EASA AD 2022-0055
Engine — Intermediate Pressure Compressor Rotor Shaft — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0055 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of the intermediate pressure compressor rotor shaft on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 700 engines, commonly installed on Airbus A330 series aircraft. The directive mandates repetitive visual borescope inspections to detect cracks on specific IPC shafts and outlines corrective actions and terminating measures. It applies to all serial numbers of RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, and 772C-60 engines with affected parts.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0055 introduces mandatory repetitive on-wing or in-shop visual borescope inspections of the IPC rotor shaft balance land for affected RB211 Trent 700 engines. It addresses a gap where some engines post-modification 72-AG402 were not inspected as required, by specifying inspection intervals and corrective actions. The directive also prohibits installation of affected parts from its effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential IPC rotor shaft failure due to cracking, which could lead to non-contained engine debris and aircraft damage. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid unsafe conditions. The directive provides clear inspection and corrective action protocols to safeguard engine integrity and flight safety.
What To Do
Operators of RB211 Trent 700 engines with affected IPC shafts must perform an initial visual borescope inspection within specified flight cycle limits and repeat inspections every 625 engine flight cycles. If discrepancies are found, corrective actions or part replacement must be completed before engine release. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from 6 April 2022, the effective date of the directive.
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