Document ID: FAA-2017-0650-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
Posted Date: 2018-09-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 188 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48703-48706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21032]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 188 / Thursday, September 27, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 48703]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0650; Product Identifier 2017-NE-19-AD; Amendment 
39-19394; AD 2018-18-15]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17, RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-
Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 
892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted 
by low-pressure compressor (LPC) case A-frame hollow locating pins that 
may have reduced integrity due to incorrect heat treatment. This AD 
requires replacement of the LPC case A-frame hollow locating pins. We 
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 1, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, 
DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
internet: https://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0650.

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-2017-
0650; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
Docket Operations, 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, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain RR RB211-Trent 875-
17, RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-
Trent 892-17, RB211-Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 turbofan 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 28, 
2017 (82 FR 45218). The NPRM was prompted by LPC case A-frame hollow 
locating pins that may have reduced integrity due to incorrect heat 
treatment. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of the LPC case A-
frame hollow locating pins. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2017-0096, dated June 1, 2017 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    All low pressure compressor (LPC) case A-frame hollow locating 
pins, Part Number (P/N) FK11612, manufactured between 01 January 
2012 and 31 May 2016, have potentially been subjected to incorrect 
heat treatment. This may have reduced the integrity of the pin such 
that in a Fan Blade Off (FBO) event it is unable to withstand the 
applied loads.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of location 
of the A-frame following an FBO event, possibly resulting in engine 
separation, loss of thrust reverser unit, release of high-energy 
debris, or an uncontrolled fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, RR identified the 
affected engines that have these A-frame hollow locating pins 
installed and published Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) RB.211-72-AJ463, providing instructions for replacement of 
these pins. The NMSB was recently revised to correct an error in 
Section 1.A., where ESN 51477 was inadvertently omitted. That ESN 
was correctly listed in Section 1.D.(1)(f) for the compliance time.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires a one-time 
replacement of the affected A-frame hollow locating pins P/N 
FK11612. This AD also prohibits installation of pins that were 
released to service before 05 July 2016.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0650.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Address Spare Engines

    Delta Air Lines (Delta) commented that the NPRM requirement to 
replace each A-frame pin at next on-wing maintenance opportunity within 
the compliance time specified in RR NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Section 
1.D(1), or at next engine shop visit, does not address spare engines. 
Delta noted that, based on the Installation Prohibition in the NPRM, 
one could infer that affected spare engines must comply with this AD 
prior to installation. However, Delta finds that this statement 
conflicts with NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Section 1.D(1)(g)(ii), which 
allows replacement of A-frame pins on serviceable spare

[[Page 48704]]

engines prior to the engine's installation on-wing. EASA AD 2017-0096, 
paragraph 2, has the same allowance for spare engines.
    Delta, therefore, requested that we add a new paragraph (g)(3) that 
would read: ``If any engine listed in the applicability of this AD, 
paragraph (c), is held as a serviceable spare engine, or is removed 
from the airplane after the effective date of this AD and then held as 
a serviceable spare engine, replace each affected LPC case A-frame 
hollow locating pin using Section 3, Accomplishment Instructions, of RR 
Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017, before 
reinstallation of that engine onto an aircraft.''
    We partially agree. We agree that affected LPC case A-frame hollow 
locating pins do not have to be replaced on spare engines until the 
spare engine is installed on an airplane. We disagree with the 
suggested addition of a new paragraph (g)(3). Instead, we revised 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to refer only to engines installed on-wing 
on an airplane. Based on this change, spare engines are not affected by 
the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Request To Remove ``Maintenance Opportunity'' From Compliance Time

    American Airlines and Delta requested the reference to 
``maintenance opportunity'' be removed from paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD, as the NPRM already indicated that compliance should be performed 
based on the times specified in Section 1.D(1), Planning Information, 
in RR NMSB RB.211 72 AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017. The 
commenters saw the potential for confusion and the risk of non-
compliance if this phrase is misunderstood.
    We agree. We find that specifying replacement of the LPC case A-
frame hollow locating pins at the next on-wing maintenance opportunity 
requirement is unnecessary because we already specify to comply within 
the times listed in the RR NMSB. We revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
to remove this reference from the AD.

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    Delta commented that paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM requires 
replacing the A-frame pins within the compliance times listed in 
Planning Information, Section 1.D.(1), in RR NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, 
Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017, except for those listed in Sections 
1.D.(1)(a) and (b) which have a compliance requirement of November 13, 
2017. Delta recommended rewording this sentence to clarify that engine 
serial numbers listed in Sections 1.D.(1)(a) and (b) will have their 
existing deadlines replaced with a new compliance deadline as a part of 
this AD. American Airlines recommended a compliance deadline of 30 days 
after the effective date of the AD.
    We agree. We revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to indicate the 
compliance time is within the times specified in RR Alert NMSB RB.211-
72-AJ463, Planning Information, Section 1.D.(1), or within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

Request To Allow Use of Alternative RR-Approved Tool

    American requested a paragraph be added to this AD to allow the use 
of alternative RR-authorized pin replacement tooling. American 
indicated that RR is currently pursuing an alternative tooling design 
for improved reliability.
    We disagree. Allowing the use of alternate tooling would require 
changes to the instructions for use, and a corresponding revision to, 
the RR NMSB. If RR revises its approved tooling, and publishes a 
revised NMSB, we will consider alternate method of compliance (AMOC) 
requests. We did not change this AD.

Request To Revise Installation Prohibition

    American requested that the Installation Prohibition paragraph of 
this AD be revised to allow installation of an engine with an affected 
pin providing replacement is accomplished before engine operation. 
American asked that this installation be allowed to provide favorable 
pin loading for replacement and to allow operators to install an engine 
on-wing in order to replace the affected parts with parts eligible for 
installation. American indicated that pin loads in an engine stand 
adversely affect replacement, and Rolls Royce has advised operators not 
to attempt the A-frame pin replacement while engine is in an engine 
stand.
    We agree. The proposed changes meet our safety objectives. We 
revised the Installation Prohibition to allow installation of an engine 
with an affected pin if the pin is replaced with a part eligible for 
installation before engine operation.

Request To Modify Installation Prohibition

    American also requested we revise the Installation Prohibition by 
deleting ``unless the pin is eligible for installation.'' American 
commented that this change would improve the clarity of the AD.
    We disagree. Requiring that the replacement part is eligible for 
installation is the intent of the AD. We did not change this AD.

Request To Add Credit for Previous Actions Paragraph

    American requested that we add a Credit For Previous Actions 
paragraph to give credit for eligible A-frame pins, P/N FK11612, 
installed in an engine prior to June 28, 2017. American commented that 
prior to the issuance of RR NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated 
June 28, 2017, RR had issued work instructions for engines at overhaul 
bases to have the A-frame pins replaced with eligible pins.
    We disagree. If an operator installed an eligible LPC case A-frame 
hollow locating pin prior to the effective date of this AD, this meets 
the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, which states ``Comply 
with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already 
done.'' This AD does not require use of a particular service bulletin 
to install an eligible LPC case A-frame hollow locating pin, therefore 
no change is needed. We did not change this AD.

Support for the AD

    The Air Line Pilots Association expressed support for this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 
28, 2017. The Alert SB describes procedures for replacement of all non-
conforming LPC case A-frame hollow locating pins. 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.

[[Page 48705]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 95 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LPC case A-frame hollow locating pin    9.5 work-hours x $85 per         $453.00       $1,260.50     $119,747.50
 replacement.                            hour = $807.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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, 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):

2018-18-15 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-19394; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0650; Product Identifier 2017-NE-19-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-
17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17 and 895-17 turbofan 
engines with an engine serial number listed in Section 1.A., 
Effectivity, of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 
RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by low-pressure compressor (LPC) case A-
frame hollow locating pins that may have reduced integrity due to 
incorrect heat treatment. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the locating pins, engine separation, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For engines installed on-wing, after the effective date of 
this AD, replace each affected LPC case A-frame hollow locating pin, 
part number (P/N) FK11612, within the compliance times specified in 
RR Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AJ463, Planning Information, Section 
1.D.(1), or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, unless already 
accomplished by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, at the next engine shop 
visit, replace each affected LPC case A-frame hollow locating pin, 
P/N FK11612, with a part eligible for installation.
    (3) Use Section 3, Accomplishment Instructions, of RR Alert NMSB 
RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017, to perform the 
replacements required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, an engine with an affected 
LPC case A-frame hollow location pin, P/N FK11612, may not be 
installed on an airplane and subsequently operated. It is 
permissible to install an engine on an airplane with an affected pin 
if it is replaced with a part eligible for installation before 
engine operation.

(i) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD:
    (1) An affected part is an LPC case A-frame hollow locating pin, 
P/N FK11612, except those with an original RR authorized release 
certificate dated July 5, 2016, or later.
    (2) A part eligible for installation is an LPC case A-frame 
hollow locating pin, P/N FK11612, with an original RR authorized 
release certificate dated July 5, 2016, or later.
    (3) An engine shop visit is when the engine is subject to a 
serviceability check and repair, rebuild, or overhaul.

[[Page 48706]]

(j) 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 
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your request 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 
781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-
0096, dated June 1, 2017, for more information. You may examine the 
EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0650.

(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non Modification Service Bulletin 
RB.211-72-AJ463, Revision 2, dated June 28, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For RR service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 
8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-
249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp; 
internet: https://customers.rolls-royce.com/public/rollsroycecare.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 17, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21032 Filed 9-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P