The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on RR Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbofan engines. The CAA advises that the failure of a low-oil pressure (LOP) switch cable at the LOP switch connector resulted in increased secondary damage after an LP compressor blade failure. The failed blade caused a rotor imbalance, which caused cracking of the oil tank and loss of engine oil. Because the LOP switch cable had failed, no LOP warning was received in the cockpit. Since no LOP warning was received, the engine was not immediately shut down and the LP and HP rotor thrust bearings failed from oil starvation. The failure of the LP and HP compressor rotor bearings caused an increase in secondary damage to the engine.
Manufacturer's Service Information
RR has issued Olympus 593 Service Bulletin (SB) No OL.593-71-9056-33, Revision 2, dated December 7, 2000, that specifies procedures for reworking the plug of existing electrical harness for the LOP switch. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 002-10-98 in order to ensure the airworthiness of these RR engines in the UK.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the UK, and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has 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.
Requirements of This AD
Although none of these affected engine models are used on any airplanes that are registered in the United States, the possibility exists that the engine models could be used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. Because an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Olympus 593 Mk.610-14-28 engines of the same type design, this AD requires reworking the plug of the existing electrical harness for the LOP switch. The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine model, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invitedto 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 in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons, both before and after the closing date for comments. A report that summarizes each FAA-public 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 self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2000-NE-07-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order No. 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 may be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order No. 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 Code of Federal Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: