[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7899-7902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02724]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1109; Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75,
XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the low-pressure compressor
(LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and LPC OGV outer mount ring
assembly. The analysis predicted that when the front engine mount is in
the fail-safe condition, the most highly stressed LPC OGV outer mount
ring assembly has a life that could be substantially less than one shop
visit interval. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive
inspections of the OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the
results of the inspections, possible replacement of the OGV outer mount
ring assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30,
2020.
[[Page 7900]]
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202 493 2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Rolls-
Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow,
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1109; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI),
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1109;
Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E'' at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM.
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this NPRM because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552),
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2019-0234, dated September 19, 2019 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
The purpose of the engine mount is to position the engine
relative to the pylon and to transfer all loads and rotational
moments between the engine and pylon. The front engine mount support
structure (EMSS) consists of the low pressure compressor (LPC)
outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and OGV outer mount ring assembly.
Revised analysis of these parts, when the front engine mount (FEM)
is engaged in the fail-safe condition, has now been undertaken using
more advanced modelling techniques. This analysis predicts that,
once the FEM is in the fail-safe condition, the most highly stressed
LPC OGV has a life that could be substantially less than one shop
visit interval.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the EMSS, possibly resulting in engine separation and
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce
introduced inspections to protect against the FEM entering the
failsafe condition following a failure of the OGV outer mount ring
assembly lugs, and published the NMSB to provide instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the OGV outer mount ring assembly lug
fillet area and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s).
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1109.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December
17, 2019. The NMSB describes procedures for performing fluorescent
penetrant inspections (FPIs) of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by EASA, and is approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the
relevant information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive FPIs of the
LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly, and depending on the results of the
inspections, possible replacement of the OGV outer mount ring assembly.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17,
2019, identifies a more immediate
[[Page 7901]]
compliance time for RRD Trent XWB turbofan engine models with engine
serial numbers (ESNs) 21021, 21032, 21033, 21038, 21041, 21043, 21044,
21065, 21088, and 21188. This proposed AD does not include this more
immediate compliance time for these RRD Trent XWB turbofan engine
models as they are not installed on aircraft in the U.S. registry.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 26 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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FPI the LPC OGV outer mount ring 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $6,630
assembly. hour = $255.
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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
proposed inspection. The FAA 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 the LPC OGV outer mount ring 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680. $2,418,121 $2,418,801
assembly (KH10678).
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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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
(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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 (AD):
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2019-1109;
Product Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by March 30, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD)
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Trent XWB-75,
XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7120, Engine Mount
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the low-
pressure compressor (LPC) outlet guide vane (OGV) assembly and OGV
outer mount ring assembly. The analysis predicted that when the
front engine mount is in the fail-safe condition, the most highly
stressed LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly has a life that could be
substantially less than one shop visit interval. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the front engine mount support
structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
engine separation, reduced control of the airplane, and loss of the
airplane.
[[Page 7902]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For affected RRD Trent XWB turbofan engines with 1,700
flight cycles since new (FCSN) or greater as of the effective date
of this AD:
(i) Within 300 flight cycles (FC) after the effective date of
this AD, perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the LPC
OGV outer mount ring assembly.
(ii) Use Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., as
applicable, of Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17,
2019, to perform the FPI of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
(iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC after the previous inspection.
(2) For affected RRD Trent XWB turbofan engines with fewer than
1,700 FCSN as of the effective date of this AD:
(i) Before exceeding 2,000 FCSN after the effective date of this
AD, perform an FPI of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
(ii) Use Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., as
applicable, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December
17, 2019, to perform the FPI of LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
(iii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC after the previous inspection.
(3) If, during any FPI required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of
this AD, an LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly discrepancy is
detected, as defined in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A or 3.B, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December
17, 2019, repeat the FPI within the interval specified in
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., of RR Alert
NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2019.
(4) If, during any FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of
this AD, an LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly is rejected as a
result of the FPI, as defined in the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.A or 3.B, of RR Alert NMSB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated
December 17, 2019:
(i) Before further flight, replace the LPC OGV outer mount ring
assembly with a part eligible for installation.
(ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive FPIs of the LPC OGV outer
mount ring assembly within 1,000 FC of the previous inspection.
(h) No Reporting Requirement
The reporting requirements in the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3, of RR Alert NMSB Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated
December 17, 2019, are not required by this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial and repetitive FPIs that are
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed
the FPIs before the effective date of this AD using RR Alert NMSB
Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2019, or Initial
Issue, dated August 13, 2019.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO 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
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
(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) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Elwin,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7236; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0234, dated September 19, 2019, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2019-1109.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, 15827
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0; email:
https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7759.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 6, 2020.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02724 Filed 2-11-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P