Document ID: FAA-2021-0690-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. and Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines
Posted Date: 2021-12-15T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71129-71131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27046]

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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; 
Amendment 39-21847; AD 2021-25-04]
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.

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SUMMARY:  The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000 model 
turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical 
rotating parts and direct accumulation counting (DAC) data files. This 
AD requires the operator to revise the airworthiness limitations 
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 incorporated by reference. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES:  This AD is effective January 19, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 71130]]

of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 19, 2022.

ADDRESSES:  For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact 
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 
221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: www.easa.europa.eu. 
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 (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0690. For the material identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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.

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 final rule, the 
EASA AD, 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 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:

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) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), 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.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all 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. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2021 (86 FR 
47417). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine 
TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts and DAC data files. 
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the operator to revise the ALS 
of their existing approved AMP by incorporating the revised tasks of 
the applicable TLM for each affected model turbofan engine, as 
specified in an EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one commenter, The Boeing Company 
(Boeing). Boeing supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a

[[Page 71131]]

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 that 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:

2021-25-04 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21847; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0690; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01495-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 19, 2022.

(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)(1) 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 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].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0243, 
dated November 5, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0243, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; website: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this service information at the 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 (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material 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 November 24, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27046 Filed 12-14-21; 8:45 am]
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