EASA AD 2018-0291R1
Engine — High Pressure Turbine Blades — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0291R1 is a regulatory update addressing the replacement of high pressure turbine blades on Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 700 engines, commonly installed on Airbus A330 aircraft. The directive targets specific turbine blade part numbers subject to corrosion fatigue that could lead to blade failure and potential in-flight engine shutdown. It mandates removal and replacement of affected blades to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This revision reduces the applicability by excluding engines modified with Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin RB211 72-K414, removes reference to certain engine serial numbers previously listed, and introduces Revision 4 of the related Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AK165. It also adds an optional terminating action involving modification with new turbine blades part number KH96341 to end repetitive blade replacements.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk from corrosion fatigue in high pressure turbine blades that has caused aborted take-offs and in-flight engine shutdowns. Compliance ensures the prevention of blade failure and high-energy debris release, thereby maintaining engine reliability and aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must track affected engines and parts to meet regulatory requirements and avoid operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators must remove affected RB211 Trent 700 engines from service before exceeding compliance times specified in the applicable Non-Modification Service Bulletin and replace the affected turbine blades with serviceable ones following engine manual procedures. Alternatively, modification of the engine per Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin RB211 72-K414 with new blades part number KH96341 can be performed as a terminating action to avoid repetitive replacements. Compliance deadlines are tied to engine serial numbers and component life as defined in the service bulletin.