Airworthiness directives: Rolls-Royce plc,
[Federal Register: May 18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 96)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 28094-28098]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18my04-15]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-524 Series Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel assembly of the combustion liner, and replacement, if necessary, with serviceable parts. In addition, that AD allows an optional installation of a front combustion liner with a strengthened head section as a terminating action to the inspection requirements. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel assembly of the combustion liner, and replacement, if necessary, with serviceable parts, reduction of the inspection intervals of certain RB211-524 engine models that have not been repaired to RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B, and a mandatory terminating action to be completed by a certain date. This proposed AD results from five events that are directly attributed to combustor head break-up and meterpanel failure which were found at overhaul inspection. At least one of these events resulted in a combustion case burn-through. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine combustion liner deterioration, which can result in combustion liner breakup, case burn-through, and engine fire.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by July 19, 2004.
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ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803- 5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD from Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; telephone: 011-44-1332-242424; fax: 011-44-1332-249936.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238- 7178; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of our communications that affect you. You may get more information about plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www .plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.
Discussion
On March 26, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-07-04, Amendment 39-9978 (62 FR 16475, April 7, 1997). That AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel assembly of the combustion liner, and replacement, if necessary, with serviceable parts. In addition, that AD allows an optional installation of a front combustion liner with a strengthened head section as a terminating action to the inspection requirements.
Actions After AD 97-07-04 Was Issued
After AD 97-07-04 was issued, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (U.K.), notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on RR RB211-524 series turbofan engines. The CAA advises that in August 2002, an RB211- 524B engine suffered a combustion case burn-through as a result of combustor head break-up. The combustor head had been previously inspected within the inspection interval specified in RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-B482, Revision 8, dated November 15, 2001, only 228 cycles before the event. Subsequent to the original AD, RR has issued several revisions to SB No. RB.211-72-B482 to expand the applicability and clarify or revise the inspection requirements. In 2003, RR issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, to reduce the inspection interval for RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, and -524B4 engines that have not been repaired to RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine combustion liner deterioration, which can result in combustion liner breakup, case burn-through, and engine fire.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of the following RR SBs:
RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, that describes the initial inspection procedures for the combustion liner head section and the meterpanel cracking. This ASB also describes the compliance intervals to do the initial and repetitive inspections.
RR SB No. RB.211-72-9670, dated August 27, 1993, that describes the procedures to incorporate the improved combustion liner head with C263 material, and to incorporate local thickened diffuser walls around the struts for engine models -524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, - 524B4, -524C2 and -524D4.
RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 3, dated January 16, 1998, that describes the procedures to incorporate the improved combustion liner with strengthened head and improved heat shields for engine models -524G and -524H.
The CAA classified ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, as mandatory and issued AD G-2003-0011 (previously 005-07- 95), dated October 1, 2003, in order to ensure the airworthiness of these RR engines in the U.K.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in the U.K. and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. In keeping with this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require the following:
Initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the head section and meterpanel assembly of the combustion liner, and replacement, if necessary, with serviceable parts;
Reduction of the inspection intervals of certain RB211-524 engine models that have not been repaired to RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B; and,
A mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections to be completed within 10,000 CSN or no later than December 31, 2012.
The proposed AD would require that you do these actions using the service information described previously.
[[Page 28096]]
Costs of Compliance
There are about 537 RB211-524 series turbofan engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 18 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take approximately 2.0 work hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $228,389 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $4,113,351.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the proposed regulation:
-
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
-
Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
-
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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-9978 (62 FR 16475, April 7, 1997) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2004-NE-19-AD. Supersedes AD 97-07-04, Amendment 39-9978.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by July 19, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 97-07-04, Amendment 39-9978.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) engine models RB211- 524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, -524B4, -524C2, -524D4 series engines incorporating RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7221 or RR SB No. RB.211-72-7998 with front combustion liner assembly, part number (P/N) UL16885, UL26916, UL27107, UL28972 or UL28974 installed but not incorporating RR SB No. RB.211-72-9670 or RR SB No. RB.211-72- 9764, and engine models RB211-524G and -524H series engines with front combustion liner assembly P/N UL27659, UL23992, or UL22988 but not incorporating RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747 and Lockheed L1011 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from five events that are directly attributed to combustor head break-up and meterpanel failure which were found at overhaul inspection. At least one of these events resulted in a combustion case burn-through. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent engine combustion liner deterioration, which can result in combustion liner breakup, case burn-through, and engine fire.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Engine inspections previously made to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Service Bulletin RB.211-72-B482, Revision 8, can be credited for counting cycles since last inspection.
Inspections of Combustion Liner Head Sections--Not Previously Repaired
(f) Borescope-inspect combustion liner head sections that have not been previously repaired. Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Combustor Head Section--Not Previously Repaired
Parts exceeding initial Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles Engine series
(cycles-since-new (cycles-since-last- (cycles-in-service (CSN))
inspection (CSLI))
(CIS))
(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 1,400 to 1,600 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 100 CIS after 524H.
