2022-10-06: Turbine Section

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2017-18-14, Amendment 39-19023 (82 FR 42443, September 8, 2017); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-10-06 Rolls-Royce Corporation: Amendment 39-22044; Docket No. FAA-2021-1071; Project Identifier AD-2021-01055-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 28, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2017-18-14, Amendment 39-19023 (82 FR 42443, September 8, 2017). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250-C20, 250-C20B, 250-C20C (T63-A-720), 250-C20F, 250-C20J, 250-C20R, 250-C20R/1, 250-C20R/2, 250-C20R/4, 250-C20W, 250-C300/A1, and 250-C300/B1 model turboshaft engines with either a 3rd-stage turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 23065818, or a 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23055944 or RR30000240, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by in-service turbine blade failures that resulted in the loss of power and engine in-flight shutdowns. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 3rd-stage and 4th-stage turbine blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the engine and damage to the aircraft. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 1,775 hours since last visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), or at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove: (i) 3rd-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23065818, and replace with a part eligible for installation. (ii) 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N 23055944, and replace with a part eligible for installation. (2) Within 2,025 hours since last visual inspection and FPI, or at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove 4th-stage turbine wheel, P/N RR30000240, and replace with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definitions (1) For this purpose of this AD, an "engine shop visit" is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance in which the turbine module is separated from the exhaust collector, the gas-producer-support is separated from the power-turbine-support, or there is separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit. (2) For the purpose of this AD, a "part eligible for installation" is a 3rd-stage turbine wheel or 4th-stage turbine wheel that does not have a P/N listed in the Applicability, paragraph (c), of this AD. (i) Special Flight Permit A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to operate the airplane to a maintenance facility where the engine can be removed from service. This ferry flight must be performed with only essential flight crew. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Chicago ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact John Tallarovic, Aviation Safety Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 E Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294-8180; email: john.m.tallarovic@faa.gov . (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on May 3, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-11084 Filed 5-23-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P