EASA AD 2019-0249R1
Engine — Intermediate Pressure Compressor Blades / Shafts — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0249R1 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection of intermediate pressure compressor blades and shafts on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, commonly installed on Boeing 787 aircraft. The directive mandates repetitive inspections of specific IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades and IPC shaft components to detect cracks and prevent in-flight blade release. It applies to all serial numbers of Trent 1000-A, -AE, -C, -CE, -D, -E, -G, and -H engine variants.
What Changed
This revision introduces Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin TRENT1000-72-K434 as a terminating action for the required inspections, reflecting design improvements in IPC rotor blades that mitigate the unsafe condition. It also updates inspection triggers to include cabin depressurisation events and refines asymmetric power condition criteria. The directive retains previous inspection requirements while expanding applicability to engines with refurbishment work packages D and E.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of Boeing 787 aircraft powered by Trent 1000 engines. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement the repetitive inspections to detect early blade cracks, preventing potential in-flight failures that could compromise aircraft control. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and incorporate the new terminating action to optimize maintenance schedules and reduce operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators must perform on-wing borescope inspections of IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades and IPC shaft dovetail posts within specified thresholds or within 30 days after 12 April 2019, then continue at intervals defined in the applicable Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletins. Inspections are also required within 5 flight cycles after asymmetric power operations or cabin depressurisation events. If cracks or discrepancies are found, engines must be removed from service and repaired per Rolls-Royce instructions before further flight. The new Service Bulletin TRENT1000-72-K434 may be used as a terminating action to end repetitive inspections.