EASA AD 2026-0164 — Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Engine Time Limits Manual – Amendment

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0164 is an amendment addressing the time limits and maintenance checks for Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 900 engines, specifically models RB211 Trent 970-84, 972-84, and 972E-84, commonly installed on Airbus A380 aircraft. This directive updates the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) in the Rolls-Royce Time Limits Manual to ensure mandatory inspections and life limits are correctly applied. It mandates compliance with the revised maintenance tasks and life limits to maintain engine airworthiness.

What Changed

EASA AD 2026-0164 supersedes the previous AD 2025-0069 and introduces the latest revision (Revision 70) of the Rolls-Royce Time Limits Manual ALS. It reinstates the Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) for the Tail Bearing Housing Support Structure (TBHSS) that was omitted in a prior service bulletin and consolidates all TBHSS inspections into one module. The directive also transfers mandatory inspections from a previous non-modification service bulletin into the ALS, adding new or more restrictive maintenance tasks and limitations.

Why It Matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent undetected cracking and potential unsafe conditions in RB211 Trent 900 engines. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing updated inspection intervals and life limits, reducing the risk of engine failure. It also streamlines maintenance programs by consolidating inspection requirements, aiding regulatory compliance and safety management.

What To Do

Operators must replace engine components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals as per the updated ALS effective from 27 August 2026. They must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the new tasks and limitations. Any discrepancies found during inspections require corrective actions before the next flight or within ALS-specified compliance times.