DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0562; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-29-AD] 

RIN 2120-AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce pic Turbofan Engines 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

[4910-13-P] 

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that 

applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 553-61 , 553A2-61 , 556-61 , 

556A2-61 , 556B-61 , 556B2-61 , 560-61 , and 560A2-61 ; and RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-

60, and 772B-60; and RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, 

and 895-17; and RB211-524G2-T-19, -52403-T-19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19 

turbofan engines that have a high-pressure (HP) compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc 

installed, with a certain part number (PIN) installed. The existing AD requires repetitive 

inspections of the axial dovetail slots, and follow-on corrective action depending on 

findings. This proposed AD expands the population of affected parts. This proposed AD 

also changes, for the purposes of this AD, the definition of "engine shop visit." We are 

proposing this AD to detect cracks in the HP compressor stage 1 and 2 disc posts, which 

could result in failure of the disc post and HP compressor blades, damage to the engine, 

and damage to the airplane. 

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by [INSERT DATE 60 

DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 

and 11.45, by any ofthe following methods: 
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regul ations.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 AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate 

Communications, P.O. Box 31 , Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-

242424; fax : 011-44- 1332-249936; or email: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; or download the publication from 

https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 

Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 

01803. For information on the availability ofthis 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; 

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 

regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 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: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, 

Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 

Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803 ; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 

frederick.zink@faa. gov. 

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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-2010-0562; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-29-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 February 23, 2012, we issued AD 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 

13483, March 7, 2012), for all RR model RB211 Trent 553-61 , 553A2-61 , 556-61 , 

556A2-61 , 5568-61 , 55682-61, 560-61 , and 560A2-61; and RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-

60, and 7728-60; and R8211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 8848-17, 892-17, 8928-17, 

and 895-17; and RB211-524G2-T-19, -524G3-T-19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19 

turbofan engines that have a HP compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc installed, with a PIN 

listed in Table I of that AD. That AD requires repetitive inspections of the axial dovetail 

slots, and follow-on corrective action depending on findings. That AD changed the 

definition of a shop visit to be less restrictive. We issued that AD to detect cracks in the 

HP compressor stage 1 and 2 disc posts, which could result in failure of the disc post and 

HP compressor blades, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. 

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Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued 

Since we issued AD 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, March 7, 

20 12), RR engineering identified additional affected HP compressor rotor discs that 

require the same action. As a result of the additional population of discs, this proposed 

rule would increase the total cost to the U.S. fleet. 

Also, since we issued AD 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, 

March 7, 20 12), we changed the definition of "engine shop visit" to be less restrictive. In 

the existing AD, we define "engine shop visit" to be whenever all compressor blades are 

removed from the HP compressor drum. In this proposed AD, we define "engine shop 

visit" to be whenever the HP compressor rotor is accessible for removal of the 

compressor blades. Under the revised definition in this proposed AD, engine shop visit 

will occur more frequently, likely resulting in earlier inspection of the Stage 1 to 4 rotor 

disc than would occur under the original definition. This is more in line with the 

instructions in revised RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-

AF964, Revision 3, dated January 11 , 2013 . 

Relevant Service Information 

We reviewed RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 3, dated January 11 , 

20 13. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for cleaning and inspecting the axial 

dovetail slots. We also reviewed European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2013-0042, 

dated February 26, 20 13, which requires inspection of the new rotor discs. 

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. 

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Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2012-04-13, 

Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, March 7, 2012). This proposed AD would expand 

the population of parts to be inspected. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 432 engines installed on 

airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 20 hours per product 

to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. No parts would be 

required per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost ofthe AD on U.S. 

operators to be $734,400. 

Authority for this Rulemaking 

Title 49 ofthe 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 

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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) 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 transport~tion, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. 

