FW36335, FW26587, 
FW53577, and FW53576, and clips, and the FOHE mounts and hardware, 
for damage, wear, or fretting. Use paragraphs 3.B.(1) and 3.B.(2) of 
RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016, 
to do the inspection.
    (i) If any fan case LP fuel tube fails inspection, before 
further flight, replace the fuel tube and clips with parts eligible 
for installation.
    (ii) If any FOHE mount or hardware shows signs of damage, wear, 
or fretting, before further flight, replace the damaged part with a 
part eligible for installation.
    (4) If you replace any fan case LP fuel tube, clip, FOHE mount, 
or hardware as a result of the inspections in paragraphs (e)(1), 
(2), or (3) of this AD, you must still continue to perform the 
repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) 
of this AD, until you comply with paragraph (e)(6) of this AD.
    (5) No reports requested in any of the Alert NMSBs that are 
referenced in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD are 
required by this AD.
    (6) During the next shop visit after the effective date of this 
AD, modify the engine in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs (B) and (C), Section 3, of RR Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) RB.211-73-AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated 
May 3, 2016.
    (7) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an M07 
module, unless it is modified in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs (B) and (C), Section 3, of RR ASB RB.211-
73-AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    If, before the effective date of this AD, you performed the 
inspections and corrective actions required by paragraph (e) of this 
AD using RR NMSB RB.211-73-G848, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2014; or 
RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015; 
or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 
4, dated January 18, 2016; or any earlier version of those NMSBs, 
you met the inspection requirements in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(g) Mandatory Terminating Action

    Modification of an engine, as required by paragraph (e)(6) of 
this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraphs (e)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this 
AD.

(h) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD:
    (1) An ``engine shop visit'' is the induction of an engine into 
the shop for maintenance involving the separation of pairs of major 
mating engine flanges, except that the separation of engine flanges 
solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine 
maintenance is not an engine shop visit.
    (2) The fan case LP fuel tubes and clips, and the FOHE mounts 
and hardware, are eligible for installation if they have passed the 
inspection requirements of paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this 
AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to

[[Page 86633]]

make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2016-0120, dated June 17, 2016, which supersedes EASA AD 2014-0243, 
Revision 1, dated December 10, 2014 and Correction dated March 23, 
2015, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0363.
    (3) Rolls-Royce plc has issued SB RB.211-73-F343, Revision 4, 
dated May 26, 2011; Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 4, dated 
January 18, 2016; Alert NMSB RB.211-73-AH837, Revision 1, dated 
November 6, 2015; and ASB RB.211-73-AJ366, Initial Issue and 
Supplement, dated May 3, 2016. These service bulletins can be 
obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, using the contact information in 
paragraph (j)(4) of this AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
Web site: https://www.aeromanager.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 2, 2016.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-27923 Filed 11-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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