[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 110 (Monday, June 8, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34959-34962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12346]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1109; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E;
Amendment 39-21135; AD 2020-12-01]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent XWB-75, XWB-
79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 model turbofan engines. This 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 AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of
the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly and, depending on the results of
the inspections, possible replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring
assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 13,
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1109.

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 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.

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: Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    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 Trent XWB-
75, XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 turbofan engines. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on February 12, 2020 (85 FR 7899). The NPRM was
prompted by analysis by the manufacturer of the LPC 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. The NPRM proposed to
require initial and repetitive inspections of the LPC OGV outer mount
ring assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections,
possible replacement of the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    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

[[Page 34600]]

docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1109.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Allow Replacement of the Engine

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) requested that the FAA revise paragraph
(g)(4)(i), Required Actions, of this AD to ``Before further flight or
before release to service of the engine, as applicable, replace the
engine or the OGV outer mount ring assembly with a part eligible for
installation.'' DAL reasoned that neither the aircraft maintenance
manual (AMM) nor Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17,
2019, provide instructions on replacing the LPC OGV outer mount ring
assembly. Therefore, if the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly requires
replacement, the engine will be removed per the AMM, and the LPC OGV
outer mount ring assembly replaced per the engine manual.
    The FAA agrees that the installation of another engine with an LPC
OGV outer mount ring assembly that meets the initial and repetitive
inspection requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD
would be acceptable. However, the FAA disagrees with adding the
language suggested by DAL because the operator is only responsible for
correcting the unsafe condition. The FAA identified the unsafe
condition in the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly and this AD,
therefore, requires that this part be replaced.

Request To Define Parts Eligible for Installation

    DAL commented that the proposed AD does not define what would be
considered a part eligible for installation. On the other hand, the
MCAI requires that the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly be replaced
with a new part. DAL suggested that a part eligible for installation
include an engine that satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1)
through (3) of this AD or a new LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly.
    The FAA agrees to add a definition of ``a part eligible for
installation'' in this AD. The FAA disagrees with adding the language
suggested by DAL because the FAA agrees with the MCAI requirement of
replacing the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly with a new part. As
noted in the previous response, the operator may elect to install
another engine that meets the initial and repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD.

Support for the AD

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International expressed support
for the AD as written.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA has also determined that these changes will not increase
the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed RR Alert 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 26 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI the LPC OGV outer mount ring      3 work-hours x $85 per               $0             $255           $6,630
 assembly.                             hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
mandated inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =        $2,418,121       $2,418,801
 (KH10678).                                     $680.
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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

[[Page 34601]]

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 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2020-12-01 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-21135; Docket No.
FAA-2019-1109; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00115-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 13, 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 model 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 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. 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.

(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 (FCs) 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 FCs 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 Trent XWB 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 FCs 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 Trent XWB 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 Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2019.
    (4) If, during any FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3)
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 Trent XWB 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) [Reserved]

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, ``a part eligible for installation''
is a new LPC OGV outer mount ring assembly that has not been
previously installed on an engine.

(i) 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.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial and repetitive FPIs that are
required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) 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.

(k) 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 (l)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
    (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.

(l) 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:
Stephen.L.Elwin@faa.gov.
    (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 Docket No. FAA-
2019-1109.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
Trent XWB 72-AK188, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2019.

[[Page 34602]]

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For RR 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.
    (4) You may view this service information 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 781-238-7759.
    (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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 27, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12346 Filed 6-5-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


