Rule2021-14701
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 12, 2021
Effective
August 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the time limits manual (TLM) to incorporate repairs to the low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades and introduce a new fan blade inspection. This AD requires revisions to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the Rolls- Royce (RR) Trent XWB TLM and the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 130 (Monday, July 12, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 130 (Monday, July 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36487-36491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14701]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0022; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00395-E;
Amendment 39-21648; AD 2021-15-01]
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79,
Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the time limits
[[Page 36488]]
manual (TLM) to incorporate repairs to the low-pressure compressor
(LPC) blades and introduce a new fan blade inspection. This AD requires
revisions to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the Rolls-
Royce (RR) Trent XWB TLM and the operator's existing approved aircraft
maintenance program (AMP). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2021.
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: +44 (0)1332 242424; website: <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx">https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx</a>. 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. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0022.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0022; 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), 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: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ffac9c908b8bd1b2d1ac8b9a899a918c9091bf999e9ed1989089"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="da89b9b5aeaef497f489aebfacbfb4a9b5b49abcbbbbf4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 XWB-75,
Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 model
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 23, 2021 (86 FR 10878). The NPRM was prompted by the
manufacturer revising the TLM to incorporate repairs to the LPC blades
and introduce a new fan blade inspection. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed
to require revisions to the ALS of the RR Trent XWB TLM, as applicable
to each engine model, and to the operator's existing approved AMP, to
include new or more restrictive sections of the applicable RR Trent XWB
TLM for each affected engine model. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2020-0066, dated March 23, 2020 (referred to after this
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The MCAI states:
The Airworthiness Limitations Section instructions for Trent XWB
engines, which are approved by EASA, are defined and published in
TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01. These instructions have been identified
as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish
these instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
Rolls-Royce recently revised the TLM, introducing new and/or
more restrictive instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
accomplishment of the instructions specified in the TLM, as defined
in this AD.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0022.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and Delta Air Lines,
Inc. (DAL). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Revise Required Actions
DAL commented that revising the AMP to include the specific
requirements contained in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) or Figure 2 to
paragraph (g)(2) is difficult. DAL requested that the FAA revise
paragraph (g) of this AD to allow incorporation of the specific
language referenced in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) or Figure 2 to
paragraph (g)(2) into the AMP instead of only allowing incorporation of
the figures into the AMP.
The FAA agrees and has revised Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD
to clarify that operators may choose to incorporate the language
referenced in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) or Figure 2 to paragraph
(g)(2) directly into their existing approved AMP instead of
incorporating the respective figures into the existing approved AMP.
Request To Include Modification Specifications of the Ultra Long Range
Operation
DAL noted that paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM includes a proposed
requirement that applies to Trent XWB-84 Ultra Long Range (ULR)
operation. However, the RR Trent XWB TLM does not define the
specification of a ULR operation. DAL commented that ULR operation
requires modification to the airplane. The Trent XWB-84 can be
installed on both A350-900 standard or ULR operations without any
modification to the engine. DAL added that the airplane type
certification data sheet does not specify the modification standards of
a ULR operation. Since the TLM does not include any specifications of
ULR operation and the aircraft type certificate data sheet does not
define this specific standard, DAL requested that the FAA include the
modification specifications of the ULR operation in the final rule.
The FAA disagrees. Although the airplane requires modification for
ULR operation, the Trent XWB-84 model turbofan engine does not require
modification for ULR operation and can be installed on a standard
airplane or a ULR airplane. The FAA did not change this AD.
Support for the AD
ALPA expressed support for the NPRM as written.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory
Inspections), TRENTXWB-A-05-20-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 013, dated
September 1, 2019, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-
TIME0-01, and Rolls-Royce Airworthiness Limitations (Mandatory
Inspections), TRENTXWB-B-05-20-01-00A01-030A-D, Revision 005, dated
[[Page 36489]]
April 1, 2020, of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-
01. These two sections of the TLM specify inspection intervals,
differentiated by engine model, for critical rotating parts.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 22 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 RR Trent XWB TLM 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $1,870
and the operator's existing approved hour = $85.
AMP.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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) 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.
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:
2021-15-01 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21648; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0022; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00395-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 16, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD)
(Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB-75,
Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 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 time
limits manual (TLM) to incorporate repairs to the low-pressure
compressor (LPC) blades and introduce a new fan blade inspection.
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
Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent XWB TLM, as applicable to each engine model,
and the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance program
(AMP) by incorporating the following:
(1) For Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, and Trent
XWB-84 model turbofan engines, add Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of RR Trent
XWB TLM TRENTXWB-K0680-TIME0-01 and to the operator's existing
approved AMP.
[[Page 36490]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY21.000
(2) For Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines, add Figure 2 to
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to the ALS of RR Trent XWB TLM TRENTXWB-
K0680-TIME0-01 and to the operator's existing approved AMP.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY21.001
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) and
Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2) contain language from the original
equipment manufacturer's TLM. Operators may incorporate the language
referenced in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) or Figure 2 to paragraph
(g)(2) directly into their AMP instead of adding the respective
figures into their AMP.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, the operator's existing approved AMP
is defined as the basis for which the operator or the owner ensures
the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
(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
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
Related Information. You may email your request to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#470609026a06036a060a08040721262669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4b0a050e660a0f660a0604080b2d2a2a652c243d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Scott Stevenson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7132; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c794a4a8b3b3e98ae994b3a2b1a2a9b4a8a987a1a6a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eab989859e9ec4a7c4b99e8f9c8f84998584aa8c8b8bc48d859c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0066, dated March 23, 2020, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket
[[Page 36491]]
at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2021-0022.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 6, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14701 Filed 7-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 12, 2021.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.