AD 2021-26-13 Prompted By The Manufacturer Revising The Engine TLM Life Limits Of Certain Critical Rotating Parts

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines.

This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine Time Limits Manual (TLM) life limits of certain critical rotating parts, updating direct accumulation counting (DAC) data files, and updating certain maintenance tasks. This AD requires revision of the engine TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts and DAC data files, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 27, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to RRD Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on September 20, 2021 (86 FR 52111). The SNPRM was prompted by the manufacturer revising the engine TLM life limits of certain critical rotating parts, updating DAC data files, and updating certain maintenance tasks. The SNPRM proposed to require operators to revise the ALS of their approved maintenance program by incorporating the revised tasks of the applicable TLM for each affected model turbofan engine.

The SNPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2020-0241, dated November 5, 2020 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of the proposed AD and except as discussed under “Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.” The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. See the MCAI for additional background information.

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0241 to correct an unsafe condition for all RRD Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 model turbofan engines.

FMI: www.regulations.gov