AD 2021-18-05 Requires Initial And Repetitive Ultrasonic Or Visual Inspections
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.