EASA AD 2007-0201R1
Engine — High Pressure and Intermediate Pressure Turbine Bearing Oil Vent Tubes — Inspection / Cleaning / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0201R1 is a regulatory document addressing inspection, cleaning, and replacement requirements for the high pressure and intermediate pressure turbine bearing oil vent tubes on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 700 series engines, commonly installed on Airbus A330 aircraft. The directive aims to prevent engine failures caused by carbon build-up and oil vent tube blockages that can lead to turbine blade release and internal fires.
What Changed
This revision of EASA AD 2007-0201 introduces relief for engines that pass inspections without visible carbon deposits or loose debris, removing the need for a high-power ground run when vent tubes are clean and no cleaning is performed. It supersedes the original AD 2007-0201 and earlier AD 2006-0355, refining inspection intervals and cleaning procedures based on updated analysis and Rolls-Royce service bulletins.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safe operation of RB211 Trent 700 engines by preventing uncontained turbine failures caused by vent tube blockages. Operators and maintenance organizations must adhere to these inspection and cleaning requirements to avoid engine damage, unscheduled downtime, and potential safety hazards.
What To Do
Operators must inspect, clean, and replace the HP/IP turbine bearing oil vent tubes according to the specified intervals, with initial compliance deadlines based on engine life thresholds or elapsed time since the original AD effective date. Engines undergoing shop visits must also have the vent tubes serviced. Follow Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB RB211-72-AE302 Revision 5 or later for detailed procedures and maintain compliance with re-inspection intervals of 6,400 hours or 1,600 cycles as applicable.