Discussion
We issued AD 2017-22-13, Amendment 39-19093 (82 FR 51550, November 7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-13''), for certain RR RB211-Trent 970-84 and RB211-Trent 972-84 turbofan engines. AD 2017-22-13 required an inspection of the drains mast and the replacement or repair of the drains mast if a crack is found. AD 2017-22-13 resulted from cracks found in the transition duct area
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of the drains mast. We issued AD 2017-22-13 to visually inspect the external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack, and if a crack is found, to replace the drains mast or seal the crack.
Actions Since AD 2017-22-13 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2017-22-13, RR in-service investigations found cracks in the transition duct area of the drains mast. The RR investigation originally highlighted that engines that have installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, were most at risk of cracking. As a result, RR published Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018, to add engines with a drains mast, P/N KH31996, installed that have installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211- 80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015, and engines with a drains mast, P/N FW29847, installed or have a drains mast, P/N KH31996, that have not installed the sub-idle ejector system introduced in RR SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015. Also since we issued AD 2017-22-13, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued EASA AD 2018-0185, dated August 29, 2018, which retains the requirements of EASA AD 2017-0075R1, dated May 5, 2017, but adds repetitive inspections and expands the population of affected RR RB211- Trent 900 turbofan engine models. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB No. RB.211-71-AJ576, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2018. The Alert NMSB describes procedures for inspection, repair, and replacement of the drains mast. 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
We reviewed Rolls-Royce SB RB.211-80-H632, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2015. The SB describes procedures for installing a new sub-idle ejector system on the low-pressure compressor case.
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 the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are 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 visual inspections of the external areas of the transition duct area of the drains mast for a crack. This AD also requires, if a crack is found, replacement of the drains mast with a part eligible for installation or sealing of the crack.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find 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 we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 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-2019-0056 and product identifier 2017-NE-29-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects zero engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspect the drains mast............... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $0
hour = $170. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
On-Condition Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Replace the drains mast....................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $72,000 $72,085 Seal the drains mast.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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We are 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 in accordance 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,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will 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.