87 FR 185 pgs. 58289-58291 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines
Type: PRORULEVolume: 87Number: 185Pages: 58289 - 58291
Pages: 58289, 58290, 58291Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2022-1234; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00289-E]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2022-20748 Filed 9-23-22; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1234; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00289-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).
SUMMARY:
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-05-13, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) BR700-710 series turbofan engines. AD 2013-05-13 requires replacing the affected fuel pump splined couplings. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-05-13, the manufacturer has revised the time limits manual (TLM), introducing new and more restrictive instructions, including the replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling. This proposed AD would expand the applicability by adding a model turbofan engine to the applicability and would also require revisions to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP), 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 NPRM by November 10, 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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1234; 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), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For material identified in this NPRM, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov.
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-2022-1234; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00289-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 the 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 regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive 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 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 Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2013-05-13, Amendment 39-17385 (78 FR 17080, March 20, 2013), (AD 2013-05-13), for certain RRD BR700-710 series turbofan engines. AD 2013-05-13 was prompted by service experience that demonstrated premature wear of the splined coupling on the fuel pump. AD 2013-05-13 requires replacing the fuel pump splined coupling and prohibits the installation of a fuel pump with an affected splined coupling that has accumulated 4,000 hours time-in-service. The FAA issued AD 2013-05-13 to prevent failure of the engine and loss of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2013-05-13 Was Issued
[top] Since the FAA issued AD 2013-05-13, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD 2012-0161R1,
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1234.
Related Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0033, which describes actions for operators to revise the ALS of their existing approved AMP in accordance with the manufacturer's revised TLM, as applicable to each engine model. EASA AD 2022-0033 also describes actions for performing inspections, replacing life limited parts, and performing corrective actions for any finding of discrepancy as referenced in the TLM.
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 also reviewed RRD Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) BR700-72-A900509, Revision 5, dated March 07, 2022. This service information revises previous versions of this NMSB because the specified procedures have been incorporated into the applicable TLM.
The FAA also reviewed Rolls-Royce TLM T-710-1BR, Revision 70, for engine model BR700-710A1-10; TLM T-710-2BR, Revision 67, for engine model BR700-710A2-20; TLM T-710-4BR, Revision 40, for engine model BR700-710C4-11 (each dated October 13, 2021); and TLM T-710-8BR, Revision 18, for engine model BR700-710D5-21 (undated). This service information specifies thresholds for certain standard equipment; critical, sensitive, and unclassified parts; and life limited parts. This service information also specifies the replacement threshold for the fuel pump vespel coupling (fuel pump splined coupling).
FAA's Determination
These products 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 of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2013-05-13. This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include BR700-710D5-21 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022-0033, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except as discussed under "Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD."
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Where EASA AD 2022-0033 defines the AMP as the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this proposed AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
This proposed AD would not require compliance with paragraphs (1.2), (2), (4), or (5) of EASA AD 2022-0033.
EASA AD 2022-0033 requires revising the approved AMP within 12 months after its effective date, whereas this proposed AD would require incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks, into the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days of the initial replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling or within 90 days after the effective date of this proposed AD, whichever comes later.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 2,050 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that 1,350 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. Registry have already performed the initial replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling | 6 work-hours × $85.00 per hour = $510 | $2,273 | $2,783 | $1,948,100 |
| Revise the ALS and the operator's existing approved AMP | 2 work-hours × $85.00 per hour = $170 | 0 | 170 | 348,500 |
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
[top] The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order
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
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2013-05-13, Amendment 39-17385 (78 FR 17080, March 20, 2013); and
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate previously held by Rolls-Royce plc): Docket No. FAA-2022-1234; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00289-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by November 10, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2013-05-13, Amendment 39-17385 (78 FR 17080, March 20, 2013) (AD 2013-05-13).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG BR700-710A1-10, BR700-710A2-20, BR700-710C4-11, and BR700-710D5-21 model turbofan engines as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0033, dated March 03, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0033).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 8300, Accessory Gearboxes.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by service experience that demonstrated premature wear of the splined coupling on the fuel pump and subsequent manufacturer revision of the time limits manual (TLM) to incorporate revised life limits and updated mandatory inspection intervals, including replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine and loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Action
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, EASA AD 2022-0033.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0033
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0033 defines the AMP as the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0033 refers to the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0033, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1.2) of EASA AD 2022-0033.
(4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0033.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0033 specifies revising the approved AMP within 12 months after its effective date, this AD requires incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks, into the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days of the initial replacement of the fuel pump splined coupling or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later.
(6) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0033.
(7) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0033.
(8) The "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0033 is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Thresholds, and Intervals, Including Life Limits
After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2022-0033.
(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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD and email 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.
(k) Additional Information
(1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0033, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1234.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov .
(3) 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: rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0033, dated March 03, 2022.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0033, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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 (817) 222-5110.
(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20748 Filed 9-23-22; 8:45 am]
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