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

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 156 (Friday, August 14, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52496-52499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-16636]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-2294; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00011-E; 
Amendment 39-23438; AD 2026-16-08]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-A2, Trent 
1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, 
Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 
1000-L2 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the 
intermediate pressure (IP) compressor variable inlet guide vanes 
(VIGVs) due to high-cycle fatigue propagation. This AD requires 
repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) for cracks of the IP compressor 
VIGVs and, depending on the inspection results, reduced inspection 
intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service 
and replacement of the IP compressor VIGVs. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 18, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
18, 2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2294; 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 
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-2026-2294.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to all RRD Model Trent 
1000-A2,

[[Page 52497]]

Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 1000-D2, Trent 
1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-K2, 
and Trent 1000-L2 engines. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on March 16, 2026 (91 FR 12512). The NPRM was prompted by EASA 
AD 2025-0002, dated January 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0002) (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 cracking of 
the IP compressor VIGV on Trent 1000 Pack C engines was reported and 
subsequent investigation attributed the cracking to high-cycle fatigue 
propagation phenomenon. The MCAI also states that the engine 
manufacturer issued material for repetitive BSIs for cracks of the IP 
compressor VIGVs and depending on the inspection results, reduced 
inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine 
from service. This condition, if not addressed, could result in release 
of fractured parts with a steady state surge, consequent uncommanded 
in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and, in the case of dual-engine IFSD, reduced 
control of the airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive BSIs for cracks 
of the IP compressor VIGVs and, depending on the inspection results, 
reduced inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the 
engine from service and replacement of the IP compressor VIGVs. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2294.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were 
the Airline Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and an individual. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    ALPA and an individual expressed support for the NPRM.

Request for More Frequent Inspections for All High Use Engines

    An individual commenter requested that the FAA consider requiring 
more frequent inspections for engines that are used more often. The 
commenter indicated that more frequent inspections would further reduce 
risk.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time, the FAA considered the safety 
implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for 
timely accomplishment of the required inspections. In consideration of 
all these factors, the FAA determined that the compliance time, as 
proposed, represents an appropriate interval in which the inspections 
can be done in a timely manner within the fleet, while still 
maintaining an adequate level of safety. Most ADs, including this one, 
permit operators to accomplish the requirements of an AD at a time 
earlier than the specified compliance time. However, introducing higher 
frequency for inspections does not necessarily result in decreasing 
risk. If additional data are presented that would justify a shorter 
compliance time, the FAA may consider further rulemaking on this issue. 
The FAA has not changed this AD as a result of this comment.

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 2025-0002, which specifies procedures for 
performing repetitive BSIs for cracks of the IP compressor VIGVs and 
applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include, depending on 
the inspection findings, reduced inspection intervals for the 
repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service and replacement 
of the IP compressor VIGVs. 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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking 
at that time.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borescope inspection of the IP          6 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $510         $14,280
 compressor VIGVs.                       hour = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
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:

[[Page 52498]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of each cracked IP compressor    110 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $3,307         $12,657
 VIGV.                                        $9,350.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,
    (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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2026-16-08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39-23438; 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2294; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00011-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 18, 
2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model 
Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE2, Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE2, Trent 
1000-D2, Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G2, Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-J2, 
Trent 1000-K2, and Trent 1000-L2 engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop); 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the intermediate 
pressure (IP) compressor variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) due to 
high-cycle fatigue propagation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracking of the IP compressor VIGVs. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in release of fractured 
parts with a steady state surge, consequent uncommanded in-flight 
shutdown (IFSD) and, in the case of dual-engine IFSD, 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Do all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2025-0002, dated January 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0002).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0002

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0002 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 
2025-0002.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0002 
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 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 2025-0002, 
dated January 7, 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, 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.

[[Page 52499]]

    (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 July 30, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-16636 Filed 8-13-26; 8:45 am]
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