Rule2022-11084
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboshaft 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
May 24, 2022
Effective
June 28, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-18- 14, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250 model turboshaft engines. AD 2017-18-14 required repetitive visual inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the 3rd- stage turbine wheel and removal from service of the 4th-stage turbine wheel. This AD was prompted by in-service turbine blade failures that resulted in the loss of power and engine in-flight shutdowns. This AD requires replacement of the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels. This AD also revises the applicability to include an additional turboshaft engine model. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31384-31386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11084]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1071; Project Identifier AD-2021-01055-E;
Amendment 39-22044; AD 2022-10-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboshaft
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-18-
14, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250 model
turboshaft engines. AD 2017-18-14 required repetitive visual
inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the 3rd-
stage turbine wheel and removal from service of the 4th-stage turbine
wheel. This AD was prompted by in-service turbine blade failures that
resulted in the loss of power and engine in-flight shutdowns. This AD
requires replacement of the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels.
This AD also revises the applicability to include an additional
turboshaft engine model. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South Meridian Street, Mail Code
NB-01-06, Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: (317) 230-2720; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#226a474e4b414d5256615751567157525262704d4e4e510f1e43024a5047441f" http: Royce.com">Royce.com</a>">HelicoptCustSupp@Rolls-<a href="http://Royce.com">Royce.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://www.rolls-royce.com">www.rolls-royce.com</a>. You may
view this service information at the Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222-5110.
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-2021-1071; 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, 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: John Tallarovic, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 E Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018;
phone: (847) 294-8180; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d8b2b7b0b6f6b5f6acb9b4b4b9aab7aeb1bb98beb9b9f6bfb7ae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0aaafa8aeeeadeeb4a1acaca1b2afb6a9a380a6a1a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-18-14, Amendment 39-19023 (82 FR
42443, September 8, 2017), (AD 2017-18-14). AD 2017-18-14 applied to
certain RRC 250-C20, -C20B, -C20F, -C20J, -C20R, -C20R/1, -C20R/2, -
C20R/4, -C20W, -C300/A1, and -C300/B1 turboshaft engines with either a
3rd-stage turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 23065818, or a 4th-stage
turbine wheel, P/N 23055944 or RR30000240, installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on January 14, 2022 (87 FR 2365). The
NPRM was prompted by in-service turbine blade failures that resulted in
the loss of power and engine in-flight shutdowns. Since the FAA issued
AD 2017-18-14, the manufacturer redesigned the 3rd-stage turbine wheel.
The manufacturer published Rolls-Royce Alert Commercial Engine Bulletin
(CEB) CEB A-1428/CEB A-72-4111 (single document), which describes
procedures for replacement of the 3rd-stage turbine wheel, P/N
23065818, with the new increased blade fillet 3rd-stage turbine wheel,
P/N M250-10473. Additionally, the FAA determined that the RRC 250-C20C
(T63-A-720) model turboshaft engine is also susceptible to the unsafe
condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of the
3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine
[[Page 31385]]
wheels. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were
an anonymous commenter and RRC. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Comments on Part Availability and Costs
The anonymous commenter stated that RRC does not have the inventory
to supply engine shops with the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels
proposed for replacement in the NPRM. The commenter requested that RRC
provide credit to its customers for unused time on 3rd-stage and 4th-
stage turbine wheels and reasoned that customers paid for the full life
of the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels, not a partial life,
which now requires replacement at full price. The commenter also stated
that the part cost estimates in the NPRM for the 3rd-stage and 4th-
stage turbine wheels are inaccurate and should indicate an estimated
cost of $22,929.15 and $18,926.59 to reflect Aviall and Boeing's
prices, respectively. The commenter noted that they have found
performing FPIs on the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels result in
serviceable conditions compared to the previous configurations that
were beyond serviceable. The commenter expressed that the proposed
requirements in the NPRM would be a financial burden on RRC's
customers, considering the current market instability.
The FAA disagrees that the manufacturer will not have sufficient
inventory, which would prevent compliance with this AD. Prior to
publishing the NPRM, the FAA confirmed with RRC that there would be
adequate inventory for operators to replace the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage
turbine wheels. In response to this comment, the FAA confirmed with RRC
that the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine wheels are available at a 50%
discounted price. Additionally, RRC indicated that suppliers will also
provide the discounted price. The FPI of 3rd-stage turbine wheels was
an interim action until redesigned parts became available. While FPI
reduces the risk of a blade failure, the unsafe condition is addressed
by replacing the 3rd-stage turbine wheel with the revised design. The
FAA did not change this AD as a result of the comments.
