EASA AD 2018-0073
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2018-0084
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0073 is an airworthiness directive addressing Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 series engines installed on Boeing 787 aircraft. It mandates inspections of the Intermediate Pressure Compressor (IPC) Rotor 1 and 2 blades due to reported cracking issues that could lead to in-flight blade release and reduced aircraft control. The directive requires repetitive inspections and corrective actions to ensure engine safety and continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2017-0248 and retains its inspection requirements while adding a one-time visual borescope inspection for certain engines. It also introduces earlier inspection requirements for the front face of IPC Stage 2 Rotor Blades and IPC Shaft Stage 2 Dovetail Posts based on further analysis. The directive is considered an interim action pending a future terminating modification.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could compromise engine integrity and flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the inspection intervals and corrective actions to prevent in-flight failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for affected Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on Boeing 787 aircraft.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform repetitive inspections of IPC Rotor 1 and 2 blades following receipt of an engine health monitoring alert, with initial inspections within 80 flight cycles or as specified. Additionally, a one-time borescope inspection must be completed within 55 days of the directive's effective date or as specified in the additional service bulletin. Any crack findings require immediate engine removal and corrective action per Rolls-Royce instructions, with inspection results reported within 30 days.
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