EASA AD 2020-0240
Engine — Intermediate Pressure Compressor Blade Kits — Introduction
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0240 addresses safety concerns related to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Trent 1000 series engines installed on Boeing 787 aircraft. It focuses on the introduction of new intermediate pressure compressor blade kits and mandates repetitive inspections of specific IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades to detect cracks. The directive applies to multiple Trent 1000 engine variants except those modified per Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin TRENT 1000 72-J941.
What Changed
EASA AD 2020-0240 supersedes previous directives 2019-0250 and 2019-0248, introducing updated inspection requirements and new blade kitting instructions due to findings of potential high vibration levels in the blades. It partially retains earlier inspection mandates while cancelling redundant ADs and incorporates new thresholds, intervals, and inspection triggers including cabin depressurisation events. The AD also mandates installation of improved IPC Stage 1 and Stage 2 rotor blades during the next qualified shop visit.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent in-flight blade release caused by cracks in intermediate pressure compressor blades, which could lead to reduced aircraft control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safe operation of affected Trent 1000 engines, especially on ETOPS flights. It also impacts maintenance planning by requiring specific inspections after asymmetric power events and depressurisation, as well as blade replacement during shop visits.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive borescope inspections of affected IPC Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 blades according to specified intervals starting from 15 December 2019. Inspections are also required within five flight cycles after asymmetric power operations or cabin depressurisation events. If cracks are found, engines must be removed from service before next flight and repaired per Rolls-Royce instructions. Additionally, during the next qualified shop visit, operators must install the new IPC blade kits as mandated by the AD.
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