Engine Fuel & Control – Hydro-mechanical Metering Units – Removal from Service
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0018, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must identify if their RB211 Trent 970-84, 972-84, or 972E-84 engines have affected HMUs installed and replace them with serviceable parts within the compliance times specified: before next flight if four affected parts are installed, within 14 days if three are installed, or within five months if one or two are installed. Installation of affected HMUs is prohibited from the effective date of 2020-01-23. Compliance must follow the instructions in Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-73-AK475.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0003 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG RB211 Trent 970-84, Trent 972-84, and Trent 972E-84 engines, commonly installed on Airbus A380 aircraft. The directive addresses the removal from service of certain hydro-mechanical metering units (HMU) with specific part numbers and serial numbers due to a safety concern. It mandates replacement of affected HMUs to ensure continued airworthiness and safe engine operation.
What changed
This directive introduces mandatory removal and replacement of affected hydro-mechanical metering units identified by specific part and serial numbers due to a risk of fuel valve jamming caused by debris from production tool markings. It prohibits installation of any affected HMU from the effective date and requires compliance within specified timeframes based on the number of affected parts installed. The directive is a new regulation responding to a safety incident rather than an amendment to a previous AD.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential engine failure risk that could lead to loss of thrust control and in-flight engine shutdown, impacting flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely compliance to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance. The directive also affects parts management and installation practices, requiring strict adherence to serviceable part definitions.
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