Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
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Issuing agencies
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-24-06 for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model BR700- 710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, and BR700-710C4-11 engines. AD 2022-24-06 required initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain low- pressure compressor (LPC) rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected. AD 2022-24-06 also allows for modification of the engine in accordance with RRD service information as a terminating action to these inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-24-06, the manufacturer published updated service information and revised the engine maintenance manual (EMM) to provide instructions for an improved ultrasonic inspection method, which prompted this AD. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain LPC rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected and would allow modification of the engine as a terminating action to the inspections, 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 90 Issue 52 (Wednesday, March 19, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 19, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12685-12688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-04445]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2538; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01211-E;
Amendment 39-22991; AD 2025-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 12686]]
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-24-06
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model BR700-
710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, and BR700-710C4-11 engines. AD 2022-24-06
required initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain low-
pressure compressor (LPC) rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC
rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected. AD 2022-24-06 also allows for
modification of the engine in accordance with RRD service information
as a terminating action to these inspections. Since the FAA issued AD
2022-24-06, the manufacturer published updated service information and
revised the engine maintenance manual (EMM) to provide instructions for
an improved ultrasonic inspection method, which prompted this AD. This
AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain LPC
rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with
cracks detected and would allow modification of the engine as a
terminating action to the inspections, 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 April 23, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 23,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2538; 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 EASA material identified 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#2061645360454153410e4555524f50410e4555"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ca8b8eb98aafabb9abe4afbfb8a5baabe4afbf">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2538.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(781) 238-7146; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#15777467777467743b767460737c707971557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="02606370606370632c616377646b676e66426463632c656d74">[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 2022-24-06, Amendment 39-22246 (87 FR
73919, December 2, 2022), (AD 2022-24-06). AD 2022-24-06 applied to RRD
Model BR700-710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, and BR700-710C4-11 engines. AD
2022-24-06 required initial and repetitive visual inspections of
certain LPC rotor (fan) disks and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan)
disk with cracks detected. AD 2022-24-06 also allows for modification
of the engine in accordance with RRD service information as a
terminating action to these inspections. The FAA issued AD 2022-24-06
to prevent failure of the LPC rotor fan or blade.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2024 (89
FR 93230). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0110R1, dated November
22, 2023 (EASA AD 2022-0110R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. The MCAI states that the manufacturer published updated
service information and revised the EMM to provide instructions for an
improved ultrasonic inspection method for certain LPC rotor (fan)
disks.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all of the requirements of
AD 2022-24-06. The NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive
visual inspections of certain LPC rotor (fan) disks and replacement of
any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks detected and would allow
modification of the engine as a terminating action to the inspections,
as specified in EASA AD 2022-0110R1.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an anonymous commenter that
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0110R1, which specifies procedures
for initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain LPC rotor
(fan) disks, and replacement of any LPC rotor (fan) disk with cracks
detected.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 586 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 LPC compressor rotor (fan) 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $199,240
disk. hour = $340.
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[[Page 12687]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
required inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
engines that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace LPC compressor rotor (fan) disk....... 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $470,000 $470,850
$850.
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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 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 AD 2022-24-06, Amendment 39-22246
(87 FR 73919, December 2, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-06-03 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-22991;
Docket No. FAA-2024-2538; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01211-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 23, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-24-06, Amendment 39-22246 (87 FR 73919,
December 2, 2022) (AD 2022-24-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD)
Model BR700-710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, and BR700-710C4-11 engines as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0110R1,
dated November 22, 2023 (EASA AD 2022-0110R1).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine
Engine Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on certain low-
pressure compressor (LPC) rotor (fan) disks. The FAA is issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the LPC rotor fan or blade. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in high energy debris
release, 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 2022-0110R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0110R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0110R1 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0110R1 requires compliance from ``29 June
2022 [the effective date of the original issue of this AD],'' this
AD requires replacing that text with ``January 6, 2023 (the
effective date of AD 2022-24-06).''
(3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (7) of
EASA AD 2022-0110R1. The actions required by paragraph 7 of EASA AD
2022-0110R1 were included in AD 2022-26-02, Amendment 39-22280 (87
FR 78846, December 23, 2022), and for this AD may be used for
informational purposes.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0110R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0110R1 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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of AIR-520 Continued Operational
Safety Branch, 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#fcbdb1b3bfbc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aeefe3e1edeec8cfcf80c9c1d8">[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 Barbara Caufield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4b6b5a6b6b5a6b5fab7b5a1b2bdb1b8b094b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1d3d0c3d3d0c3d09fd2d0c4d7d8d4ddd5f1d7d0d09fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
[[Page 12688]]
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0110R1,
dated November 22, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified 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#7e3f3a0d3e1b1f0d1f501b0b0c110e1f501b0b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7435300734111507155a1101061b04155a1101">[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 material at 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a3c28743334292a3f392e3335341a343b283b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="086e7a2661667b786d6b7c6167664866697a69266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 11, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-04445 Filed 3-18-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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