EASA AD 2020-0041
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0208
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0041 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 970-84, Trent 972-84, and Trent 972E-84 engines. It addresses inspection requirements for the intermediate pressure compressor rotor shaft, part number FW20677, due to detected cracks that could lead to rotor shaft failure and potential damage to the aircraft. The directive mandates specific inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0041 introduces mandatory one-time on-wing borescope inspections and repetitive in-shop inspections of the affected intermediate pressure compressor rotor shafts. It also requires inspection of certain rotor shafts prior to installation and specifies corrective actions if cracks are found. This directive establishes inspection protocols and parts installation conditions to mitigate the risk of rotor shaft failure.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to engine failure and damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential in-flight incidents caused by cracked rotor shafts. Compliance ensures the integrity of the engine and maintains regulatory airworthiness standards.
What To Do
Operators must perform a one-time on-wing borescope inspection within 200 flight cycles after 13 March 2020 for engines meeting specific conditions, and conduct repetitive inspections during each engine shop visit. If cracks are detected, the engine must be removed from service and repaired following Rolls-Royce approved instructions before returning to service. Additionally, only new or inspected rotor shafts free of defects may be installed from the effective date.
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