The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies to RR RB211 Trent 875-17, Trent 877-17, Trent 884-17, Trent 892-17, Trent 892B-17, and Trent 895-17 turbofan engines with IP turbine discs, P/Ns FK21117 and FK33083 installed. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 7, 2003 (68 FR 24383). That action proposed to require removal from service of these IP turbine discs based on newly established reduced turbine disc life limits. Information on the reduced life limits may be found in Rolls-Royce Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) RB.211-72-E058, dated January 14, 2003.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Include a Reference to RR Service Information
One commenter requests that a reference to RR MSB RB.211-72-E058, dated January 14, 2003, be included in the final rule. The commenter believes that the reference to the MSB is necessary for traceability to the AD.
The FAA agrees. The MSB reference is included in the Supplementary Information paragraph and in Compliance paragraph (f)(1) of the AD.
Request To Withdraw Unnecessary AD
One commenter states that the new life limits specified in the AD are being included in the Trent 800 Time Limits Manual (Chapter 5); therefore, the AD is unnecessary to mandate the new reduced life limits.
The FAA does not agree. Although the new life limits are being included in the Trent 800 Time Limits Manual, the reduced life limits are not enforceable unless mandated by an AD. Accordingly, the FAA will not change the AD based on this comment.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changeswill neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. That regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. The material previously was included in each individual AD. Since the material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
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 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 nota "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); 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 by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-08-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):