[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24407-24410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08837]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1164; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00975-E; 
Amendment 39-22019; AD 2022-08-16]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-07 
for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-AE3, 
Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 
1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, 
Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and Trent 
7000-72C model turbofan engines. AD 2020-20-07 required initial and 
repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) or visual inspections of the 
intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly and, depending on 
the results of the inspection, replacement of the IPC shaft assembly. 
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer providing optional terminating 
actions for the required repetitive inspections and alternative 
inspection instructions. This AD continues to require initial and 
repetitive BSIs but allows modification of the engine in accordance 
with RRD service information as a terminating action to these 
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 May 31, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 31, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference in this AD, 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 (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1164.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1164; 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 
EASA AD, 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: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7116; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0282R1, dated August 25, 2021 
(EASA AD 2019-0282R1), to address an unsafe condition for all RRD Trent 
1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, 
Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-
N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-72, and 
Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. The EASA AD includes exceptions 
that limit the applicability for certain engines.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263 (85 FR 
62975, October 6, 2020), (AD 2020-20-07). AD 2020-20-07 applied to all 
RRD Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 
1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, 
Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 7000-
72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on December 28, 2021 (86 FR 73690). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of crack findings in the front air seal on the IPC 
shaft assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. The NPRM 
was also prompted by the manufacturer's publication of service 
information that provides optional terminating actions for the required 
repetitive inspections and alternative inspection instructions. In the 
NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require initial and repetitive 
BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to 
require compliance with the required actions from November 10, 2020, 
the effective date of AD 2020-20-07. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed 
to allow modification of the engine in accordance with Rolls-Royce 
service information as a terminating action to the initial and 
repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. In the NPRM, the FAA also 
proposed to require accomplishing

[[Page 24408]]

the actions specified in EASA AD 2019-0282R1, described previously, as 
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. See EASA AD 2019-
0282R1 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were 
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL), and The Boeing Company (Boeing). The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Reevaluate the Need for This FAA AD

    DAL requested that the FAA reevaluate the need for the proposed AD. 
DAL noted that after EASA revised EASA AD 2019-0282, RRD requested, and 
the FAA granted, a global Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) that 
includes the changes in EASA AD 2019-0282R1. DAL reasoned that the 
regulatory requirements in the proposed NPRM are captured by AD 2020-
20-07 and the global AMOC.
    The FAA disagrees with withdrawing the NPRM. Issuing this AD 
addresses the unsafe condition, incorporates an optional terminating 
action, and incorporates by reference the required actions and 
compliance times specified in EASA AD 2019-0282R1. The FAA did not 
change the AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Recognize AMOCs Approved for AD 2020-20-07

    DAL requested that the FAA update paragraph (i) of this AD to 
recognize AMOCs previously approved under AD 2020-20-07. DAL received 
an FAA-approved AMOC to AD 2020-20-07 for deviations in the on-wing 
inspection procedure, material, and tooling as specified in Rolls-Royce 
Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451, Initial Issue, dated November 14, 2019. 
DAL used this AMOC to comply with AD 2020-20-07 and will need to 
continue to use the provisions in this AMOC to comply with this AD. DAL 
reasoned that since the AD retains all the requirements of AD 2020-20-
07, AMOCs granted for AD 2020-20-07 should also be applicable to this 
AD.
    The FAA agrees and has revised paragraph (i) of this AD to include 
that AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-20-07 are approved as AMOCs 
for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Support for the AD

    Boeing expressed support for the AD as written.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 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, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2019-0282R1. EASA AD 2019-0282R1 describes 
actions for initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. 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 Trent 1000 Alert Non-Modification 
Service Bulletin (NMSB) 72-AK451, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2021 
(Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451); Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 
72-K570; and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571.
    Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Alert NMSB 72-AK451 describes procedures for 
initial and repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly. Rolls-Royce 
Trent 1000 SB 72-K570 and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 SB 72-K571, 
differentiated by engine model, describe procedures for the 
modification of the engine as a terminating action to the initial and 
repetitive BSIs of the IPC shaft assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 22 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. Registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSI or visual inspection of IPC shaft   3.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0         $297.50          $6,545
 assembly.                               hour = $297.50.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that is required based on the results of the inspection. 
The agency 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 IPC shaft assembly....................  1,080 work-hours x $85 per hour       $1,365,219      $1,457,019
                                                 = $91,800.
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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 24409]]

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 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 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263 (85 
FR 62975, October 6, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-08-16 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate 
previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Amendment 39-22019; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1164; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00975-E.

 (a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 31, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-20-07, Amendment 39-21263 (85 FR 62975, 
October 6, 2020) (AD 2020-20-07).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 
1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, 
Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, Trent 1000-R3, Trent 
7000-72, and Trent 7000-72C model turbofan engines installed as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0282R1, dated August 25, 2021 (EASA AD 2019-0282R1).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of crack findings in the front 
air seal on the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) shaft 
assembly during the stripping of a flight test engine. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IPC shaft assembly. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of thrust 
control 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0282R1.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0282R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 requires compliance from November 
27, 2019, the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0282, this AD requires 
compliance from November 10, 2020, the effective date of FAA AD 
2020-20-07.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 requires contacting Rolls-Royce 
for approved corrective actions if a crack is detected during any 
on-wing inspection and in-shop inspection, this AD requires removing 
the IPC shaft assembly and replacing it with a part eligible for 
installation before further flight.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 defines a serviceable part as an 
IPC shaft assembly which is not an affected part; or an affected 
part which is new (never previously installed on an engine); or an 
affected part that, before (re)installation, has passed (no crack 
detected) an inspection in accordance with the instructions of the 
NMSB, this AD also includes in that definition an IPC shaft assembly 
that, before (re)installation, has passed a visual inspection (no 
crack detected) of the exposed part using FAA-approved maintenance 
procedures.
    (4) Where EASA AD 2019-0282R1 references on-wing inspections, 
this AD allows for a visual inspection of the IPC shaft assembly 
using FAA-approved maintenance procedures as a substitute for any 
on-wing borescope inspection if the affected part is exposed, 
provided that the compliance times specified in this AD are not 
exceeded.
    (5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2019-0282R1.

(i) 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 (j)(1) 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.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-20-07 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) 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].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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 (817) 222-5110.

(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0282R1, 
dated August 25, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For more information about EASA AD 2019-0282R1, 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.
    (4) 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. This material may be found 
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1164.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National

[[Page 24410]]

Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected], 
or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 8, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08837 Filed 4-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


