EASA AD 2018-0257
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2019-0135
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0257 is an airworthiness directive addressing Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 series engines installed on Boeing 787 aircraft. It mandates the replacement of intermediate pressure turbine blades (IPTB) due to reported cracking caused by sulphidation corrosion. The directive applies to specific engine serial numbers and introduces cyclic life limits for used, refurbished IPTB parts.
What Changed
This directive supersedes previous ADs 2017-0056 and 2018-0139, requiring removal from service and IPTB replacement for affected engines. It introduces new cyclic life limits for engines with used or refurbished IPTB installed and retains an optional terminating action involving a specific Rolls-Royce service bulletin modification.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential engine in-flight shutdowns caused by IPTB shank release due to corrosion-related cracking. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of Boeing 787 aircraft powered by Trent 1000 engines. Maintenance and compliance teams must track affected engine serial numbers and adhere to new cyclic limits to avoid safety risks and regulatory violations.
What To Do
Operators must remove affected engines from service before exceeding specified IPTB life limits or within 15 days of the directive's effective date, whichever is later. IPTB replacement must be performed before engine release to service, following Rolls-Royce service instructions. Engines with used or refurbished IPTB must comply with new cyclic limits, and modification per the specified service bulletin can serve as optional terminating action.
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