# Proposed AD FAA-2009-0994: Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535 Series Turbofan Engines

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2010-04-01
- Products: Rolls-Royce
- Product type: Engine
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: October 25, 2011, 76 FR 65997
- Comments due: December 27, 2011
- Became: [AD 2010-04-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-04-01)
- Docket: FAA-2009-0994 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2009-0994, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2009-NE-39-AD
- FR document: 2011-27512
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/c0/5f/c05f09c575267d71fa874755cb8d1b8b1c54ff713c7bd631f9d600c6caebf8a3 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2011-10-25/pdf/2011-27512.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/10/25/2011-27512/airworthiness-directives-rolls-royce-plc-rr-rb211-535-series-turbofan-engines
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/CD7C68D267E610C9862579350062AF78.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2009-0994

## Summary

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. The existing AD currently requires performing initial and repetitive visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) of the low-pressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs to detect cracks in the discs. Since we issued that AD, we determined that the definition of shop visit is too restrictive in the existing AD. This proposed AD would continue to require those inspections and would change the definition of a shop visit to be less restrictive. We are proposing this AD to correct the definition of shop visit, and to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.

## Notices in this docket

- Oct 28, 2009: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document E9-25865, comments due Dec 14, 2009 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/10/28/E9-25865/airworthiness-directives-dassault-model-falcon-900ex-airplanes)
- Oct 25, 2011: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)., FR document 2011-27512, comments due Dec 27, 2011 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/10/25/2011-27512/airworthiness-directives-rolls-royce-plc-rr-rb211-535-series-turbofan-engines)

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