EASA AD 2024-0130
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0288
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0130 is an airworthiness directive addressing 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 the removal from service of certain low pressure compressor blades identified as having non-conforming repairs that could lead to blade cracking and potential engine failure. It provides instructions for inspection, removal, and replacement of affected parts to maintain airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0130 introduces mandatory removal from service of specific low pressure compressor blades with part numbers FW23741, FW23643, FW23744, KH23403, and KH23404 that have been subject to erroneous repairs. It requires operators to comply with Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AL053 and inspection instructions from NMSB RB.211-72-L104. The directive also prohibits installation of affected parts on any engine from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected compressor blades pose a risk of blade cracking, which can cause multiple structural failures, in-flight shutdowns, uncontrolled fires, or uncontained debris release. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with RB211 Trent 700 engines. Maintenance and compliance teams must carefully track affected parts and adhere to inspection and replacement requirements to avoid unsafe conditions.
What To Do
Operators must remove affected low pressure compressor blades before exceeding the specified cycles to removal or within 30 flight cycles or 30 days after the effective date, whichever is later. During shop visits, if affected parts have 100 or fewer cycles remaining, they must be replaced with serviceable parts. From the effective date, installation of affected parts on any engine is prohibited. Compliance must be achieved by 2024-07-22 or within the specified flight cycle limits.