Rule2023-14596
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 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 11, 2023
Effective
August 15, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear on the inner seal fins of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) triple seals. This AD requires an inspection of the HPT triple seal for excessive wear and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the HPT triple seal and the intermediate-pressure turbine (IPT) disk, 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 88 Issue 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44037-44040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14596]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0660; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01561-E;
Amendment 39-22474; AD 2023-12-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 44038]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000
engines. This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear on the inner
seal fins of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) triple seals. This AD
requires an inspection of the HPT triple seal for excessive wear and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the HPT
triple seal and the intermediate-pressure turbine (IPT) disk, 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 August 15, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 15,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0660; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For the EASA AD identified in this final rule, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d7c794e7d585c4e5c1358484f524d5c135848"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0f1f4c3f0d5d1c3d19ed5c5c2dfc0d19ed5c5">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this EASA AD 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0660.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-
7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6310160d040e0c4d074d000b0c230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0b3b5aea7adafeea4eea3a8af80a6a1a1eea7afb6">[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 certain RRD Model 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, and Trent 1000-R3 engines. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2023 (88 FR 20782). The
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0241, dated December 7, 2022, issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2022-0241) (referred to after this as the
MCAI). The MCAI states that occurrences have been reported of finding
higher than expected levels of wear on the seal fins of certain HPT
triple seals. The secondary air system is affected by the resulting
increased turbine cooling air leakage, which changes the air flow
around the IPT disk. The Modulated Air System (MAS) was designed to
optimize cooling air flow and intended to be active only during cruise
conditions, but the design did not account for a high level of seal
wear. Rolls-Royce issued Non-Modification Service Bulletin Trent 1000
75-AK642, Initial Issue, dated November 30, 2020, to provide
instructions for MAS deactivation, and consequently, EASA published
EASA AD 2021-0009, dated January 8, 2021, specifying deactivation of
the MAS control valves. Despite this, a significantly worn HPT triple
seal under flight conditions, while MAS was activated prior to the
above action, could have reduced the safety of flight.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions
specified in EASA AD 2022-0241 described previously, 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.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0660.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from one commenter, The Boeing Company
(Boeing). Boeing supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment 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, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0241. EASA AD 2022-0241 specifies
procedures for inspecting the HPT triple seal for excessive wear and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacing the HPT triple
seal and the IPT disk. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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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Inspect HPT triple seal............. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $340
hour = $85.
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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 these replacements:
[[Page 44039]]
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace HPT triple seal and IPT disk......... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $737,832 $738,172
$340.
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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,
(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:
2023-12-16 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22474;
Docket No. FAA-2023-0660; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01561-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 15, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
(RRD) Model 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, and
Trent 1000-R3 engines, as identified in European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0241, dated December 7, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0241).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine
Combustion Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear on the inner
seal fins of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) triple seals. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent excessive wear on the inner seal
fins of certain HPT triple seals. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to a temperature increase at the intermediate-
pressure turbine (IPT) disk rim, possibly resulting in IPT disk
failure and high energy debris release, with consequent damage to
the airplane 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD:
Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified
in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0241.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0241
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0241 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0241.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2022-0241 specifies to submit inspection
results to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 branch office, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2968676c04686d046864666a694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9f8f7fc94f8fd94f8f4f6faf9dfd8d897ded6cf">[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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: (781) 238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d4e48535a50521359135e55527d5b5c5c135a524b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="582b2d363f3537763c763b3037183e3939763f372e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0241, dated
December 7, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0241, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#49080d3a092c283a28672c3c3b263928672c3c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fbbabf88bb9e9a889ad59e8e89948b9ad59e8e">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) 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 (817) 222-5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0660.
[[Page 44040]]
(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#1375613d7a7d60637670677a7c7d537d7261723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e48296ca8d8a97948187908d8b8aa48a859685ca838b92">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on June 13, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14596 Filed 7-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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