EASA AD 2022-0264
Engine Fuel & Control — Fuel Pump — Replacement (Life Limitation)
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0264 is an airworthiness directive addressing Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG RB211 Trent 900 series engines, specifically the RB211 Trent 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 972E-84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84 models. It focuses on the replacement of fuel pumps with part numbers 1703697C, 1703697E, or 1703697G due to life limitations. The directive mandates life limits for these fuel pumps to prevent engine thrust shortfall or insufficient fuel flow during in-flight windmill relight scenarios.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0264 introduces mandatory life limits for specific fuel pumps on RB211 Trent 900 engines to address cavitation damage and progressive loss of fuel pump flow performance. It requires replacement of affected fuel pumps before exceeding 11,500 flight hours in-shop or 15,000 flight hours on-wing, with specific compliance times based on accumulated flight hours. The directive also sets conditions for installation of serviceable fuel pumps and requires adjustment or calculation of flight hours for certain post-service bulletin fuel pumps.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures continued airworthiness and safety by preventing engine thrust loss or failure to achieve windmill relight due to degraded fuel pump performance. Operators and maintenance organizations must track fuel pump flight hours carefully and comply with replacement requirements to avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance with this directive helps maintain engine reliability and operational safety, reducing the risk of in-flight engine issues.
What To Do
Operators must replace affected fuel pumps during the next engine shop visit if the pump has exceeded 11,500 flight hours or within specified on-wing flight hour limits, not exceeding 15,000 flight hours. For certain fuel pumps, flight hours must be adjusted or calculated within 30 days of the directive's effective date. Only serviceable fuel pumps, as defined by the directive, may be installed from the effective date onward. Compliance deadlines vary based on pump flight hours but must be met to ensure continued airworthiness.
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