Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17934 · Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-03-02. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines, with low-pressure (LP) compressor blade, part numbers (P/Ns) FK23411, FK25441, FK25968, FW11901, FW15393, FW23643, FW23741, FW23744, KH23403, or KH23404, installed.
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-12-01 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) model RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. AD 2013-12-01 required a one-time ultrasonic inspection (UI) of low-pressure (LP) compressor blades with more than 2,500 flight cycles since new or last inspection. This AD requires initial and repetitive UIs of the affected LP compressor blades. This AD was prompted by LP compressor blade partial airfoil release events. We are issuing this AD to prevent LP compressor blade airfoil separations, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(i) After the effective date of this AD, ultrasonically inspect each LP compressor blade before the blade exceeds 3,600 cycles since new (CSN) or before further flight, whichever occurs later. Repeat the UI of the blade every 2,400 cycles since last inspection (CSLI).
(ii) For any LP compressor blade that exceeds 2,200 CSLI on the effective date of this AD, inspect the blade before exceeding 3,000 CSLI or before further flight, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, perform the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
(iii) Use paragraph 3, excluding subparagraphs 3.A.(9), 3.B.(5), 3.C.(4), 3.D.(3), 3.E.(5), 3.F.(10), and 3.G.(7), of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211-72-AH465, dated July 15, 2013, to perform the inspections required by this AD.
LP compressor blades, P/Ns FK23411, FK25441, FK25968, FW11901, FW15393, FW23643, FW23741, FW23744, KH23403, or KH23404, that have accumulated at least 3,600 CSN or 2,400 CSLI are eligible for installation if the blade has passed the UI required by this AD.
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.
