Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by Rolls-Royce plc) Turbofan Engines

FAA / Federal Register · 2021-19982

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-15-12 for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000 model turbofan engines. AD 2020-15-12 required initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections of the intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC) stage 1 rotor blade root (front face), IPC stage 2 rotor blade root (front and rear face), and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail post (front face), and removal of any cracked parts from service. AD 2020-15-12 also required an inspection after asymmetric power and cabin depressurization events. This AD was prompted by IPC rotor blade separations resulting in engine failures. This AD requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic or visual inspections of certain IPC stage 1 rotor blade root, IPC stage 2 rotor blade root, and IPC shaft stage 2 dovetail posts until replacement of the IPC stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades with redesigned IPC stage 1 and stage 2 rotor blades in kitted sets. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.