AD 97-07-04 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB.211-524 Series Turbofan Engines

Models named: RB.211-524G, - 524H turbofan. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Rolls-Royce plc (R-R) Models RB.211-524G and - 524H turbofan engines that have not been modified in accordance with R-R Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-9764, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995, installed on but not limited to Boeing 747-400 and 767-300 series aircraft. 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 (d) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent engine combustor liner deterioration due to thermal fatigue, which can result in combustor liner and case burn-through and engine fire, accomplish the following: (a) Perform initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the engine combustor liner head section in accordance with the intervals listed in Section 1.C. Compliance (1), and the procedures described in Section 1.D. Action (1) of R-R SB No. RB.211-72-B482, Revision 3, dated September 27, 1996. Prior to further flight, remove combustors that do not meet the return to service criteria specified in Section 1.E. Acceptance Limits of the SB and replace with serviceable parts. (b) Perform initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the meterpanel in accordance with the intervals listed in Section 1.C. Compliance (2), and the procedures described in Section 1.D. Action (2) of R-R SB No. RB.211-72-B482, Revision 3, dated September 27, 1996. Prior to further flight, remove combustors that do not meet the return to service criteria specified in Section 1.E. Acceptance Limits of the SB and replace with serviceable parts. (c) Installation of a front combustion liner with a strengthened head section in C263 material in accordance with R-R SB No. RB.211- 72-9764, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995, constitutes terminating action to the inspection requirements of this AD. (d) 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. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may [[Page 16477]] add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. (e) 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. (f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following R-R SBs: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Document No. Pages Revision Date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RB.211-72-B482...................... 1 3.......................... September 27, 1996. 2 2.......................... March 11, 1996. 3 3.......................... September 27, 1996. 4 2.......................... March 11, 1996. 5 3.......................... September 27, 1996. 6 2.......................... March 11, 1996. 7-8 3.......................... September 27, 1996. 9 2.......................... March 11, 1996. Total Pages: 9. RB.211-72-9764...................... 1 2.......................... November 10, 1995. 2 Original................... August 20, 1993. 3 2.......................... November 10, 1995. 4-6 1.......................... August 25, 1995. 7-30 Original................... August 20, 1993. Supplement.......................... 1 Original................... August 20, 1993. Total Pages: 31. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 Assistant Chief 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 1997. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 26, 1997. James C. Jones, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-8474 Filed 4-4-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U