AD 98-18-21 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Trent 800 Series Turbofan Engines

Rolls-Royce, plc (R-R) RB211 Trent 875, RB211 Trent 877, RB211 Trent 884, RB211 Trent 892, and RB211 Trent 892B series turbofan engines, with fan blades, part numbers FK 23750, FK 25975, FK 25548, and FK 26757, installed. These engines are installed on but not limited to Boeing 777 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 (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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fan blade failure, which could result in multiple fan blade release, uncontained engine failure, and possible damage to the aircraft, accomplish the following: (a) Perform initial and repetitive inspections of fan blade roots for cracks, in accordance with R-R Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-C445, Revision 2, dated July 3, 1998, as follows: (1) For Trent 875 series engines, as follows: (i) Initially inspect prior to accumulating 3,000 cycles since new (CSN). (ii) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 500 cycles in service (CIS) since last inspection. (2) For Trent 877 series engines, as follows: (i) Initially inspect prior to accumulating 2,500 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 500 CIS since last inspection. (3) For Trent 884 series engines, as follows: (i) Initially inspect prior to accumulating 1,500 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 500 CIS since last inspection. (4) For Trent 892 and 892B series engines, as follows: (i) Initially inspect prior to accumulating 1,000 CSN. (ii) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 300 CIS since last inspection. (5) Remove from service cracked fan blades and replace with serviceable parts. (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. 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 airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. (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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in accordance with the following R-R SB: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Document No. Pages Revision Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RB.211-72-C445................. 1-8 2 July 3, 1998. Appendix 1..................... 1-4 2 July 3, 1998. Appendix 2..................... 1-4 2 July 3, 1998. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total pages: 16. 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 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 7, 1998. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 11, 1998. David A. Downey, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25006 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P