EASA AD 2020-0208
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2024-0185
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0208 is issued for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG RB211 Trent 900 series engines, specifically the Trent 970-84, Trent 972-84, and Trent 972E-84 models. The directive addresses inspection requirements for the intermediate pressure compressor rotor shaft, part number FW20677, due to detected cracks in interstage spacers between IPC discs. It mandates repetitive on-wing and in-shop inspections to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0208 supersedes AD 2020-0041 and introduces repetitive on-wing borescope inspections in addition to the existing in-shop inspections. It also provides updated compliance times and acceptance criteria for inspections and corrective actions. The directive retains previous requirements while expanding inspection frequency to better detect potential cracks.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to intermediate pressure compressor rotor shaft failure and release of high-energy debris, risking aircraft damage and loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent engine failures and ensure flight safety. The directive impacts maintenance planning and engine shop visit procedures.
What To Do
Operators must perform on-wing borescope inspections of the affected IPC rotor shafts within specified compliance times based on engine and module conditions, then repeat inspections every 500 flight cycles or 5,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first. During every engine shop visit, the affected part must be inspected according to Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB RB.211-72-AK493 instructions. Any detected cracks require immediate engine removal and corrective action per Rolls-Royce guidance before further flight.
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