Federal Register #2026-10594

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Rolls-Royce Trent Engines and Honda HA420 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued new Airworthiness Directives (ADs) impacting specific aircraft engines and airframes: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (OEM for RB211 Trent engines) - Honda Aircraft Company LLC (OEM for HA420 aircraft) - Products/Services Requested: - Removal and replacement of high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades on Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 engines before exceeding specified flight cycles - Option for engine modification to eliminate need for repetitive HPT blade replacements - Compliance with EASA AD 2018-0291R1 - Incorporation of updated Airworthiness Limitations Section material into maintenance manuals for Honda Aircraft Company HA420 airplanes - Addresses tool damage and omitted service information - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Focus on addressing corrosion fatigue in HPT blades to prevent blade failure and aircraft damage - Mandates compliance with international (EASA) safety directives - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided; actions are regulatory and safety-driven - Places of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Aviation Safety Office, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803 - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590

Description

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-24-08, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, and 772C-60 engines. The previous AD required replacement of high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades before exceeding specified flight cycles. The new AD requires removal from service of certain engines and replacement of the HPT blades before exceeding specified flight cycles, and allows for a modification of the engine to eliminate repetitive replacements. This action addresses an unsafe condition related to corrosion fatigue of the HPT blades that could lead to blade failure and potential damage to the airplane.

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