Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment supersedes existing airworthiness directive (AD) 96-13-04, applicable to Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 series turbofan engines, that currently requires removing and replacing a rigid low pressure (LP) fuel system tube assembly with a tube assembly incorporating flexible sections and revised clip points in order to preclude cracking and subsequent fuel leakage. This amendment requires replacing one of the flexible fuel tube assemblies installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04 with an alternate flexible fuel tube assembly that is not prone to rupture. This AD also requires immediate replacement of any rigid fuel tubes not previously removed from service as required by AD 96-13-04. The amendment is prompted by reports of fuel line rupture on one of the flexible fuel tube assemblies installed in accordance with AD 96-13-04. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent high volume fuel leaks and reported fuel collection inside the engine nacelle, which could result in an uncontrolled engine fire.