Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-04-13 for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model BR700- 715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 engines. AD 2009-04-13 required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. AD 2009-04-13 also required removing certain low-pressure compressor (LPC) (fan) disc assemblies from service and completing the Life Limited Part Tracking Sheet. Since the FAA issued AD 2009-04-13, the manufacturer has revised the engine time limits manual (TLM) to introduce new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65962-65964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21278]



[[Page 65962]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-7209; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00629-E; 
Amendment 39-23493; AD 2026-21-04]
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) 2009-04-13 
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model BR700-
715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 engines. AD 2009-04-13 
required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the 
operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts. AD 2009-04-13 also required removing certain low-pressure 
compressor (LPC) (fan) disc assemblies from service and completing the 
Life Limited Part Tracking Sheet. Since the FAA issued AD 2009-04-13, 
the manufacturer has revised the engine time limits manual (TLM) to 
introduce new or more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated 
thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. This AD requires 
revising the ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and 
intervals for life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 23, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 23, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-7209; 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#2362675063464250420d4656514c53420d4656"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="19585d6a597c786a78377c6c6b766978377c6c">[email&#160;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 material at the FAA, 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. It is also available at 
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-7209.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 
(516) 228-7309; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcddd0d9c4d5cf92d692cbd4d5c8ddd7d9cefcdadddd92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e6878a839e8f95c88cc8918e8f92878d8394a6808787c8818990">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2009-04-13, Amendment 39-15819 (74 FR 7643, 
February 19, 2009) (AD 2009-04-13). AD 2009-04-13 applied to RRD Model 
BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 engines, with an LPC 
compressor (fan) disc assembly, part number (P/N) BRH10048 or P/N 
BRH19253. AD 2009-04-13 required revising the ALS of the operator's 
existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts. Additionally, AD 2009-04-13 required removing LPC compressor 
(fan) disc assemblies from service that exceed a certain life limit, 
removing LPC compressor (fan) disc assemblies from service that do not 
pass the Hawaiian Flight Mission check, and completing the Life Limited 
Part Tracking Sheet. The FAA issued AD 2009-04-13 to prevent failure of 
critical rotating parts, which, if not addressed, could result in 
uncontained failure of the LPC (fan) disc assembly and damage to the 
airplane.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2026 (91 
FR 40900). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0086, dated April 16, 
2025 (EASA AD 2025-0086) (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 a 
revised engine TLM to introduce new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the 
existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included 
the Air Line Pilots Association, International and The Boeing Company. 
All commenters supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the civil 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, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI referenced above. 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, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. 
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0086, which specifies revising the 
ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0086 specifies revising the 
approved Aircraft Maintenance

[[Page 65963]]

Programme (AMP) within 12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 
2025-0086, this AD requires revising the ALS of the existing approved 
engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 218 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
                Action                        Labor cost          Parts cost   Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per              $0                 $85         $18,530
                                        hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 2009-04-13, Amendment 39-15819 (74 
FR 7643, February 19, 2009); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2026-21-04 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-23493; 
Docket No. FAA-2026-7209; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00629-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 23, 
2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2009-04-13, Amendment 39-15819 (74 FR 7643, 
February 19, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model 
BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine 
time limits manual to introduce new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited 
parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an unsafe condition 
identified as an uncontained failure of critical rotating parts. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained 
failure of the low-pressure compressor (fan) disc assembly and 
damage to 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 2025-0086, dated April 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0086).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0086

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0086 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1), 
(2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2025-0086.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0086 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved 
AMP'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the existing approved engine 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable''.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0086.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g) 
of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions 
of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2025-0086.

(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 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#99d8d4d6dad9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8fcec2c0cccfe9eeeea1e8e0f9">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector,

[[Page 65964]]

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 Alexis Whitaker, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#157479706d7c663b7f3b627d7c61747e7067557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9efff2fbe6f7edb0f4b0e9f6f7eafff5fbecdef8ffffb0f9f1e8">[email&#160;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.
    (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 2025-0086, 
dated April 16, 2025.
    (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#b1f0f5c2f1d4d0c2d09fd4c4c3dec1d09fd4c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91d0d5e2d1f4f0e2f0bff4e4e3fee1f0bff4e4">[email&#160;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#7c1a0e5215120f0c191f081513123c121d0e1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abcdd985c2c5d8dbcec8dfc2c4c5ebc5cad9ca85ccc4dd">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on October 14, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21278 Filed 10-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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