AD 2001-16-05 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc. RB211 Trent Turbofan Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc. (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, Trent 772-60, and Trent 772B-60 turbofan engine models with Low Pressure Compressor (LPC) fan blade part numbers (P/N's) FK22580, FK23411, FK25441, and FK25968 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Airbus Industrie A330-341 and A330-342 series airplanes. Note 1: This 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 (f) 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 with this AD is required as indicated. To prevent possible multiple LPC fan blade failures, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane, do the following: Initial Ultrasonic Inspection (a) For fan blades P/N's FK22580, FK23411, FK25411, and FK25968, do an initial ultrasonic inspection of the dovetail roots in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.A. (Method A, blades removed from engine) of Rolls-Royce (RR) Service bulletin (SB) RB.211-72-C878, Revision 4, dated January 22, 2001, at or before the cycles-since-new (CSN) requirements of Table 1 of this AD: Table 1.—Initial and Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspection Requirements Engine model Cycles-since-new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD Initial inspection Repetitive inspection interval using 3.A method A. Repetitive inspection interval using 3.B. method B. (1) 768-60 and 772-60 (i) Fewer than 2,000 CSN Before accumulating 2,000 CSN 340 cycles-since-last-inspection (CSLI) 280 CSLI.   (ii) 2,000 CSN or more Within 100 cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective date of this AD 340 cycles-since-last-inspection (CSLI) 280 CSLI. (2) 772B-60 (i) Fewer than 1,000 CSN Before accumulating 1,000 CSN 250 CSLI 200 CSLI.   (ii) 1,000 CSN or more Within 100 CIS after the effective date of this AD 250 CSLI 200 CSLI. Credit for Previous Inspections (b) Previous inspections performed using RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 1, dated December 10, 1999; RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 2, dated November 13, 2000; RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 3, dated January 3, 2001, comply with the initial inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections (c) Inspect LPC fan blades in accordance with either Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.A. (Method A, blades removed from engine), or Section 3.B. (Method B, blades installed in engine), of RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 4, dated January 22, 2001, at or before CSLI interval requirements in Table 1 of this AD. Removed Blades for Every Third Ultrasonic Inspection Interval (d) For at least every third ultrasonic inspection interval, inspect LPC fan blades in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.A. (Method A, blades removed from engine) of RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 4, dated January 22, 2001. LPC Fan Blade Disposition (e) Before further flight, remove from service cracked or suspect cracked fan blades which do not meet the acceptance criteria of Appendix 1, Section 4, paragraph B, or Appendix 2, Section 4, paragraphs B and C, of RR SB RB.211-72-C878, Revision 4, dated January 22, 2001. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) 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 must 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 airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO. Special Flight Permits (g) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (h) The actions required by this AD must be performed in accordance with Rolls-Royce plc. Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-C878, Revision 4, dated January 22, 2001. This incorporation by reference was 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 plc, PO Box 31, Derby, England; telephone: 011-44-1332-249428; fax: 011-44-1332-249223. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date of This AD (i) This amendment becomes effective on October 9, 2001. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 1, 2001. Mark C. Fulmer, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-19936 Filed 8-9-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P