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

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 126 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40353-40356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-13481]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-4661; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01530-E; 
Amendment 39-23388; AD 2026-13-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-25-
10, which applied to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) 
Model Trent XWB-97 engines. AD 2024-25-10 required a one-time set of 
visual and dimensional inspections of the main fuel hose assembly of 
the fuel manifold to confirm softness, compliance, and lack of 
resistance, and for shrinkage, cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, 
and degradation of the hose braid wire; and, if necessary, replacement 
of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2024-25-10, the FAA has determined that additional engine 
models are affected by the unsafe condition and that the required 
inspections should be repetitive. This AD requires, for certain 
engines, a one-time set of on-wing visual and dimensional inspections 
of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold to confirm 
softness, compliance, and lack of resistance, and for shrinkage, 
cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, and degradation of the hose 
braid wire and, if necessary, replacement of the main fuel hose 
assembly of the fuel manifold. This AD also requires, for certain other 
engines, on-wing and in-shop repetitive visual and dimensional 
inspections of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold to 
confirm softness, compliance, and lack of resistance, and for 
shrinkage, cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, and degradation of 
the hose braid wire and, if necessary, replacement of the main fuel 
hose assembly of the fuel manifold. This AD also expands the 
applicability to include certain RRD Model Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, 
Trent XWB-79B, and Trent XWB-84 engines. This AD also provides criteria 
for installation of an affected part and optional terminating action 
for the repetitive visual and dimensional inspections. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 17, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 17, 
2026.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 17, 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-2026-4661; 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-2026-4661.

[[Page 40354]]


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-2026-4661; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2025-01530-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

    The FAA issued AD 2024-25-10, Amendment 39-22912 (90 FR 8661, 
January 31, 2025) (AD 2024-25-10), for certain RRD Model Trent XWB-97 
engines. AD 2024-25-10 was prompted by an emergency AD originated by 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union. EASA issued EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E, dated 
September 5, 2024 (EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E) to correct an unsafe 
condition identified as damage to the main fuel hose assembly of the 
fuel manifold. AD 2024-25-10 required a one-time set of visual and 
dimensional inspections of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel 
manifold to confirm softness, compliance, and lack of resistance, and 
for shrinkage, cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, and degradation 
of the hose braid wire; and, if necessary, replacement of the main fuel 
hose assembly of the fuel manifold. The FAA issued AD 2024-25-10 to 
prevent damage to the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold.

Actions Since EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E Was Issued

    EASA superseded EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E and issued EASA AD 
2024-0182, dated September 19, 2024 (later revised) (EASA AD 2024-
0182); EASA AD 2024-0182R1, dated October 9, 2024 (superseded) (EASA AD 
2024-0182R1); EASA AD 2025-0128, dated June 3, 2025 (later revised) 
(EASA AD 2025-0128); and EASA AD 2025-0128R1, dated June 17, 2025 (EASA 
AD 2025-0128R1) (also referred to as the MCAI).
    EASA AD 2024-0182 included new service material, specified that a 
certain cleaning process available during engine refurbishment may lead 
to degradation of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold, 
that additional engine model groups were affected by the unsafe 
condition, and that repetitive inspections were necessary. EASA AD 
2024-0182R1 included a revision to the service material and clarified 
the terminating action for the repetitive inspections. EASA AD 2025-
0128, included a revision to the service material and identified an 
additional population of engines affected by the unsafe condition and 
required repetitive inspections and corrective actions for those 
engines.
    The MCAI states that damage to a fuel manifold main fuel hose was 
reported, which led to a controlled, temporary engine fire and heat 
damage to the exterior and interior of the engine nacelle (thrust 
reverser C-ducts). The occurrence resulted in an in-flight shutdown. 
In-service and in-shop inspections identified a specific cleaning 
process available during engine refurbishment that may lead to 
degradation of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold. 
Additionally, multiple additional populations of affected engines were 
identified, and a determination was made that the initial population of 
affected engines could be reduced to exclude certain engine serial 
numbers. To address this potential unsafe condition, the manufacturer 
published service information that specifies procedures for a one-time 
set of visual and dimensional inspections of the fuel manifold main 
fuel hoses and corrective action instructions. This condition, if not 
addressed, in combination with additional failures, could lead to an 
engine fire and damage to the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4661.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0128R1, which specifies procedures 
for a one-time set of on-wing visual and dimensional inspections of the 
main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold to confirm softness, 
compliance, and lack of resistance, and for shrinkage, cracks, chafing, 
dents, kinks, necking, and degradation of the hose braid wire and, if 
necessary, replacement of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel 
manifold, and reporting the inspection results to RRD. EASA AD 2025-
0128R1 also specifies procedures for on-wing and in-shop repetitive 
visual and dimensional inspections of the main fuel hose assembly of 
the fuel manifold to confirm softness, compliance, and lack of 
resistance, and for shrinkage, cracks, chafing, dents, kinks, necking, 
and degradation of the hose braid wire and, if necessary, replacement 
of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold, and reporting the 
inspection results to RRD. EASA AD 2025-0128R1 also allows installation 
of an affected part on any airplane provided that the part is 
serviceable and allows installation of an affected engine provided that 
the engine passed the required inspections, or the findings were 
corrected. EASA AD 2025-0128R1 also includes optional terminating 
action for the repetitive visual and dimensional inspections provided 
that the engine has passed an inspection with no findings or the 
findings are corrected, or the engine has not yet reached the threshold 
of the required inspections.
    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.

