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

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33604-33607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11179]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-0742; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01337-E; 
Amendment 39-23361; AD 2026-10-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-26-04 
for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-AE3, 
Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 
1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, 
Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 engines. AD 2023-26-04 
required initial and repetitive in-shop visual inspections of the 
intermediate-pressure stage 8 (IP8) and high-pressure stage 3 (HP3) air 
transfer tubes and front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes for 
cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, and replacement, if necessary. 
Since the FAA issued AD 2023-26-04, the FAA has determined that a new 
set of initial and repetitive on-wing visual inspections of the IP8 and 
HP3 air transfer tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear are 
necessary, and consequently the inspection interval for the repetitive 
in-shop visual inspections of front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes 
may be increased. This AD requires initial and repetitive in-shop 
visual inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front 
bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes (with increased inspection interval) 
for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, and replacement, if 
necessary. This AD also requires initial and repetitive on-wing visual 
inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes for cracking, damage, 
or air leakage wear, and replacement, if necessary. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-0742; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and

[[Page 33605]]

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 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    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, Airworthiness 
Products Section, 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-2026-0742.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 
(516) 228-7309; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-26-04, Amendment 39-22647 (89 FR 251, 
January 3, 2024) (AD 2023-26-04). AD 2023-26-04 applied to all RRD 
Model Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, 
Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-
M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 
engines. AD 2023-26-04 required initial and repetitive in-shop visual 
inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front bearing 
housing IP8 air feed tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, 
and replacement, if necessary. The FAA issued AD 2023-26-04 to prevent 
failure of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front bearing housing 
IP8 air feed tubes.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2026 
(91 FR 5378). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0176, dated August 
7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0176) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union. The MCAI states that since EASA AD 2023-0087 was 
published, the manufacturer has issued service information to include 
initial and repetitive on-wing visual inspections of the IP8 and HP3 
air transfer tubes, and an increase to the interval for the in-shop 
visual inspections of front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require initial and 
repetitive in-shop visual inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer 
tubes and front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes (with increased 
inspection interval) for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, and 
replacement, if necessary. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to 
require initial and repetitive on-wing visual inspections of the IP8 
and HP3 air transfer tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, 
and replacement, if necessary.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-0742.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included 
the Airline Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and The Boeing 
Company (Boeing). All commenters supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
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 reviewed the relevant 
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for 
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. 
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0176, which specifies procedures for 
performing initial and repetitive on-wing and in-shop visual 
inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front bearing 
housing IP8 air feed tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, 
and replacement if necessary.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects four engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-wing inspection of air tubes.......  4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340          $1,360
                                         hour = $340.
In-shop inspection of air tubes.......  4 work-hours x $85 per                 0             340           1,360
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency 
has no way of determining the number of engines that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace IP8 air transfer tubes................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $7,600          $7,770
                                                 $170.

[[Page 33606]]

 
Replace HP3 air transfer tubes................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =             11,900          12,070
                                                 $170.
Replace front bearing housing IP8 air feed      2 work-hours x $85 per hour =             10,000          10,170
 tubes.                                          $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA has determined that 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,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-26-04, Amendment 39-22647 (89 
FR 251, January 3, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2026-10-21 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-23361; 
Docket No. FAA-2026-0742; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01337-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2023-26-04, Amendment 39-22647 (89 FR 251, 
January 3, 2024).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model 
Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 
1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, 
Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7500, Engine Bleed 
Air System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that a new set of on-
wing initial and repetitive visual inspections of the intermediate-
pressure stage 8 (IP8) and high-pressure stage 3 (HP3) air transfer 
tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear are necessary, and 
consequently the inspection interval for the repetitive in-shop 
visual inspections of the front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes 
may be increased. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front bearing housing IP8 air 
feed tubes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the 
engine internal cooling and sealing flows, resulting in failure of 
the IP8 air transfer tubes, HP3 air transfer tubes, and front 
bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes, with consequent damage to the 
engine and reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) and (i) of this AD: Perform 
all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and 
in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2025-0176, dated August 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0176).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0176

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0176 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0176.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0176 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(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, AIR-520 Continued Operational 
Safety 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 Alexis Whitaker, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2025-0176, 
dated August 7, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[[Page 33607]]

    (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 material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, 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 May 22, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11179 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
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