AD 2003-17-11

This AD becomes effective September 30, 2003.

You may get the service information identified in this AD from Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, D-15827 Dahlewitz, Germany; Tel: 49-33-7086-1768; Fax: 49-33-7086-3356.

You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.

The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to RRD (formerly Rolls-Royce plc) Dart 528-7E, 529-7H, -7E, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 529D-7E, -7H, -8E, -8H, -8X, -8Y, -8Z, 531, 532-2L, -7, -7N, -7P, -7L, -7R, 535-2, -7R, 542 -4, -4K, -10, -10J, -10K, 552-2, 552-7, and -7R turboprop engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 5, 2003 (68 FR 23620). That action proposed to require removal of any Sermetel coating (Omat 7/46) from certain HP turbine discs and IP turbine discs, and inspection of discs after coating removal.

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.

We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. That regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. The material previously was included in each individual AD. Since the material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and

(3) 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.

We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “AD Docket No. 2003-NE-10-AD” in your request.

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):