Rule2023-20635
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
September 25, 2023
Effective
October 30, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-26-11 for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG (RRD) Model RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 engines. AD 2021-26-11 required replacing the affected fuel pump on at least one affected engine. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-11, the FAA has determined that replacing all affected fuel pumps on all installed engines is necessary to address the 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. This AD requires replacing the affected fuel pump on at least one engine before further flight and replacing all affected fuel pumps within a specified compliance time. This AD would also prohibit installing any affected engine onto any airplane or any affected fuel pump onto any engine, 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
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 184 (Monday, September 25, 2023)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 184 (Monday, September 25, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65581-65583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20635]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2023 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 65581]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0932; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01491-E;
Amendment 39-22542; AD 2023-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-26-11
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG (RRD) Model RB211-Trent
875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 engines.
AD 2021-26-11 required replacing the affected fuel pump on at least one
affected engine. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-11, the FAA has
determined that replacing all affected fuel pumps on all installed
engines is necessary to address the 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. This AD requires replacing the affected fuel
pump on at least one engine before further flight and replacing all
affected fuel pumps within a specified compliance time. This AD would
also prohibit installing any affected engine onto any airplane or any
affected fuel pump onto any engine, 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 October 30, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 30,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0932; 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 service information 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#acede8dfecc9cddfcd82c9d9dec3dccd82c9d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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. It is
also available in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FAA-2023-0932.
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#d9aaacb7beb4b6f7bdf7bab1b699bfb8b8f7beb6af"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="592a2c373e3436773d773a3136193f3838773e362f">[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 2021-26-11, Amendment 39-21870 (86 FR
71367, December 16, 2021), (AD 2021-26-11). AD 2021-26-11 applied to
all RRD Model RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17,
892B-17, and 895-17 engines. AD 2021-26-11 required replacing the
affected fuel pump on at least one affected engine. The FAA issued AD
2021-26-11 to prevent failure of the variable stator vane system.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 18, 2023 (88 FR
23583). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0225, dated November 21,
2022 (EASA AD 2022-0225) (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. The MCAI states that reports of single-engine events
caused by water contamination resulted in loss of engine thrust. An
investigation determined that certain engines were exposed to
unacceptable levels of water contamination, which caused corrosion on
the fuel pump's 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.
The FAA has since determined that in addition to replacing the
affected fuel pump on at least one engine before further flight,
replacing all affected fuel pumps installed on all engines within a
specified compliance time and prohibiting installation of any affected
engine onto any airplane or any affected fuel pump onto any engine is
necessary to address the unsafe condition. Subsequently, the
manufacturer published service information, which describes procedures
for replacing the fuel pump.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0932.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the affected
fuel pump on at least one engine before further flight and replacing
all affected fuel pumps within a specified compliance time. In the
NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit installation of any affected
engine onto any airplane or any affected fuel pump onto any engine.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were
American Airlines (AA) and The Boeing Company (Boeing). The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Support for the AD
Boeing supported the NPRM without change.
[[Page 65582]]
Request To Clarify Return of Affected Parts
AA requested that the FAA clarify whether the intent of the NPRM is
for affected pumps to be returned to Eaton Corporation for
rectification/modification to become eligible for installation, or for
all affected pumps listed in Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-73-AK840, Original Issue, dated Sep 13, 2022
(RB.211-73-AK840), to never be reinstalled on any U.S. registered
carrier's engine or aircraft. AA stated that EASA AD 2022-0225 allows
pumps modified by RB.211-73-AK840 to be reinstalled, and since EASA AD
2022-0225 is incorporated by reference, it can be assumed that the NPRM
also allows pumps modified by RB.211-73-AK840 to be reinstalled. AA
also noted that paragraphs (h)(5) and (6) of the proposed AD do not
indicate if an affected pump that is removed from service should be
returned to the Eaton Corporation for rectification/modification.
Additionally, AA noted that if an affected pump is not returned to the
Eaton Corporation for rectification/modification, it will never be
eligible for reinstallation.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The intent of the NPRM is not to require
that the affected parts never be reinstalled on any U.S. registered
carrier's engine or aircraft. If an affected part is repaired, it is no
longer considered to be included in the population of affected parts,
and, therefore, is eligible for reinstallation. However, the FAA cannot
require that an affected part be sent to a specific shop for repair, as
that decision is at the discretion of the operator. Operators may elect
to return affected fuel pumps that have been removed from service to
the vendor, or to an approved facility for repair.
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 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0225, which specifies procedures for
replacing the affected fuel pump. EASA AD 2022-0225 also specifies not
to install an affected engine onto any airplane or an affected part
onto any 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0225 requires replacing the
affected part within 30 days after November 17, 2021 (the effective
date of EASA AD 2021-0245), this AD requires replacing an affected fuel
pump on at least one engine before further flight after the effective
date of this AD.
Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0225 refer to November
17, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0245), this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
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 fuel pump................. 9 work-hours x $85 per $138,456 $139,221 $278,442
hour = $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 2021-26-11, Amendment 39-21870 (86
FR 71367, December 16, 2021); and
[[Page 65583]]
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-18-01 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22542;
Docket No. FAA-2023-0932; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01491-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 30, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-26-11, Amendment 39-21870 (86 FR 71367,
December 16, 2021).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG Model
RB211-Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and
895-17 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 the variable stator vane system. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in dual-engine loss of
thrust control or 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD:
Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified
in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2022-0225, dated November 21, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0225).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0225
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0225 specifies to
replace the affected part with a fuel pump that is not an affected
part, on at least one of the affected engines within 30 days after
17 November 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0245), this AD
requires replacing an affected fuel pump on at least one engine
before further flight after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0225 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0225 refer to
November 17, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0245), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0225.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0225 specifies to scrap fuel pumps, this AD requires removing those
fuel pumps from service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0225 specifies to return fuel pumps, this AD requires removing those
fuel pumps from service.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0225
specifies to submit certain information 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
responsible Flight Standards 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 and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0818e85ed8184ed818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80c1cec5adc1c4adc1cdcfc3c0e6e1e1aee7eff6">[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#2d5e58434a40420349034e45426d4b4c4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0271776c656f6d2c662c616a6d426463632c656d74">[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 (EASA) AD 2022-0225,
dated November 21, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0225, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5e4e1d6e5c0c4d6c48bc0d0d7cad5c48bc0d0">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD 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.
(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#bbddc995d2d5c8cbded8cfd2d4d5fbd5dac9da95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be">[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 September 19, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-20635 Filed 9-22-23; 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 September 25, 2023.
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.