EASA AD 2020-0035
Engine Fuel & Control — Engine Electronic Controller Software — Update
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0035 is an official directive addressing the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, commonly installed on Airbus A350 aircraft. The directive mandates an update to the engine electronic controller software to correct issues related to air pressure sensing that could affect thrust control. This update ensures continued safe operation of affected engines.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a requirement to update the engine electronic controller software from affected versions XWB_97-5.3.3 and earlier to the serviceable version XWB_97-7.0 or later. It prohibits installation of the affected software on any engine and sets conditions for installing engines or controllers with affected software, requiring them to be updated within 12 months.
Why It Matters
The update addresses a critical safety concern where ice and water blockage in the air pressure sense line could cause delayed fuel flow limit calculations, potentially leading to loss of thrust control. For operators and maintenance teams, compliance with this directive is essential to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational risks. It also impacts maintenance planning and software management for affected engines.
What To Do
Operators must update the engine electronic controller software on all Group 1 engines within 12 months from 11 March 2020. Installation of affected software is prohibited on all engines from the effective date. Engines or controllers with affected software installed may be fitted to aircraft only if updated to serviceable software within 12 months or before the aircraft’s release to service, whichever is later.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.