CSN.
effective date of this AD. (2) RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, Within 3,000 to 3,200 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after and -524B4.
CSN.
the effective date of this AD.
Inspections of Combustion Head Sections--Previously Repaired Using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
(g) Borescope-inspect combustion liner head sections previously repaired using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B. Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Combustor Head Section--Previously Repaired Using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
Parts exceeding initial Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles Engine series
(cycles-since-last (cycles-since-last- (cycles-in-service repair (CSLR))
inspection (CSLI))
(CIS))
(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 1,800 to 2,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after 524H.
CSLR.
the effective date of this AD.
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(2) RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, Within 3,000 to 3,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after and -524B4.
CSLR.
the effective date of this AD.
Inspections of Combustion Head Sections That Have Been Repaired But Did Not Use RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
(h) Borescope-inspect combustion liner head sections that have been repaired using a method other than RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B. Use paragraph 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 3 of this AD.
Table 3.--Combustor Head Section--Repaired, But Did Not Use RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B
Parts exceeding initial Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles Engine series
cycles (cycles-since- cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service last repair (CSLR)) last-inspection (CSLI))
(CIS))
(1) RB211-524C2, -524D4, -524G, and - Within 500 to 700 CSLR. Within 200 CSLI........ Within 100 CIS after 524H.
the efffective date of this AD. (2) RB211-524B-02, -524B2, -524B3, Within 2,000 to 2,200 Within 200 CSLI........ Within 200 CIS after and -524B4.
CSLR.
the effective date of this AD.
Note 1: For an installed front combustion liner that is subject to RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003: If the operator can confirm with the relevant overhaul base or repair vendor that the nicrobraze repair RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367 has been applied to all 18 struts, then this is equivalent to compliance with RR Field Repair Scheme FRS5367/B.
Note 2: Head sections repaired by replacement of all 18 struts using RR Field Repair Scheme FRS6548 are considered as equivalent to fitting a new head section for inspection purposes.
Inspections of Meterpanel Assemblies--Not Repaired
(i) Borescope-inspect meterpanel assemblies, incorporating Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7998, that have not been previously repaired. Use paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 4 of this AD.
Table 4.--Meterpanel Assembly--Not Repaired
Parts exceeding initial Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles Engine series
cycles-since-new (CSN) cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service last-inspection (CSLI))
(CIS))
(1) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H.... Within 1,000 to 1,200 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the CSN.
effective date of this AD. (2) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H Within 1,800 to 2,000 Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the that have not used RB211-524H
CSN.
effective date of this ratings at any time.
AD.
Inspections of Meterpanel Assemblies--Repaired
(j) Borescope-inspect meterpanel assemblies, incorporating Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-7998, that have been previously repaired. Use paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(7) of the Accomplishment Instructions of RR ASB No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003, and the compliance thresholds in Table 5 of this AD.
Table 5.--Meterpanel Assembly--Repaired
Parts exceeding initial Initial inspection Repetitive inspection inspection cycles Engine series
cycles (cycles-since- cycles (cycles-since- (cycles-in-service last repair (CSLR)) last-inspection (CSLI))
(CIS))
(1) RB211-524D4, -524G, and -524H.... Within 500 to 700 CSLR. Within 400 CSLI........ Within 50 CIS after the effective date of this AD.
Note 3: There is no requirement to inspect meter panels for combustors to a pre-RR SB No. RB.211-72-7998 standard.
Reject Parts
(k) Replace parts that exceed the acceptance criteria. Information about the acceptance criteria can be found in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual, 72-00-00, Inspection/Check.
Mandatory Terminating Action
(l) Replace any front combustion liner assembly that has a P/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD at the next shop visit or within 10,000 CSN but no later than December 31, 2012.
(m) Replacement of the front combustion liner assembly with a front combustion liner assembly that incorporates the modifications in RR SB No. RB.211-72-9670 or RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764 in the RB211-524B02, -524B2, -B3, -B4, -C2 and D4 engines
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constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), of this AD.
(n) Replacement of the front combustion liner assembly with a front combustion liner assembly that incorporates the modifications in RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764 in the RB211-524G and -524H engines constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
Definition of Shop Visit
(o) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as any time that the 04 module is removed for refurbishment or overhaul.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(p) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(q) You must use Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AB482, Revision 9, dated July 28, 2003; RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-71-9670, dated August 27, 1993; and RR SB No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 3, dated January 16, 1998 to do the inspections and replacements required by this AD. Approval of incorporation by reference from the Office of the Federal Register is pending.
Related Information
(r) Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive AD G-2003- 0011 (previously 005-07-95), dated October 1, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD. Aircraft Maintenance Manual 72-00-00 also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 12, 2004. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11200 Filed 5-17-04; 8:45 am]
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