Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines
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Issuing agencies
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-20-07 which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (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, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) or visual inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, RRD provided optional terminating actions for the required repetitive inspections and alternative inspection instructions. This proposed AD would continue to require initial and repetitive BSIs but would allow modification of the engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce service information as a terminating action to these inspections, 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73690-73694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27980]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1164; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00975-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 supersede airworthiness directive (AD)
2020-20-07 which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
(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
[[Page 73691]]
1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72,
and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 requires
initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) or visual
inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft
assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement
of the IPC shaft assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, RRD
provided optional terminating actions for the required repetitive
inspections and alternative inspection instructions. This proposed AD
would continue to require initial and repetitive BSIs but would allow
modification of the engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce service
information as a terminating action to these inspections, 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 February
11, 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 that is proposed for IBR 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#57161324173236243679322225382736793222"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="19585d6a597c786a78377c6c6b766978377c6c">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu">https://www.easa.europa.eu</a>.
You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this IBR 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. The EASA
material is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1164.
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-2021-1164; 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: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f0be9993989f9c9183debadea091999e95b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92dcfbf1fafdfef3e1bcd8bcc2f3fbfcf7d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>.
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-2021-1164; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00975-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
<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 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 NPRM. 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263 (85 FR 62975,
October 6, 2020) (AD 2020-20-07), for 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, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C
model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 was prompted by a report of crack
findings in the front air seal on the IPC shaft assembly during the
stripping of a flight test engine. AD 2020-20-07 requires initial and
repetitive BSIs or visual inspections of the IPC shaft assembly and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC
shaft assembly with a part eligible for installation. The agency issued
AD 2020-20-07 to prevent failure of the IPC shaft assembly, which could
result in loss of thrust control and reduced control of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2020-20-07 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2020-20-07, EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019-0282R1, dated August 25, 2021 (EASA AD 2019-0282R1), to correct an
unsafe condition for 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, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan
engines.
RRD also published Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Service Bulletin (SB) 72-
K570, Initial Issue, dated June 15, 2021 (Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-
K570); and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571, Initial Issue, dated June
15, 2021 (Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571). This service information
introduces optional terminating actions for the repetitive inspections
and an alternative method for the repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft
assembly.
See EASA AD 2019-0282R1 for additional background information.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2020-20-07, this proposed AD would retain all the
requirements of AD 2020-20-07. Those requirements are
[[Page 73692]]
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0282R1, which, in turn, is referenced in
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.
FAA's Determination
These engines have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Community, the FAA has been notified about
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. The FAA is issuing this
NPRM after evaluating all known relevant information and determining
that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other engines of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2019-0282R1. EASA AD 2019-0282R1 describes
actions for initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. 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 Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72-AK451, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2021
(Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451); Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB
72-K570; and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571.
Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451 describes procedures for
initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. Rolls-Royce
Trent 1000 SB 72-K570 and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571,
differentiated by engine model, describe procedures for the
modification of the engine as a terminating action to the initial and
repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly.
Proposed AD Requirements in this NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2020-20-
07. This proposed AD would require compliance with the required actions
from November 10, 2020, the effective date of AD 2020-20-07. This
proposed AD would also allow modification of the engine in accordance
with Rolls-Royce service information as a terminating action to the
initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. This proposed AD
would also require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2019-
0282R1, 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, the FAA proposes
to incorporate EASA AD 2019-0282R1 in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would require compliance with EASA AD 2019-0282R1 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 2019-0282R1 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 2019-0282R1. Service information specified by EASA
AD 2019-0282R1 that is required for compliance with it will be
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-1164 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 requires compliance from the effective
date of EASA AD 2019-0282, this proposed AD requires compliance from
the effective date of FAA AD 2020-20-07. Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1
requires contacting Rolls-Royce for approved corrective actions if a
crack is detected during any on-wing inspection and in-shop inspection,
this proposed AD requires removing the part and installing a
serviceable part.
Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 defines a serviceable part as an IPC
shaft assembly which is not an affected part; or an affected part which
is new (never previously installed on an engine); or an affected part
that, before (re)installation, has passed (no crack detected) an
inspection in accordance with the instructions of the NMSB, this
proposed AD includes in that definition an IPC shaft assembly that,
before (re)installation, has passed a visual inspection (no crack
detected) of the exposed part using FAA-approved maintenance
procedures.
Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 references on-wing inspections, a visual
inspection of the IPC shaft assembly using FAA-approved maintenance
procedures may be substituted for any on-wing borescope inspection if
the affected part is exposed, and provided that the compliance times
specified in this proposed AD are not exceeded.
This proposed AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2019-0282R1.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 22 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
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BSI or visual inspection of IPC 3.5 work-hours x $85 per $0 $297.50 $6,545
shaft assembly. hour = $297.50.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacement:
[[Page 73693]]
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace IPC shaft assembly................ 1,080 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,365,219 $1,457,019
$91,800.
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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
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263
(85 FR 62975, October 6, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously
held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2021-1164; Project
Identifier MCAI-2021-00975-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263 (85 FR 62975,
October 6, 2020) (AD 2020-20-07).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (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, Trent 1000-R3, Trent
7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines installed as
identified in EASA AD 2019-0282R1, Revision 1, dated August 25, 2021
(EASA AD 2019-0282R1).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine
Engine Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of crack findings in the front
air seal on the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft
assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC shaft assembly. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of thrust
control 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, EASA AD 2019-0282R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0282R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 requires compliance from November
27, 2019, the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0282, this AD requires
compliance from November 10, 2020, the effective date of FAA AD
2020-20-07.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 requires contacting Rolls-Royce
for approved corrective actions if a crack is detected during any
on-wing inspection and in-shop inspection, this AD requires removing
the IPC shaft assembly and replacing it with a part eligible for
installation before further flight.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 defines a serviceable part as an
IPC shaft assembly which is not an affected part; or an affected
part which is new (never previously installed on an engine); or an
affected part that, before (re)installation, has passed (no crack
detected) an inspection in accordance with the instructions of the
NMSB, this AD also includes in that definition an IPC shaft assembly
that, before (re)installation, has passed a visual inspection (no
crack detected) of the exposed part using FAA-approved maintenance
procedures.
(4) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 references on-wing inspections,
this AD allows for a visual inspection of the IPC shaft assembly
using FAA-approved maintenance procedures as a substitute for any
on-wing borescope inspection if the affected part is exposed,
provided that the compliance times specified in this AD are not
exceeded.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2019-0282R1.
(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)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95d4dbd0b8d4d1b8d4d8dad6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a5b545f375b5e375b5755595a7c7b7b347d756c">[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 EASA AD 2019-0282R1, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f1b0b582b194908290df9484839e8190df9484"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d29396a192b7b3a1b3fcb7a7a0bda2b3fcb7a7">[email protected]</span></a>; website: https://
[[Page 73694]]
www.easa.europa.eu. 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. This
material may be found in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-1164.
(2) 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; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c28caba1aaadaea3b1ec88ec92a3abaca782a4a3a3eca5adb4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="efa1868c8780838e9cc1a5c1bf8e86818aaf898e8ec1888099">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For RRD 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: <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx">https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx</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.
Issued on December 20, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27980 Filed 12-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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