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA 

proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 

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

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

§ 39.13 [Amended) 

2. The FAA amends§ 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 

2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, March 7, 2012), and adding the 

following new AD: 

Rolls-Royce pic: Docket No. FAA-2010-0562; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-29-AD. I 

(a) Comments Due Date 

The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by [INSERT DATE 60 

DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. 

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(b) Affected ADs 

This AD supersedes AD 2012-04-13, Amendment 39-16969 (77 FR 13483, 

March 7, 2012). 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to the following Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model turbofan engines 

that have a high-pressure (HP) compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc installed, with a part 

number (PIN) listed in Table 1 of this AD: 

(1) RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61 , 556-61 , 556A2-61 , 556B-61 , 556B2-61 , 

560-61 , and 560A2-61; and 

(2) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60; and 

(3) RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-

17; and 

(4) RB211-52402-T-19, -52403-T-19, -524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19. 

Table 1 to paragraph (c)- Affected HP Compressor Stage 1 to 4 Rotor Disc PINs by 

Engine Model 

Engine model 

(1) RB211 Trent 553-61 , 553A2-61 , 556-

61 , 556A2-61 , 556B-61 , 556B2-61 , 560-

61 , and 560A2-61. 1 

(2) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 

772B-60. 

(3) RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 

884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17. 

(4) RB211-52402-T-19, -52403-T-19, 

-524H-T-36, and -524H2-T-19. 

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HP compressor stage 1 to 4 rotor disc 

PIN 

FK30524 or FW88340. 

FK22745, FK24031, FK23313, FK25502, 

FK26185, FK32129, FW20195, FW20196, 

FW20197,FW20638, FW23711 , 

FW88695, FW88696, FW88697, 

FW88698, FW88699, FW88700, 

FW88701 , FW88702, or FW88703. 

FK24009, FK26167, FK32580, FW11590, 

FW61622, FW88723, FW88724, or 

FW88725. 

FK25502, FW20195, FW23711 , FW88695, 

FW88696, or FW88697. 
(d) Unsafe Condition 

We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the HP compressor stage 1 and 2 disc 

posts, which could result in failure of the disc post and HP compressor blades, damage to 

the engine, and damage to the airplane. 

(e) Compliance 

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

(t) Cleaning and Inspection 

(1) Clean and perform a fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the HP compressor 

stage 1 to 4 rotor disc at the first shop visit after accumulating 1,000 cycles since new on 

the stage 1 to 4 rotor disc or at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 

whichever occurs later. 

(2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.E.(11) of the Accomplishment Instructions of 

RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 

3, dated January 11,2013, to do the cleaning and inspection. 

(3) Thereafter, at every engine shop visit, perform the cleaning and inspection 

required by paragraph (e) ofthis AD. 

( 4) If on the effective date of this AD, an engine with an affected part has 1,000 

CSN or more, and is in the shop, perform the cleaning and inspection required by 

paragraph (e) of this AD before return to service. 

(5) If cracks or anomalies are found during the inspection required by paragraph 

(e) of this AD, accomplish the applicable corrective actions before return to service. 

(g) Definition 

For the purpose of this AD, an "engine shop visit" is whenever the HP 

compressor rotor is accessible for removal of the compressor blades. 

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(h) Credit for Previous Actions 

If you performed cleanings and inspections before the effective date of this AD 

using RR NMSB No. RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2008, or Revision 2, 

dated June 8, 2011 , then you met the requirements ofparagraph (e)(1) ofthis AD. 

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 

The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA may approve AMOCs for this 

AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. 

(j) Related Information 

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace 

Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803 ; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-

7199; email: frederick.zink@faa.gov. 

(2) Refer toRR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-72-AF964, Revision 3, dated January 

11 , 2013, and European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2013-0042, dated February 26, 

2013, for related information. 

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce pic, 

Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31 , Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011-44-

1332- 242424; fax : 011-44-1332- 249936; or email: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; or download the publication from 

https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 

Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 

0 1803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-23 8-7125. 

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Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 1, 2013 . 

Colleen M. D' Alessandro, 

Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

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