EASA AD 2026-0117R1 — Engine – Low Pressure Turbine Discs – Inspection

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0117R1 is an updated safety directive addressing inspection requirements for low pressure turbine stage 3 and stage 4 discs on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, commonly installed on Boeing 787 aircraft. The directive mandates inspections to detect cracks caused by rubbing contact with interstage static seals to prevent potential turbine disc failure. It applies to all serial numbers of Trent 1000-A2 through Trent 1000-L2 engine variants.

What Changed

This revision of EASA AD 2026-0117 clarifies that credit can be given for inspections performed according to earlier versions of Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AK416. It updates compliance criteria for engines modified with Service Bulletin Trent 1000 72-K771 and incorporates new terminating actions involving additional Rolls-Royce service bulletins. The AD supersedes the previous AD 2020-0195R1 and the original 2026-0117.

Why It Matters

The directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of Trent 1000 engines by preventing low pressure turbine disc failures that could lead to severe engine damage and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must adhere to the inspection intervals and corrective actions to avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance ensures regulatory adherence and mitigates risks associated with crack propagation in turbine discs.

What To Do

Operators must inspect affected low pressure turbine discs before exceeding 7,800 engine flight cycles or within specified compliance times depending on engine configuration. If cracks are detected, affected parts must be replaced or repaired following Rolls-Royce instructions. Modifications using specified Rolls-Royce service bulletins can terminate repetitive inspections. All inspections and corrective actions must comply with the instructions in Rolls-Royce Alert NMSB TRENT 1000 72-AK416 and related service bulletins.