Federal Register #2026-20869

FAA airworthiness directives require Rolls-Royce Trent blade replacement and restrict Elixir aircraft operation

The FAA issued airworthiness directives addressing safety actions for Rolls-Royce Trent engines and Elixir Aircraft airplanes. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - OEMs: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG and Elixir Aircraft. - Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 engines: affected low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades must be removed and replaced with serviceable parts, following EASA AD 2025-0288R1. The affected blades may crack, potentially causing structural failure, an in-flight shutdown, an engine fire, or uncontained debris. - The FAA estimates eight engines on U.S.-registered aircraft are affected. No blade part numbers or quantities are specified; estimated cost to U.S. operators is $1,801,360. - Elixir Aircraft Model Elixir airplanes: operation is prohibited until approved inspection or modification procedures are identified, completed, and incorporated. No hardware quantities are specified. - This is a regulatory safety action, not a procurement solicitation or contract award.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration is adopting a final airworthiness directive for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 engines. A batch of low-pressure compressor blades was exposed to a non-conforming repair and is more prone to cracking because it deviates from the approved blade configuration design. The directive requires removal of affected blades from service and replacement with serviceable parts. It is effective November 17, 2026.

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