2003-15-06: HP compressor rotor rear stage 5 and 6 discs

2003-15-06 Rolls-Royce plc: Amendment 39-13249. Docket No. 2003-NE- 03-AD. Applicability This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 875-17, Trent 877-17, Trent 884-17, Trent 892-17, Trent 892B-17, and Trent 895-17 turbofan engines with high pressure (HP) compressor rotor rear stage 5 and 6 discs and cone shafts, part numbers (P/Ns) FK25230 and FK27899 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Boeing 777 airplanes. Note 1: This 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 (c) 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. Compliance You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been accomplished. To prevent stage 5 and 6 disc crack initiation and propagation leading to uncontained disc failure and damage to the airplane, do the following: (a) Remove HP compressor rotor rear stage 5 and 6 discs and cone shafts, from service at or before accumulating 7,500 cycles-since- new (CSN). Information on the reduced life limits may be found in RR mandatory service bulletin RB.211-72-E082, Revision 2, dated November 22, 2002. (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any HP compressor rotor rear stage 5 and 6 discs and cone shaft, listed in this AD, that exceed 7,500 CSN. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (ECO). Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in CAA airworthiness directive 002-08-2002, dated November 22, 2002. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 2003.