AD 2002-10-15

Effective date July 2, 2002.

Information regarding this action may be examined, by appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

Keith Mead, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone: (781) 238-7744, fax: (781) 238-7199.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 875, 877, 884, 892, 892B, and 895 series turbofan engines was published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2001 (66 FR 63341). That action proposed to require reapplication of dry film lubricant to low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blade roots.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.

One commenter suggests that the word “installation” in Table 1 of the compliance section, be replaced with the words “new or last lubrication.” The commenter is concerned that the word “installation” does not ensure AD compliance at installation.

The FAA agrees. The wording in Table 1 has been changed because the suggested wording ensures that lubrication of the blade root is the proper criteria to use.

One commenter requests “LPT” be changed to correctly read “LPC” in Table 1, and “Dow Corning 321R (Rolls-Royce (RR) Omat item 4/52)” be changed to correctly read Dow Corning 321R (Rolls-Royce (RR) Omat item 4/51)” in paragraph (a).

The FAA agrees and has made these corrections in the final rule.

One commenter suggests that the word “inspect” is not applicable in paragraph (b), and should be replaced with the word “lubricate.” The AD is applicable to blade root lubrication.

The FAA agrees and has changed paragraph (b) in the final rule to state that on the effective date of the AD, blades with more cycles than the initial compliance criteria listed in Table 1 of this AD must be lubricated within 100 cycles-in-service after the effective date of this AD.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

The FAA estimates that 100 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 6 work hours per engine to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total labor cost of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $36,000 to accomplish each application of lubricant. The FAA estimates that operators will apply lubricant an average of 1.5 times per year, making the total annual cost of compliance with this AD $54,000.

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: