AD 98-07-07 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Series Turbofan Engines

Models named: RB211-535E4, - 535E4-B turbofan. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Rolls-Royce, plc. (R-R) Models RB211-535E4 and - 535E4-B turbofan engines installed on but not limited to Boeing 757 series and Tupolev 204 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 high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection inside the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled engine fire, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight, remove from service rigid low pressure (LP) fuel system tube assembly, part number (P/N) UL16692, and replace with flexible fuel tube, P/N 163521538. (b) Remove from service flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N AE709623-1, installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04, and replace it with alternate flexible fuel tube assembly, P/N 163521538, in accordance with R-R Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-73-C297, Revision 1, dated January 8, 1998. Replace all fuel tube assemblies prior to exceeding 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or at the next shop visit, whichever occurs first. (c) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as the induction of an engine into the shop for any reason. (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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may 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 AD, 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 SB: Document No. RB.211-73-C297. Pages: 1-8. Revision: 1. Date: January 8, 1998. Total pages: 8. 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, P.O. Box 31, Moor Lane, Derby, DE248BJ, United Kingdom; [[Page 18121]] telephone 1332-249428, fax 1332-249423. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 1998. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 2, 1998. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-9582 Filed 4-13-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P