Request To Update Service Information
RRC requested that the FAA revise the Related Service Information
paragraph of this AD to reference Rolls-Royce Alert CEB CEB A-1428/CEB
A-72-4111 (single document), Revision 2, dated December 8, 2021. RRC
reasoned that since the three Rolls-Royce bulletins were submitted to
the FAA in support of the NPRM, Rolls-Royce has published Revision 2 of
Rolls-Royce Alert CEB CEB A-1428/CEB A-72-4111 (single document).
The FAA agrees. The FAA has updated the Related Service Information
paragraph of this AD to reference Rolls-Royce Alert CEB CEB A-1428/CEB
A-72-4111 (single document), Revision 2, dated December 8, 2021.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any 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. 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 Alert CEB CEB A-1428/CEB A-72-4111
(single document), Revision 2, dated December 8, 2021. This Alert CEB
describes procedures for replacing the 3rd-stage turbine wheel, P/N
23065818, with the new increased blade fillet 3rd-stage turbine wheel,
P/N M250-10473.
The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert CEB CEB-A-1422/CEB-A-72-4108
(single document), Original Issue, dated September 13, 2017. This Alert
CEB describes procedures for replacing 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N
23055944, with the new increased blade fillet 4th-stage turbine wheel,
P/N M250-10445.
The FAA also reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin (SB)
RR300-A-72-024, Original Issue, dated September 13, 2017. This Alert SB
describes procedures for replacing the 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N
RR30000240, with the new increased blade fillet 4th-stage turbine
wheel, P/N RR30000494.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3,769 engines installed on
helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 3,041 3rd-stage
turbine wheels and 3,769 4th-stage turbine wheels will require
replacement.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace 3rd-stage turbine wheel, P/ 3 work-hours x $85 $11,170 $11,425 $34,743,425 (3,041
N 23065818. per hour = $255. engines).
Replace 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/ 3 work-hours x $85 8,928 9,183 $34,610,727 (3,769
N 23055944 or RR30000240. per hour = $255. engines).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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
[[Page 31386]]
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has determined that 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,
(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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2017-18-14, Amendment 39-19023 (82
FR 42443, September 8, 2017); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2022-10-06 Rolls-Royce Corporation: Amendment 39-22044; Docket No.
FAA-2021-1071; Project Identifier AD-2021-01055-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 28, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-18-14, Amendment 39-19023 (82 FR 42443,
September 8, 2017).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250-C20, 250-
C20B, 250-C20C (T63-A-720), 250-C20F, 250-C20J, 250-C20R, 250-C20R/
1, 250-C20R/2, 250-C20R/4, 250-C20W, 250-C300/A1, and 250-C300/B1
model turboshaft engines with either a 3rd-stage turbine wheel, part
number (P/N) 23065818, or a 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23055944 or
RR30000240, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by in-service turbine blade failures that
resulted in the loss of power and engine in-flight shutdowns. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 3rd-stage and 4th-
stage turbine blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in damage to the engine and damage to the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 1,775 hours since last visual inspection and
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), or at the next engine shop
visit, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD,
remove:
(i) 3rd-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23065818, and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
(ii) 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23055944, and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
(2) Within 2,025 hours since last visual inspection and FPI, or
at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD, remove 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N
RR30000240, and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(h) Definitions
(1) For this purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance in which the
turbine module is separated from the exhaust collector, the gas-
producer-support is separated from the power-turbine-support, or
there is separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except
that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not
constitute an engine shop visit.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is a 3rd-stage turbine wheel or 4th-stage turbine
wheel that does not have a P/N listed in the Applicability,
paragraph (c), of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to
operate the airplane to a maintenance facility where the engine can
be removed from service. This ferry flight must be performed with
only essential flight crew.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Chicago ACO, 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 (k) of this AD.
(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
For more information about this AD, contact John Tallarovic,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 E Devon Avenue, Des
Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294-8180; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#63090c0b0d4d0e4d17020f0f02110c150a00230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fd97929593d390d3899c91919c8f928b949ebd9b9c9cd39a928b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on May 3, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11084 Filed 5-23-22; 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 May 24, 2022.
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.