Rule2021-27385
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
December 16, 2021
Effective
January 3, 2022
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) RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of single engine events caused by water contamination, which led to corrosion on the fuel pump that resulted in loss of engine thrust. This AD requires replacing the fuel pump 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 239 (Thursday, December 16, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 239 (Thursday, December 16, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71367-71370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27385]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 239 / Thursday, December 16, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 71367]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1072; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01248-E;
Amendment 39-21870; AD 2021-26-11]
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; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17,
884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by reports of single engine events caused by water
contamination, which led to corrosion on the fuel pump that resulted in
loss of engine thrust. This AD requires replacing the fuel pump 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 3, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 3,
2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 31, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#de9f9aad9ebbbfadbff0bbabacb1aebff0bbab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aeefeaddeecbcfddcf80cbdbdcc1decf80cbdb">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu">https://www.easa.europa.eu</a>. You
may find this material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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 in the
AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-1072. 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: <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx">https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx</a>.
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-2021-1072; 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 street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7116; fax: (781) 238-7199; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c62656f6463606d7f2266227c6d6562694c6a6d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="305e5953585f5c51431e5a1e4051595e55705651511e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0245, dated November 10, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0245) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
on RRD RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17,
and 895-17 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by a report of single engine events that
resulted in loss of engine thrust. An investigation by the manufacturer
determined that certain engines were exposed to unacceptable levels of
water contamination, which caused corrosion on the fuel pump internal
components. This corrosion led to debris release and filter blockages
in variable stator vane actuator control units, which resulted in the
variable stator vane system failing in the closed position. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine thrust
control, in-flight engine shutdown, and reduced control of the
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the European Community, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. The
FAA is issuing this AD because the agency evaluated all the relevant
information provided by EASA and determined the safe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0245. EASA AD 2021-0245 specifies
instructions for replacing certain fuel pumps and identifies certain
fuel pumps that are not to be installed on an affected engine. 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 Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-73-AK788, dated November 9, 2021. The NMSB
describes procedures for removing and replacing
[[Page 71368]]
the fuel pump and identifies the population of affected fuel pumps.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2021-0245, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and
the MCAI.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a
result, EASA AD 2021-0245 will be incorporated by reference in this
final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2021-
0245 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2021-0245 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 2021-0245. Service information
required by EASA AD 2021-0245 for compliance will be available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-1072.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
Where EASA AD 2021-0245 requires compliance from its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. This AD
does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2021-0245.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If further
action is later identified, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to
make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good
cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
Following occurrences of single engine loss of engine thrust, the
manufacturer determined that a subset of RRD RB211 Trent model turbofan
engines have been exposed to unacceptable levels of water
contamination. This water contamination may cause corrosion on the fuel
pump internal components, leading to debris release and filter blockage
in variable stator vane actuator control units. These fuel pumps have
the highest risk of failure and require removal within 30 days of the
effective date of this AD to prevent failure of the variable stator
vane system and maintain an acceptable level of safety. The FAA
considers failure of a variable stator vane system in the closed
position to be an urgent safety issue that requires immediate action to
avoid loss of engine thrust or in-flight engine shutdown. In addition,
the compliance time for the required action is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1072; Project
Identifier MCAI-2021-01248-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
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 final rule 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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects one engine installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 71369]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Remove and replace fuel pump.......... 4.5 work-hours x $85 per $133,130 $133,512.50 $133,512.50
hour = $382.50.
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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 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2021-26-11 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21870; Docket No.
FAA-2021-1072; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01248-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 3, 2022.
(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) RB211 Trent
875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 model
turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7314, Engine Fuel
Pump.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of single engine events caused
by water contamination, which led to corrosion on the fuel pump that
resulted in loss of engine thrust. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of variable stator vane system. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine thrust
control, in-flight engine shutdown, and reduced control 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 2021-0245,
dated November 10, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0245).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0245
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0245 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0245.
(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
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0f1fef59df1f49df1fdfff3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90d1ded5bdd1d4bdd1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[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 Nicholas Paine,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7116; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#acc2c5cfc4c3c0cddf82c682dccdc5c2c9eccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="355b5c565d5a5954461b5f1b45545c5b50755354541b525a43">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For 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: <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx">https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx</a>.
(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 2021-0245,
dated November 10, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0245, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd8c89be8da8acbeace3a8b8bfa2bdace3a8b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e3f3a0d3e1b1f0d1f501b0b0c110e1f501b0b">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu">https://www.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may
find this EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6107134f080f1211040215080e0f210f0013004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
[[Page 71370]]
Issued on December 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27385 Filed 12-14-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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