Federal Register #FAA-2026-8783

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Rolls-Royce Trent7000 Engines – Inspections and Blade Replacement

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service, Integrated Certificate Management Division - OEM Highlight: - Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG - Products/Services Requested: - On-wing borescope inspections (BSIs) of high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades - Initial and repetitive inspections to detect axial cracking - Estimated 78 engines affected - Each inspection estimated at $425 per engine - Replacement of HPT blade set if cracks are found - Replacement cost estimated at $2,003,140 per engine - No specific part numbers provided - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Supersedes previous AD 2022-11-15 - Removes reduced life limit for affected HPT blades - Revises limits for axial cracking - Incorporates EASA AD 2025-0266 by reference - Compliance required within times specified in EASA AD 2025-0266 - No explicit start/end dates or option years; compliance is based on inspection intervals and findings.

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-15, which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines. The AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing borescope inspections of the high-pressure turbine blades to detect axial cracking and replacement of the blade set if necessary. The proposed AD updates inspection instructions, removes the reduced life limit for affected blades, and revises blade limits for axial cracking to address an unsafe condition. Comments on this proposal are due by October 5, 2026.

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