EASA AD 2025-0061
Engine — Low-Pressure Compressor Rotor Shaft — Inspection(s)
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0061 is an airworthiness directive addressing Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG RB211 Trent 900 series engines, specifically models Trent 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 972E-84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84. It mandates inspections of the low-pressure compressor rotor shaft, part number FW21472, due to reported cracking issues. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness by requiring repetitive inspections and installation restrictions.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive in-shop inspections of the low-pressure compressor rotor shaft for affected RB211 Trent 900 engines. It also establishes installation restrictions, allowing installation only of serviceable parts, and requires replacement of any cracked parts before engine release to service. The directive is considered interim and may be followed by further actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to rotor shaft fracture and uncontained engine failure, posing safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent engine damage and ensure flight safety. Compliance with the inspections and part installation rules is essential to maintain regulatory approval and aircraft operational status.
What To Do
Operators of affected RB211 Trent 900 engines must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the low-pressure compressor rotor shaft before exceeding 8,000 engine flight cycles since first installation or last inspection, following Rolls-Royce NMSB RB211 72-AL186 instructions. Any detected cracks require immediate replacement of the affected part with a serviceable one. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they meet serviceable criteria, effective from 1 April 2025.