[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63319-63322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24931]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1004; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00480-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 all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) RB211 Trent 875-17, 
877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 model turbofan 
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by findings during engine 
overhaul of corrosion on the low-pressure compressor (LPC) front case 
assembly. This proposed AD would require inspection of the LPC front 
case assembly and, depending on the result of the inspection, 
accomplishment of the applicable corrective action(s), as specified in 
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed 
for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 January 3, 
2022.

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 material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. For RRD service information identified 
in this NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. 
Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; 
fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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 (781) 238-7759. The EASA material is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1004.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1004; 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 EASA AD, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7116; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1004; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00480-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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

[[Page 63320]]

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 Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0114, dated April 23, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0114), to correct an unsafe condition for certain RRD 
RB211 Trent 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-
17 model turbofan engines.
    This proposed AD was prompted by findings during engine overhaul of 
corrosion on the LPC front case assembly caused by excessive movement 
between the Kevlar wrap and the fan case, which resulted in the anti-
corrosion paint fretting away. The FAA is proposing this AD to address 
corrosion on the LPC front case assembly. This condition, if not 
addressed, could affect the containment integrity of the LPC front case 
assembly during a fan blade release event, resulting in damage to the 
airplane, or reduced control of the airplane.
    See EASA AD 2021-0114 for additional background information.

FAA's Determination

    These engines 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 the State of Design 
Authority, the FAA has been notified about the unsafe condition 
described in the EASA AD referenced in this AD. The FAA is issuing this 
NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously 
is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0114. EASA AD 2021-0114 specifies 
actions for inspecting the LPC front case assembly and, depending on 
the result of the inspection, corrective action. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 Series Propulsion 
Systems Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AG774, 
Revision 4, dated October 13, 2020 (the NMSB). The NMSB specifies 
procedures for inspecting the LPC front case assembly for corrosion and 
taking corrective action.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2021-0114, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, the FAA proposes 
to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0114 in the FAA final rule. This proposed 
AD would require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0114 in its entirety 
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common 
terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA 
AD 2021-0114 does not mean that operators need comply only with that 
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required 
actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is 
not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance 
Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-0114. Service information specified by EASA 
AD 2021-0114 that is required for compliance with it will be available 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1004 after the FAA final rule is published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

Qualified Shop Visit

    EASA AD 2021-0114 defines a qualified shop visit as any scheduled 
shop visit where the affected part is exposed and substantial rebuild 
has not yet started, except shop visits for serviceability only. This 
proposed AD defines a qualified shop visit as the induction of an 
engine into the shop after the effective date of this AD for 
maintenance involving the separation of pairs of major mating engine 
flanges, with the exception of the separation of engine flanges solely 
for the purposes of transportation of the engine without subsequent 
engine maintenance.

Effective Date

    Where EASA AD 2021-0114 requires compliance from its effective 
date, this proposed AD would require using the effective date of this 
AD.

Compliance

    Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0114 
specifies to inspect the affected part and contact the manufacturer for 
repair instructions if any corrosion is found exceeding the criteria as 
specified in the NMSB, this AD requires the removal of the affected LPC 
front case assembly from service if corrosion is found that exceeds the 
criteria specified in Appendix 2 of the NMSB.

Remarks

    This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' section of 
EASA AD 2020-0114.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 98 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. Registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 63321]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform ultrasonic inspection.........  8 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $680         $66,640
                                         hour = $680.
Rework the LPC front case assembly....  200 work-hours x $85 per          18,724          35,724       3,500,952
                                         hour = $17,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the LPC front case assembly...........  140 work-hours x $85 per hour =         $932,000        $943,900
                                                 $11,900.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously 
held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2021-1004; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2021-00480-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 3, 2022.

(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) RB211 Trent 
875-17, RB211 Trent 877-17, RB211 Trent 884-17, RB211 Trent 884B-17, 
RB211 Trent 892-17, RB211 Trent 892B-17, and RB211 Trent 895-17 
model turbofan engines, as identified in EASA AD 2021-0114, dated 
April 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0114).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by findings during engine overhaul of 
corrosion on the low-pressure compressor (LPC) front case assembly 
caused by excessive movement between the Kevlar wrap and the fan 
case, which resulted in the anti-corrosion paint fretting away. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the LPC front case 
assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
reduced integrity of the LPC front case assembly during a fan blade 
release, resulting in damage to the airplane or 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0114.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0114

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0114 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this proposed AD would require using the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0114 defines a qualified shop visit as 
any scheduled shop visit where the affected part is exposed and 
substantial rebuild has not yet started, this AD defines a qualified 
shop visit as the induction of an engine into the shop after the 
effective date of this AD for maintenance involving the separation 
of pairs of major mating engine flanges, with the exception of the 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent engine maintenance, 
which does not constitute an engine shop visit.
    (3) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0114 specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions 
if any corrosion is found exceeding the criteria as specified in the 
NMSB, this AD requires the removal of the affected LPC front case 
assembly from service if corrosion is found that exceeds the 
criteria specified in Appendix 2 of the NMSB.

[[Page 63322]]

    (4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0114.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0114 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(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)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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 EASA AD 2021-0114, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 
(781) 238-7759. This material may be found in the AD docket at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1004.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7116; email: 
[email protected].
    (3) For RRD service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 
8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 
249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. 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 (781) 238-7759.

    Issued on November 9, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24931 Filed 11-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


