On September 11, 2007, the FAA issued AD 2007-19-10, Amendment 39-15201 (72 FR 53108, September 18, 2007). That AD requires replacing certain IPC drums, listed in that AD by serial number, before exceeding 2,910 cycles-since-new (CSN). That AD was the result of a discovery of strain-induced porosity in a Trent 500 IPC drum forging. That condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained loss of IPC stage 1 blades, which could result in damage to the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2007-19-10 Was Issued
Since that AD was issued, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, recently notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on RR RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2- 61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 turbofan engines. The EASA advises that it is necessary to reduce the cyclic lives of the other drums with the same P/N. This AD requires:
Removing IPC drums, P/N FK30102, that have a serial number (SN) specified in this AD, within 2,910 CSN or the next overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first; and
Removing all other IPC drums, P/N FK30102, within 5,830 CSN.
We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained loss of IPC stage 1 blades, which could result in damage to the airplane.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 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. Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of the EASA, 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 and Requirements of This AD
Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use these engines, the possibility exists that the engines could be used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other RR RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 turbofan engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained loss of IPC stage 1 blades, which could result in damage to the airplane. This AD requires:
Removing IPC drums, P/N FK30102, that have an SN specified in this AD, within 2,910 CSN or the next overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and
Removing all other IPC drums, P/N FK30102, within 5,830 CSN.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine model, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. FAA-2007-27955; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-15-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it.
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 with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name, if provided, of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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
We have determined that 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 thenational 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Under 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 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15201 72 FR 53108, September 18, 2007, and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-15539, to read as follows: