AD NUMBER: 2017-10-19

PRODUCT: Certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 turbofan engines.

ACTION: Final Rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing inspections of affected intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) rotor seals.

This AD was prompted by a failure of the IPC rotor seal. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2017-0017, dated February 1, 2017 (referred to hereinafter as "the MCAI"), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products.

The MCAI states: "Recently, a low speed abort (60 to 65 knots) occurred on take-off on a Trent 1000-powered Boeing 787 aeroplane. The pilot performed a commanded engine shutdown and the aeroplane safely returned to the gate.

Following investigation, failure and release of the intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) rotor seal was confirmed as having caused this event. RR have confirmed that other IPC rotor seals, Part Number (P/N) KH19098, have been found with cracking at the seal head. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to engine power loss, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane."

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 20, 2017. Comments on this AD must be received by August 21, 2017.

FMI: AD