AD 2020-13-07 Prompted By The Unexpected Reduction In Fuel Pump Performance

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type Certificate Previously The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-J2, and Trent 1000-K2 model turbofan engines with fuel pump, part number G5030FPU01, installed.

This AD requires removal and replacement of the fuel pump with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's investigation into an unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance in certain high life fuel pumps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 13, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2020-0124, dated May 29, 2020 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

• An unexpected reduction in fuel pump performance has been seen during testing of high life units. Strip examination of these fuel pumps has identified that life related wear-out of the internal components is causing deterioration in pump efficiency. The effect of the loss of fuel pump efficiency is more pronounced on higher rated engines.
• This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced engine thrust, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Rolls-Royce published the NMSB to provide instructions for replacement of the affected parts before exceeding reduced life limits.
• For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal from service of the affected parts.

FMI: www.regulations.gov