[[Page 40355]]

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 
2025-0128R1, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD.

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, EASA AD 2025-0128R1 is 
incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with 
EASA AD 2025-0128R1 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 2025-0128R1 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 2025-
0128R1. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0128R1 for compliance will be 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-4661 after this 
AD is published.

Interim Action

    The preamble to AD 2024-25-10 specifies that the FAA considers that 
AD to be an ``interim action'' and that the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking depending on the results of the investigation. The 
manufacturer has since developed such repetitive inspections and, if 
necessary, replacement of the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel 
manifold for certain engines, which is optional terminating action to 
the repetitive inspections required by AD 2024-25-10. The FAA has 
determined that these actions must be required to mitigate the unsafe 
condition.

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 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 certificate 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
    (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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-25-10, Amendment 39-22912 (90 
FR 8661, January 31, 2025); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2026-13-06 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-23388; 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4661; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01530-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 17, 2026.

 (b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-25-10, Amendment 39-22912 (90 FR 8661, 
January 31, 2025) (AD 2024-25-10).

[[Page 40356]]

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG 
Model Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-79, Trent XWB-79B, Trent XWB-84, and 
Trent XWB-97 engines, as identified in European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0128R1, dated June 17, 2025 (EASA AD 
2025-0128R1).

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop); 7310, Engine Fuel Distribution.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of damage to the main fuel hose 
assembly of the fuel manifold, which led to a controlled, temporary 
engine fire and heat damage to the exterior and interior of the 
engine nacelle (thrust reverser C-ducts), and resulted in a 
commanded in-flight engine shut down. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent damage to the main fuel hose assembly of the fuel manifold. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, in combination with 
additional failures, could lead to an engine fire and result in 
damage to the airplane.

 (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: Do all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0128R1.

 (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0128R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to September 1, 2024, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to September 9, 2024 (the 
effective date of EASA Emergency AD 2024-0174-E), this AD requires 
using February 18, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2024-25-10).
    (4) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to October 3, 2024 (the 
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2024-0182), this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (5) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to June 10, 2025 (the 
effective date of the EASA AD 2025-0128, dated June 3, 2025), this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (6) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 refers to the applicable date 
listed in Appendix 1 of the Non-Modification Service Bulletin for 
Group B engines, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (7) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 states ``engine flying hours 
(EFH)'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``engine flight 
hours (EFH)''.
    (8) Where EASA AD 2025-0128R1 states ``engine flying cycles 
(EFC)'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``engine flight 
cycles (EFC)''.
    (9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' paragraph of EASA AD 
2025-0128R1.

 (i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although EASA AD 2025-0128R1 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 of the 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 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 (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 2025-0128R1, 
dated June 17, 2025.
    (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 material 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 June 18, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-13481 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
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