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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 25, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47417-47419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17980]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0690; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01495-E]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000 model 
turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer 
revising the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain 
critical rotating parts and direct accumulation counting data files. 
This proposed AD would require the operator to revise the airworthiness 
limitation section (ALS) of their existing approved aircraft 
maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating the revised tasks of the 
applicable TLM for each affected model turbofan engine, as specified in 
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed 
for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 12, 
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 material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For RRD service information identified in this NPRM, 
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. The EASA material is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0690.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0690; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the EASA AD, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. 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:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0690; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-01495-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this

[[Page 47418]]

NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kevin M. Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0243, dated November 5, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0243), to correct an unsafe condition on RRD Trent 1000-
AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 
1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, 
Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 model turbofan engines.
    This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
engine TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts and updating 
certain maintenance tasks. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent the 
failure of critical rotating parts.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2020-0243. EASA AD 2020-0243 specifies 
revising the approved AMP by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and 
associated thresholds and intervals described in the TLM. This material 
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 Chapter 05-10 of Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent 1000 TLM 
T-TRENT-10RRT, dated August 1, 2020. RR Trent 1000 TLM T-TRENT-10RRT, 
Chapter 05-10, identifies the reduced life limits of certain critical 
rotating parts.
    The FAA also reviewed Chapter 05-20 of RR Trent 1000 TLM T-TRENT-
10RRT, dated August 1, 2020. RR Trent 1000 TLM T-TRENT-10RRT, Chapter 
05-20, identifies the critical rotating part inspection thresholds and 
intervals.

FAA's Determination

    These engines have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design 
Authority, the FAA has been notified about the unsafe condition 
described in the EASA AD referenced in this proposed AD. The FAA is 
issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2020-0243, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0243 
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed 
AD would require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0243 in its entirety, 
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common 
terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA 
AD 2020-0243 does not mean that operators need comply only with that 
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required 
actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is 
not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance 
Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2020-0243. Service information specified in EASA 
AD 2020-0243 that is required for compliance with it will be available 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0690 after the FAA final rule is published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    This AD does not mandate the ``Maintenance Tasks and Replacement of 
Critical Parts'' and ``Corrective Action(s)'' sections of EASA AD 2020-
0243. Where EASA AD 2020-0243 requires compliance from its effective 
date, this proposed AD would require using the effective date of this 
AD. Where EASA AD 2020-0243 requires revising the AMP within 12 months 
from its effective date, this proposed AD would require revising the 
existing AMP within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. This 
AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2020-0243.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 4 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the AMP.............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $340
                                         hour = $85.
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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.

[[Page 47419]]

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously 
held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2021-0690; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-01495-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by 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 1000-AE3, 
Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 
1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, 
Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 model turbofan 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine 
Time Limits Manual life limits of certain critical rotating parts 
and direct accumulation counting data files. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent the failure of critical rotating parts. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more 
engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0243, 
dated November 5, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0243).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0243

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0243 are not required by this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2020-0243 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0243 specifies revising the 
approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) within 12 months after 
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
approved AMP within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2020-0243.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about EASA AD 2020-0243, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 
material 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. This material may be found in the AD docket at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0690.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (3) For Rolls-Royce Deutschland 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. You may view this material at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.

    Issued on August 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17980 Filed 8-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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