Rule2026-00333
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
Primary source
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Published
January 12, 2026
Effective
January 27, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 7 (Monday, January 12, 2026)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2263665162474351430c4757504d52430c4757"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b9bc8bb89d998b99d69d8d8a978899d69d8d">[email protected]</span></a>;
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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8eeceffceceffcefa0edeffbe8e7ebe2eacee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f5d5e4d5d5e4d5e115c5e4a59565a535b7f595e5e11585049">[email protected]</span></a>.
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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c88985878b88aea9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bcac6c4c8cbedeaeaa5ece4fd">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a080b18080b180b44090b1f0c030f060e2a0c0b0b440d051c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="12707360707360733c717367747b777e76527473733c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2e3e6d1e2c7c3d1c38cc7d7d0cdd2c38cc7d7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0342477043666270622d6676716c73622d6676">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a7c68347374696a7f796e7375745a747b687b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2543570b4c4b56554046514c4a4b654b4457440b424a53">[email protected]</span></a>.
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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