EASA AD 2026-0172-E
Engine Oil – Oil Pump – De-Pairing
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0172-E is an emergency directive addressing a safety issue in Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 700 engines installed on Airbus A330 aircraft. The directive targets oil pumps with specific part numbers that have shown non-conformances leading to low oil pressure and potential dual in-flight engine shutdowns. It mandates operational restrictions and maintenance actions to mitigate this risk.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a requirement to de-pair engines on twin-engine aircraft by ensuring that no two affected oil pumps are installed simultaneously. It prohibits operating aircraft with two affected engines installed and allows replacement or rectification of affected parts to comply. The directive is an interim measure pending further actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation operators and maintenance organizations because it addresses a potential safety hazard that could cause dual engine shutdowns in flight, severely impacting aircraft control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected Airbus A330 aircraft powered by RB211 Trent 700 engines. It also affects maintenance planning and parts management to avoid installation of non-serviceable oil pumps.
What To Do
Operators must ensure that from 8 September 2026, no aircraft is operated with two affected engines installed. They must replace affected oil pumps with serviceable parts or de-pair engines by removing or replacing one affected engine. Reinstallation of affected parts is only allowed after rectification as per Rolls-Royce service bulletin RB211-79-AL440. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory from the effective date.
Your fleet's weekly digest
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.