AD 2000-24-26 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Turbofan Engines

Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875, RB211 Trent 877, RB211 Trent 884, RB211 Trent 892, and RB211 Trent 892B series turbofan engines, except if the fan blades described in RR Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211-72-C629 were installed as complete sets. These engines are installed on but not limited to Boeing 777 series airplanes. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fan blade failure, which could result in multiple fan blade releases, uncontained engine failure, and possible damage to the airplane, accomplish the following: Ultrasonic Inspections (Reduced Thresholds and Repetitive Intervals) (a) Perform initial and repetitive inspections of fan blade roots for cracks, in accordance with RR SB No. RB211-72-C445, Revision 6, dated September 3, 1999, as follows: (1) For Trent 875 series engines, inspect as follows: (i) Initially, prior to accumulating 3,000 cycles-since-new (CSN). (ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 400 cycles-in-service (CIS) since last inspection. (2) For Trent 877 series engines, inspect as follows: (i) Initially, prior to accumulating 2,000 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 350 CIS since last inspection. (3) For Trent 884 series engines, inspect as follows: (i) Initially, prior to accumulating 1,500 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 350 CIS since last inspection. (4) For Trent 892 and 892B series engines, inspect as follows: (i) Initially, prior to accumulating 900 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 200 CIS since last inspection. Engines Exceeding Thresholds and Repetitive Intervals (5) For engines that exceed the initial inspection thresholds listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i), (a)(3)(i), and (a)(4)(i) on the effective date of this AD, conduct initial inspection within 100 CIS after the effective date of this AD. (6) For engines that exceed the repetitive inspection intervals listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii), (a)(2)(ii), (a)(3)(ii), and (a)(4)(ii) on the effective date of this AD, inspect within 100 CIS after the effective date of this AD. Cracked Parts (7) Prior to further flight, remove from service cracked fan blades and replace with serviceable parts. Alternate Method of Compliance (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO). Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the ECO. Ferry Flights (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference Material (d) The actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with the following Rolls-Royce SB:   Document No. Pages Revision Date RB.211-72-C445 1-9 6 September 3, 1999. Appendix 1 1 Original February 13, 1998.   2 6 September 3, 1999.   3-4 Original February 13, 1998. Appendix 2 1 Revision 4 November 6, 1998.   2-3 Original February 13, 1998. Total pages: 16. The incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Rolls-Royce North America, Inc., 2001 South Tibbs Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241; telephone: (317) 230-3995; fax: (317) 230-4743. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 2001. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2000. Mark C. Fulmer, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-31066 Filed 12-12-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U