AD 2011-11-08 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535 Series Turbofan Engines

This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 757-200 series, -200PF series, -200CB series, and -300 series airplanes and Tupolev Tu204 series airplanes. Reason (d) This AD results from several findings of cracking at the firtrees of low-pressure (LP) turbine discs. Fatigue crack initiation and subsequent crack propagation at the firtree may result in multiple LP turbine blade release. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

Unless already done, do the following actions. Initial Inspection Requirements (1) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual and a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 disc. Repeat Inspection Requirements (2) At each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since the last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2 and 3 discs, repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Remove Cracked Discs (3) If you find cracks, remove the disc from service. Definitions (f) For the purpose of this AD, an “engine shop visit” is: (1) Induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of the intermediate-pressure/low-pressure (IP/LP) turbine module from the engine, or (2) Separation of the IP turbine case from the combustion outer case, or (3) Separation of the LP turbine case from the IP turbine case, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit. (g) Engines that have been approved for return to service but are still physically in the shop are not considered to be in the shop. FAA AD Differences (h) This AD differs from the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) and or service information as follows in that while the MCAI compliance requires action at a current shop visit, this AD requires compliance at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD. Other FAA AD Provisions (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0244, dated November 9, 2009, and Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG272 for related information. Contact Rolls-Royce plc., P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail from: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, for a copy of this service information or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com. (k) Contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: frederick.zink@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7779; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 20, 2011. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-13014 Filed 5-25-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions. Initial Inspection Requirements (1) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual and a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 disc. Repeat Inspection Requirements (2) At each engine shop visit after accumulating 1,500 cycles since the last inspection of the LP turbine stage 1, 2 and 3 discs, repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Remove Cracked Discs (3) If you find cracks, remove the disc from service. Definitions (f) For the purpose of this AD, an “engine shop visit” is: (1) Induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of the intermediate-pressure/low-pressure (IP/LP) turbine module from the engine, or (2) Separation of the IP turbine case from the combustion outer case, or (3) Separation of the LP turbine case from the IP turbine case, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit. (g) Engines that have been approved for return to service but are still physically in the shop are not considered to be in the shop. FAA AD Differences (h) This AD differs from the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) and or service information as follows in that while the MCAI compliance requires action at a current shop visit, this AD requires compliance at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD. Other FAA AD Provisions (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0244, dated November 9, 2009, and Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AG272 for related information. Contact Rolls-Royce plc., P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: 011 44 1332 242424, fax: 011 44 1332 249936; or e-mail from: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil_team.jsp, for a copy of this service information or download the publication from https://www.aeromanager.com. (k) Contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: frederick.zink@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7779; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 20, 2011. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-13014 Filed 5-25-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P