Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1082-1084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00333]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-5398; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00370-E; 
Amendment 39-23225; AD 2025-26-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-A, 
Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-CE, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, 
Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H engines. This AD was prompted by a 
determination made by the manufacturer that a high-pressure compressor 
(HPC) mini-disc anti-rotation block could possibly release into the HPC 
assembly stage 5 and 6 discs and the cone rotor rear shaft (HPC rear 
drum) during an engine operation. This AD requires repetitive borescope 
inspections (BSIs) of the HPC rear drum cavity and cavities between 
each HPC rotor disc, and depending on the results of inspection, 
removal of the engine from service. This AD also allows an alternative 
method of complying with the repetitive BSIs if certain actions are 
accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 27, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 27, 
2026.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 26, 2026.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5398; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material 
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; 
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website 
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Operational Safety 
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It 
is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-5398.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 
(781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5398; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2024-00370-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0122, dated June 28, 2024 (EASA 
AD 2024-0122) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition on RRD Model Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 
1000-CE, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G and Trent 1000-H 
engines having Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin (SB) 72-G319 or SB 72-G893 
embodied (known as Trent 1000 `Pack B' engine models Trent 1000-A/01, 
Trent 1000-A/01A, Trent 1000-AE/01, Trent 1000-AE/01A, Trent 1000-C/01, 
Trent 1000-C/01A, Trent 1000-CE/01, Trent 1000-CE/01A, Trent 1000-D/01, 
Trent 1000-D/01A, Trent 1000-E/01, Trent 1000-E/01A, Trent 1000-G/01, 
Trent 1000-G/01A, Trent 1000-H/01, and Trent 1000-H/01A), except those 
having embodied Rolls-Royce modification 72-AK645 in production, or 
having embodied the applicable SB in service. The MCAI states that the 
manufacturer identified a

[[Page 1083]]

possibility of release of an HPC mini-disc anti-rotation block into the 
HPC assembly stage 5 and 6 discs and at the HPC rear drum during an 
engine operation. The manufacturer issued service material that 
provides instructions for repetitive BSIs and, depending on the results 
of the inspections, removal of the engine from service. The MCAI also 
includes an alternative method of complying with the repetitive BSIs if 
operation using the Rolls-Royce engine health monitoring (EHM) service 
is utilized and all corrective actions are accomplished within the 
guidelines of the Rolls-Royce EHM.
    The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of 
the HPC assembly stage 5 and 6 discs and the HPC rear drum, and 
consequent structural failure of the engines critical parts.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5398.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0122, which specifies procedures for 
repetitive BSIs of the HPC rear drum cavity and cavities between each 
HPC rotor disc for any missing or loose parts, foreign objects, 
scoring, and impact damage and contacting Rolls-Royce for applicable 
repair instructions. EASA AD 2024-0122 also specifies an alternative 
method of complying with the repetitive BSIs if certain actions are 
accomplished.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
(CAA) of another country and are approved for operation in the United 
States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of 
Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing 
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2024-0122, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a 
discussion of the general differences included in this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where EASA AD 2024-0122 specifies to contact Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, instead this AD requires contacting the 
Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or 
the Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA).

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary 
source of information for compliance with requirements for 
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with 
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA incorporates EASA AD 2024-
0122 by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD, therefore, requires 
compliance with EASA AD 2024-0122 in its entirety through that 
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as 
the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2024-0122 does not mean 
that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where 
the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance 
times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the 
section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 
2024-0122. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0122 for compliance will 
be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-5398 after 
this FAA final rule is published.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    The FAA justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of 
this rule because no domestic operators use this product. It is 
unlikely that the FAA will receive any adverse comments or useful 
information about this AD from any U.S. operator. Accordingly, notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds 
that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no 
engines with this type design on the U.S. Registry.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and

[[Page 1084]]

    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-26-03 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-23225; 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5398; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00370-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 27, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model 
Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000-CE, Trent 
1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H engines as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0122, dated June 28, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0122).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination made by the manufacturer 
that a high-pressure compressor (HPC) mini-disc anti-rotation block 
could possibly release into the HPC assembly stage 5 and 6 discs and 
cone rotor rear shaft (HPC rear drum) during an engine operation. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct any missing or 
loose parts and foreign objects in the engine. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could lead to failure of the HPC assembly stage 5 
and 6 discs and the HPC rear drum, and consequent structural failure 
of the engine's critical parts.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, 
perform all required actions within the compliance times specified 
in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0122.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0122

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0122 requires compliance from its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0122 specifies to ``contact Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG,'' this AD requires replacing that text with 
``contact the Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, 
FAA; or EASA; or the Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.''
    (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0122 specifies 
``REJECT the engine'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``remove the engine from service''.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' paragraph of EASA AD 
2024-0122.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0122 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
including capturing photos and videos, this AD does not include 
those requirements.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the International Validation 
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0122, 
dated June 28, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may 
find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Operational Safety 
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on January 5, 2026.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00333 Filed 1-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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