EASA AD 2025-0144
Engine — Low Pressure Compressor Blades — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0144 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of low pressure compressor blades on Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 700 engines, commonly installed on Airbus A330 aircraft. The directive mandates ultrasonic inspections of specific low pressure compressor blade part numbers to detect potential blade release issues. It applies to all serial numbers of RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, and 772C-60 engines.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2024-0102 and introduces an improved ultrasonic inspection procedure for the affected low pressure compressor blades. It modifies the affected parts population and updates compliance times and inspection intervals based on blade groups defined by serial numbers and flight cycles. The directive retains some previous inspection requirements but requires adherence to the new inspection instructions in the latest Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin RB.211-72-AL191.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses the risk of low pressure compressor blade release, which can cause engine damage, loss of engine cowling, and potential hazards to the aircraft and persons on the ground. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain engine airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe engine operation and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators must perform ultrasonic inspections of the affected low pressure compressor blades within specified compliance times based on blade groupings and accumulated flight cycles, and repeat inspections at defined intervals. Any blade found with defects exceeding acceptance criteria must be replaced before further flight. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they meet specific life limits or have passed the required ultrasonic inspection prior to installation.