Discussion
On September 8, 1998, we issued AD 98-19-12, Amendment 39-10754 (63 FR 49416, September 16, 1998), for RR RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines. That AD requires, for the SAGB, repositioning of the oil metering jet up into the oil distributor within the bevel gearshaft, followed by initial and repetitive visual inspections of the MCD. That AD resulted from reports of uncommanded engine shutdowns caused by failure of the SAGB driving bevel gearshaft ball bearing due to oil starvation. We issued that AD to prevent in-flight engine shutdowns caused by SAGB driving bevel gearshaft ball bearing failure.
Actions Since AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 98-19-12, RR has demonstrated that the repositioning of the oil metering jet eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections. Also, since we issued that AD, Rolls Royce put into service, its RB211-Trent 772B-
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60 model turbofan engine, which does not have theunsafe condition that AD sought to correct. Since the AD applicability states that it is for RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines, that applicability includes the RB211-Trent 772B-60 engines, and it shouldn't.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information 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 retains the oil metering jet repositioning requirements of AD 98-19-12. This AD also eliminates the initial and repetitive visual inspections of the MCD, required by AD 98-19-12. This AD also corrects the applicability from RB211-Trent 700 series turbofan engines, to, RB211-Trent 768-60 turbofan engines prior to serial No. 41052, and RB211-Trent 772-60 turbofan engines prior to serial No. 41052.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Since no domestic operators use RB211-Trent 768-60 or RB211-Trent 772-60 turbofan engines, 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 AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2011-0233 and Directorate Identifier 98-ANE-10-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects no engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The elimination of visual inspection requirements by this AD, adds no additional economic burden.
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.
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.
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.