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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 76 (Tuesday, April 21, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22137-22140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09001]

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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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-
60 turbofan engines. The NPRM proposed to require

[[Page 22138]]

inspection of the fan case low-pressure (LP) fuel tubes and clips and 
the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and hardware. The NPRM was 
prompted by fuel leaks caused by damage to the fan case LP fuel tube. 
This supplemental action revises the NPRM by expanding inspections and 
corrective actions, correcting a part number (P/N) and the costs of 
compliance, reducing the applicability, providing another method to 
comply with certain requirements, and giving credit for certain 
previous actions. We are proposing this SNPRM 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.

DATES: We must receive comments by June 22, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 
8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
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 (MCAI), the 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, 12 New 
England Executive Park, 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 SNPRM. 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 SNPRM. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
SNPRM based on 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 
with FAA personnel concerning this SNPRM.

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to the specified products. The NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on July 3, 2014 (79 FR 37965). The NPRM proposed to 
require inspection of the fan case LP fuel tubes and clips and the FOHE 
mounts and hardware.

Related Service Information under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. 
RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 2, dated July 18, 2014; RR NMSB No. RB.211-
73-AH837, initial issue, dated September 9, 2014; and RR NMSB No. 
RB.211-73-G848, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2014. This service 
information describes procedures for inspecting, and replacing if 
required, the fan case LP fuel tube and clips, and the FOHE mounts and 
hardware. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or see ADDRESSES for other ways to access this service 
information.

Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM (79 FR 37965, July 3, 2014), RR received 
reports of additional failures of clips associated with the LP fuel 
tube occurring prior to the next inspection as required by the NPRM. RR 
published NMSB No. RB.211-73-AH837, initial issue, dated September 9, 
2014, to provide instructions for additional specific visual 
inspections, at shorter intervals, of the upper clip attaching feature 
and the bracket holding this clip to the oil tank and, based on 
inspection results, instructions for corrective actions. The European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also issued EASA AD 2014-0243, dated 
November 6, 2014, and EASA AD 2014-0243R1, dated December 10, 2014, 
which mandate additional inspections and corrective actions, grant 
credit for certain prior inspections, allow a certain in-shop 
inspection to serve in lieu of a required visual inspection, and state 
that replacing parts as a result of the inspections required by those 
EASA ADs, and as described in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD, are not terminating action. We reviewed EASA's changes and 
concluded that they are necessary to correct the unsafe condition this 
SNPRM addresses. We incorporate EASA's changes into paragraphs (e)(1) 
and (e)(4) of this SNPRM.
    In addition to these changes, we made other changes.
    Since we issued the NPRM (79 FR 37965, July 3, 2014), we found that 
we referenced a non-existent fan case LP fuel tube P/N in the NPRM. 
Specifically, fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW535776, does not exist. We 
changed paragraph (e)(3) of this SNPRM to eliminate the non-existent 
part number, replacing it with the correct one for the fan case LP fuel 
tube, P/N FW53576.
    We also found that we did not include in our cost estimate an 
estimate of the number of engines that we expect will fail the proposed 
inspections. We revised our cost estimate in this SNPRM by adding an 
estimate of the number of engines that we expect will fail inspection, 
and the cost of replacement parts.
    We also found that we did not provide adequate information to 
identify the applicable engines affected by this AD. We changed the 
Applicability paragraph to specify that certain engine models outfitted 
with fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, when installed by 
incorporating either RR production modification 73-F343, or RR Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-73-F343, Revision 4, dated May 26, 2011, are 
affected by this SNPRM.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this proposed

[[Page 22139]]

AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 37965, July 3, 2014).

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this SNPRM 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. 
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM (79 FR 
37965, July 3, 2014). As a result, we have determined that it is 
necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional 
opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM

    This SNPRM would require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
NPRM, except as discussed in the Actions Since Previous NPRM was Issued 
paragraph.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects about 50 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 6 hours per engine to comply with this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We also estimate that 25 of the 
engines will fail the inspection proposed by this AD. Required parts 
cost about $4,031 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $126,275.

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 determined that 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 
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) 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

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

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 22, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(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) No. RB.211-73-F343, Revision 4, dated 
May 26, 2011, or earlier versions.

(d) Reason

    This AD was prompted by fuel leaks caused by damage to the fan 
case low-pressure (LP) fuel tube. 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) Actions and Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Within 800 flight hours (FH) after the effective date of 
this AD, 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 Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) No. RB.211-73-AH837, initial issue, dated September 9, 2014, 
or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR NMSB No. RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 
2, dated July 18, 2014, or earlier versions, to do your inspection.
    (i) If the clip at the uppermost clip position, CP4881, fails 
inspection, replace the clip with a part eligible for installation 
and, before further flight, 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 NMSB No. RB.211-
73-AH837, initial issue, dated September 9, 2014, or paragraph 3.A. 
or 3.B. of RR NMSB No. RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 2, dated July 18, 
2014, or earlier versions.
    (ii) If the support bracket, P/N FW26692, fails inspection, 
replace the bracket before further flight with a part eligible for 
installation and inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, and 
clips for cracks or failure.
    (2) Within 4,000 FH since new or 800 FH, whichever occurs later, 
after the effective date of this AD, 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 No. RB.211-73-AH522, 
Revision 2, dated July 18, 2014, or earlier versions, 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, replace the damaged part before further flight 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 No. RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 2, dated July 18, 2014, 
or earlier versions, to do the inspection.
    (i) If any fan case LP fuel tube fails inspection, replace the 
fuel tube and clips before further flight with parts eligible for 
installation.
    (ii) If any FOHE mount or hardware shows signs of damage, wear, 
or fretting, replace the damaged part before further flight with a 
part eligible for installation.
    (4) If you replace any fan case LP fuel tube, clip, or FOHE 
mount or hardware as a result

[[Page 22140]]

of the inspections of paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), or (e)(3) of this 
AD, you must still continue to perform the repetitive inspections of 
paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this AD.
    (5) Any reports requested in the NMSB accomplishment 
instructions referenced in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD are not required by this AD.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    If, before the effective date of this AD, you performed the 
inspections and corrective actions required by paragraph (e)(2) of 
this AD using RR NMSB No. RB.211-73-G848, Revision 3, dated June 12, 
2014, or earlier versions, you met the initial inspection 
requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.

(g) 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), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD.

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

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
wego.wang@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-
0243R1, dated December 10, 2014 for more information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0363.
    (3) RR Alert NMSB No. RB.211-73-AH522, Revision 2, dated July 
18, 2014, and earlier versions; RR NMSB No. RB.211-73-AH837, initial 
issue, dated September 9, 2014; and RR NMSB No. RB.211-73-G848, 
Revision 3, dated June 12, 2014, and earlier versions; which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from Rolls-
Royce plc, using the contact information in paragraph (i)(4) of this 
proposed AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, 
Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-
1332-249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; Internet: https://www.aeromanager.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 7, 2015.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09001 Filed 4-20-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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