EASA AD 2024-0102
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0144
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0102 is issued for Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG RB211 Trent 700 engines, specifically models RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, and 772C-60, commonly installed on Airbus A330 aircraft. The directive mandates ultrasonic inspections and potential replacement of low pressure compressor blades with specific part numbers to address risks of partial blade release. This AD ensures continued airworthiness by requiring repetitive inspections and corrective actions to prevent engine damage and safety hazards.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0102 supersedes the previous AD 2018-0188R1 and introduces updated inspection procedures using a water-coupled phased array ultrasonic method as detailed in the latest Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AH465 Revision 9. It retains the requirement for repetitive ultrasonic inspections of affected low pressure compressor blades and clarifies inspection thresholds and intervals for standard and non-standard operations.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition involving partial release of low pressure compressor blades, which can lead to engine damage, loss of engine cowling, and potential hazards to the aircraft and ground personnel. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure engine integrity and safety, avoiding unplanned downtime and costly repairs. Compliance with this directive supports regulatory adherence and continued airworthiness of affected Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with RB211 Trent 700 engines.
What To Do
Operators must perform ultrasonic inspections of the specified low pressure compressor blades within the compliance times outlined in the AD, with intervals not exceeding 1,200 flight cycles or standard duty cycles. If defects exceeding pass/fail criteria are found, affected parts must be replaced before the next flight or engine release to service. Installation of affected parts is permitted only if they meet inspection criteria and have not exceeded specified flight cycles or duty cycles since last inspection.