Rule2022-12181
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
June 8, 2022
Effective
July 13, 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) Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000- 72C model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by in-service experience showing that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades may prematurely deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in accordance with the inspection intervals in the Time Limits Manual (TLM). This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing borescope inspections (BSIs) of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT blade set, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34767-34770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12181]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0150; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00839-E;
Amendment 39-22065; AD 2022-11-15]
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.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 7000-72 and Trent 7000-
72C model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by in-service
experience showing that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades may
prematurely deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in
accordance with the inspection intervals in the Time Limits Manual
(TLM). This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing borescope
inspections (BSIs) of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking and,
depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT
blade set, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the IBR of a certain
publication listed in this AD as of July 13, 2022.
ADDRESSES: 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#4c0d083f0c292d3f2d6229393e233c2d622939"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f">[email protected]</span></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
[[Page 34768]]
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0150. For Rolls-Royce 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>.
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-2022-0150; 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 address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W121-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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#36585f555e595a5745185c1846575f58537650575718515940"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aac4c3c9c2c5c6cbd984c084dacbc3c4cfeacccbcb84cdc5dc">[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 2021-0169, dated July 19, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0169), to address an unsafe condition for all RRD Trent 7000-72
and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to RRD Trent 7000-72 and
Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 1, 2022 (87 FR 11355). The NPRM was prompted
by in-service experience showing that certain HPT blades may
prematurely deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in
accordance with the inspection intervals in the TLM. The manufacturer
published Rolls-Royce (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
(NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK449, Revision 2, dated July 5, 2021 (the Alert
NMSB) specifying procedures for performing initial and repetitive on-
wing BSIs of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking. The Alert NMSB
also specifies procedures for removing the engine from service to
replace the HPT blade set before exceeding a specified number of flight
cycles. The compliance time for the initial and repetitive BSIs of the
HPT blades required by this AD meet the TLM inspection intervals for
HPT blade, part number KH64485. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2021-0169,
described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products. See EASA AD 2021-0169 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. The commenters
were Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), Delta Air
Lines, Inc. (DAL), and an individual commenter. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each
comment.
Request to Add AD Reference to Paragraph (b)
DAL requested that the FAA add a reference to AD 2021-25-03,
Amendment 39-21846 (86 FR 71135, December 15, 2021), (AD 2021-25-03),
to paragraph (b), Affected ADs. DAL commented that AD 2021-25-03
requires the operator's maintenance program be updated to incorporate
Revision 7 of the RR TLM. DAL noted that Revision 7 of the RR TLM,
Chapter 05-20, defines the interval for the piece-part inspection of
the HPT blade. DAL also commented that Note 2 in paragraph (5) of EASA
AD 2021-0169 specifically states that the life limitation cancelled the
inspection intervals currently defined in the TLM. DAL stated that this
AD would partially supersede the requirements of AD 2021-25-03.
The FAA disagrees with adding reference to AD 2021-25-03 in
paragraph (b) of this AD. Paragraph (b) of this AD identifies
superseded or revised ADs, or other ADs if the requirements of those
ADs are affected. The compliance times for the initial and repetitive
on-wing BSIs of the HPT blades required by this AD are more restrictive
than the inspection intervals specified in the TLM. This AD does not
affect the requirements of AD 2021-25-03 and, as a result, AD 2021-25-
03 is not an affected AD. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of
this comment.
Request to Update Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code
DAL requested the FAA update paragraph (d), Subject, of this AD
from JASC Code 7230 to JASC Code 7250. DAL commented that the required
inspections and unsafe condition for the HPT fall under JASC Code 7250,
not JASC Code 7230 as proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (d) of this AD.
Support for the AD
ALPA and an individual commenter supported the NPRM without change.
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 Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0169. EASA AD 2021-0169 specifies
instructions for performing initial and repetitive on-wing BSIs of the
HPT blades to detect axial cracking and, depending on the results of
the inspections, removal from service of the engine for in-shop
replacement of the HPT blade set. EASA AD 2021-0169 also specifies
instructions for replacing HPT blades with a new HPT blade set before
exceeding a specified number of flight cycles.
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 RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK449, Revision 2,
dated July 5, 2021. This Alert NMSB describes procedures for performing
initial and repetitive on-wing BSIs of the HPT blades to detect axial
cracking. This Alert NMSB also specifies procedures for removing the
engine to replace the HPT blade set before exceeding a specified number
of flight cycles.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
[[Page 34769]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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BSI HPT Blades........................ 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $5,440
hour = $340.
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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
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace HPT Blade Set......................... 16 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,001,780 $2,003,140
$1,360.
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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 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.
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:
2022-11-15 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-22065; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0150; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00839-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent 7000-72 and
Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by in-service experience showing that
certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades may prematurely
deteriorate to an unacceptable condition when managed in accordance
with the inspection intervals defined in the Time Limits Manual. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT blades. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the
engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss 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 2021-0169,
dated July 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0169).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0169
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0169 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) This AD does not require compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0169.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD,
[[Page 34770]]
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)
of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8e9e6ed85e9ec85e9e5e7ebe8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="61202f244c20254c202c2e22210700004f060e17">[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
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#630d0a000b0c0f02104d094d13020a0d06230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06686f656e696a6775286c2876676f68634660676728616970">[email protected]</span></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 2021-0169,
dated July 19, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For more information about EASA AD 2021-0169, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2362675063464250420d4656514c53420d4656"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="acede8dfecc9cddfcd82c9d9dec3dccd82c9d9">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the
EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) 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-2022-0150.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b0d19450205181b0e081f0204052b050a190a450c041d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c2a3e6225223f3c292f382523220c222d3e2d622b233a">[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>.
Issued on May 24, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12181 Filed 6-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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