Federal Register: RULES Airworthiness directives: [14 CFR Part 39]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. 2002-NE-37-AD; Amendment 39-13080; AD 2003-05-04]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Model Tay 611-8, 620-15, 650-15, and 651-54 Turbofan Engines

DATES: Effective March 26, 2003. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 26, 2003. The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 18, 2002 (67 FR 71814; December 3, 2002).
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before May 12, 2003.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Model Tay 62015 and 65015 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain low pressure (LP) fuel tubes. This amendment requires the same inspections and adds two engine models to the applicability. This amendment is prompted by a report that certain Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines may use the same LP fuel tube. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent a dualengine flameout due to fuel exhaustion, which could lead to forced landing and possible damage to the airplane.

SUMMARY: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

On November 21, 2002, the FAA issued AD 20022406, Amendment 3912971 (67 FR 71814, December 3, 2002) to require an initial inspection within 300 hours timeinservice (TIS) after the effective date of the AD, or one month after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurred first. That action was prompted by a report of a dualengine flameout on a Fokker F.28 Mark 0100 airplane that resulted in a forced landing and destruction of the airplane. That condition, if not corrected, could result in a dualengine flameout due to fuel exhaustion, which could lead to forced landing and possible damage to the airplane. The Luftfhart Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, determined that a leak from the LP fuel tube, part number (P/N) JR33021A, which connects the LP fuel flowmeter to the high pressure (HP) fuel pump, resulted in complete fuel exhaustion and subsequent dual engine flameout.

Since AD 20022406 was issued, the LBA has notified the FAA that the same unsafe condition may exist on RRD Model Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines with Part 4 of RRD SB TAY731194 incorporated. Manufacturer's Service Information

RRD has issued SB TAY731540, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2002, that specifies procedures for inspecting the LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting on Tay 62015 and 65015 turbofan engines. The LBA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. 2002331, dated September 13, 2002, in order to ensure the
airworthiness of these engines in Germany. RRD has also issued SB TAY 731553, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2002, that specifies procedures for inspecting the LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting on Tay 611 8 and 65154 turbofan engines. The LBA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. 2002358, dated November 28, 2002, in order to ensure the airworthiness of these RRD Model Tay 6118 and 651 54 turbofan engines in Germany.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

These engine models are type certificated in Germany, and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the LBA, 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 of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other RRD Tay 6118, 62015, 65015, and 65154 turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent a dualengine flameout due to fuel exhaustion, which could lead to forced landing and possible damage to the airplane. Since the effective date of AD 20022406 was December 18, 2002, and all TAY 620 15 and 65015 engines should have completed the initial inspection, this AD requires:
[sbull] An initial inspection of the LP fuel tube for fretting before further flight for Tay 62015 and 65015 turbofan engines. [sbull] An initial inspection of the LP fuel tube for fretting within 300 hours TIS or one month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first for Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines. [[Page 11468]]
[sbull] Repetitive inspections for fretting of the LP fuel tube within 2,000 hours TIS after the last inspection for Tay 6118, 62015, 65015, and 65154 turbofan engines.

The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletins described previously. The inspections required by this AD are considered interim action, and further rulemaking actions may be taken. Immediate Adoption of This AD

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAApublic contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2002NE37AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: PART 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 3912971 (67 FR 71814, December 3, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 3913080, to read as follows:
20030504 RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG: Amendment 3913080. Docket No. 2002NE37AD. Supersedes AD 20022406, Amendment 39 12971.

Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD), Model Tay 62015, 65015 turbofan engines with low pressure (LP) fuel tube, part number (P/N) JR33021A, installed, and Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines with Part 4 of RRD service bulletin (SB) TAY731194 incorporated and LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Fokker F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes, Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA842SW, Boeing 727 airplanes, and Gulfstream GIV airplanes.

Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done.

To prevent a dualengine flameout due to fuel exhaustion which could lead to forced landing and possible damage to the airplane, do the following:
Tay 62015 and 65015 Turbofan Engines
(a) Before further flight, for Tay 62015 and 65015 turbofan engines, inspect LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting in accordance with 3.C.1. through 3.C.10. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB TAY731540, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2002.
(b) Thereafter, for Tay 62015 and 65015 turbofan engines, inspect the LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting in accordance with 3.C.1. through 3.C.10. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB TAY731540, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2002; at intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours timeinservice (TIS) since the last inspection.
Tay 6118 and 65154 Turbofan Engines
(c) For Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines with Part 4 of RRD service bulletin (SB) TAY731194 incorporated and 4,000 or more hours TIS, within 300 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or one month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting in accordance with 3.C.1. through 3.C.11. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB TAY731553, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2002.
(d) For Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines with Part 4 of RRD service bulletin (SB) TAY731194 incorporated and fewer than 4,000 hours TIS, upon reaching 4,000 hours TIS or within one month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting in accordance with 3.C.1. through 3.C.11. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB TAY73 1553, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2002.
(e) Thereafter, for Tay 6118 and 65154 turbofan engines with Part 4 of RRD service bulletin (SB) TAY731194 incorporated, [[Page 11469]]
inspect the LP fuel tube, P/N JR33021A, for fretting in accordance with 3.C.1. through 3.C.11. of the Accomplishment Instructions of RRD SB TAY731553, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2002; at
intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS since the last inspection. Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO). Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO.
Special Flight Permits
(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(h) The inspections must be done in accordance with the following RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG service bulletins (SB's):
Document No. Pages Revision Date SB TAY731540Total pages: 9.......... All 1 September 13, 2002. SB TAY731553Total pages: 10......... All 1 December 13, 2002.

The incorporation by reference of SB TAY731540, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2002, was approved by the Director of the Federal Register on December 18, 2002 (67 FR 71814; December 3, 2002). The incorporation by reference of SB TAY731553, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2002, was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from RollsRoyce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, D15827 DAHLEWITZ, Germany; telephone 49 (0) 337086 1768; fax 49 (0) 3370863356. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in LBA airworthiness directives AD No. 2002331, dated September 13, 2002, and AD No. 2002358, dated November 28, 2002.
Effective Date
(i) This amendment becomes effective on March 26, 2003.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 4, 2003. Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 035583 Filed 31003; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 018035299; telephone 781 2387176; fax 7812387199.