Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16927 · Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2013-05-18. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 553-61, RB211-Trent 553A2-61, RB211-Trent 556-61, RB211-Trent 556A2-61, RB211-Trent 556B-61, RB211-Trent 556B2-61, RB211-Trent 560-61, and RB211-Trent 560A2-61 turbofan engines that have not complied with Rolls-Royce plc Service Bulletin No. RB.211-73-G723, and that have any of the following fuel tube part numbers installed:
(1) FW57605.
(2) FW17689.
(3) FW57604.
(4) FK30710.
(5) FW57578.
(6) FK30713.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuel tubes and fuel tube clips for evidence of damage, wear, and fuel leakage. This AD was prompted by reports of wear found between the securing clips and the low-pressure (LP) fuel tube outer surface, which reduces the fuel tube wall thickness, leading to fracture of the fuel tube and consequent fuel leak. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine fuel leaks, which could result in risk to the airplane.
Unless already done, do the following one-time actions within 1,600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(1) Visually inspect the fuel tube clips holding the LP fuel tube run from the LP fuel pump to the fuel-oil-heat exchanger, and the clips holding the LP fuel tube run from the LP filter to the high-pressure (HP) fuel pump, for evidence of damage or wear and replace as necessary. Do this in accordance with paragraphs 3.A(4)(a) through 3.A(4)(c) of Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-73-AG797, dated October 26, 2011.
(2) Clean and dry the LP fuel tube run from the LP fuel pump to the fuel-oil-heat exchanger, and the LP fuel tube run from the LP filter to the HP fuel pump.
(i) Visually inspect for evidence of damage, wear near the clip locations, and for fuel leakage.
(ii) Reject the tube and replace it if evidence of fuel leakage or contact frettage to a depth of greater than 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) on the outer surface of a bend, or 0.2 mm (0.008 in.) in any other area, is evident.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
