Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2018-25-01, Amendment 39-19511 (83 FR 62694, December 6, 2018), (``AD 2018-25-01''), for all RR Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H turbofan engine models. AD 2018-25-01 required initial inspections and repetitive inspections of the IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal of any cracked parts from service. AD 2018-25-01 resulted from the manufacturer determining the need for repetitive inspections of the IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. The FAA issued AD 2018-25-01 to prevent failure of the IPC, which could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2018-25-01 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2018-25-01, RR determined that inspection intervals for certain affected engines need to be revised. Also, since the FAA issuedAD 2018-25-01, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued EASA AD 2019-0075, dated March 29, 2019 (``the MCAI''), which requires initial and repetitive inspections of IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts installed on certain engines and removal of any cracked parts from service.
Also, since the FAA issued AD 2018-25-01, the type certificate (TC) for all Trent 1000 turbofan model engines was revised to add RR Trent 1000-AE2 and Trent 1000-CE2 engine models to the list of applicable engine models. Both Trent 1000-AE2 and Trent 1000-CE2 engine models were identified in EASA AD 2019-0075 and are subject to the same unsafe condition as the other models listed in the Applicability of this AD.
In addition, Rolls-Royce plc transferred TC E00076EN to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) on February 21, 2019. The FAA has therefore revised the TC holder name from ``Rolls-Royce plc'' in AD 2018-25-01 to ``Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG'' in this AD. Where applicable, for example when referring to the relevant service information, the FAA continues to use the name ``Rolls-Royce plc'' in this AD.
The FAA also updated our estimate for labor hours when replacing the IPC
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blades and the IPC drum to be consistent with the estimates provided in the service information.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72-AK130, Revision 4, dated March 4, 2019, and RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K132, Revision 2, dated March 26, 2019. RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72-AK130 describes procedures for performing initial and repetitive inspections of the IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and lists engine serial numbers. RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K132, describes procedures for replacement of the IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades,and the IP compressor drum during refurbishment. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K099, Revision 2, dated September 27, 2018, and earlier revisions; RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K100, Initial Issue, dated June 11, 2018; RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K129, Initial Issue, dated June 11, 2018; and RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K129, Revision 3, dated February 28, 2019, and earlier revisions. RR NMSB Trent 1000 72- K099, Initial Issue, and RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K099, Revision 2, and earlier revisions, describe procedure for an ultrasonic inspection of the IPC R1 blades. RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K100, Initial Issue, describes procedures for a visual borescope inspection of the IPC R2 blades and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts. RR NMSB Trent 1000 72-K129, Revision 3, and earlier revisions, describe procedures for an ultrasonic inspection of the IPC R2 blades.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by EASA and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe condition described in EASA AD 2019-0075, dated March 29, 2019, and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the IPC R1 blades, IPC R2 blades, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts, and removal of any cracked parts from service.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
This AD requires inspections of any affected IPC part to be completed within 15 days ofthe effective date of this AD. EASA AD 2019-0075, dated March 29, 2019, requires inspection of certain affected IPC parts to be completed within 30 days of the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0075. The FAA expects most operators have already complied with EASA AD and find that completing the inspections within 15 days of the effective date of this AD provides an appropriate level of safety.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. The manufacturer is still reviewing this unsafe condition and may develop follow-on actions.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-0528 and product identifier 2018-NE-24-AD at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this final rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspect IPC blades and dovetail posts. 20 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,700 $0
hour = $1700. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:
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On-Condition Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replace IPC R1 blade....................... 128 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,528 $12,408
$10,880. Replace IPC R2 blade....................... 128 work-hours x $85 per hour = 993 11,873
$10,880. Replace IPC 1-8 drum....................... 224 work-hours x $85 per hour = 1,365,219 1,384,259
$19,040. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
This AD is issued inaccordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.