Proposed Rule2026-05089
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 16, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt 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 proposed 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 proposed AD would require 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 50 (Monday, March 16, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12512-12514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05089]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 50 / Monday, March 16, 2026 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 12512]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2294; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00011-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt 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 proposed 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
proposed AD would require 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 30, 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-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 NPRM, 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 proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#47060334072226342669223235283726692232"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="67262314270206140649021215081706490212">[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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(516) 228-7309; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#07666b627f6e74296d29706f6e73666c62754761666629606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="43222f263b2a306d296d342b2a3722282631032522226d242c35">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-2294; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00011-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Alexis Whitaker, 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 2025-0002, dated January 7, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0002) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on all 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.
The MCAI states that cracking of the IP compressor variable inlet guide
vane (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
[[Page 12513]]
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.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2294.
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.
FAA's Determination
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 is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the EASA AD 2025-0002, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed 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, the FAA proposes to incorporate
EASA AD 2025-0002 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0002 in its
entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2025-0002 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 2025-0002. Material required in
EASA AD 2025-0002 for compliance will be available at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2026-
2294 after the FAA final rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be 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, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 28 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borescope inspection of the IP compressor 6 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $510 $14,280
VIGVs. = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
that would be required based on the results of the proposed 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of each cracked IP compressor VIGV 110 work-hours x $85 per hour = $3,307 $12,657
$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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
[[Page 12514]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2026-2294;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00011-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 30, 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 information 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8e9e5e7ebe8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="682925272b280e0909460f071e">[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 Alexis Whitaker,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b7a777e6372683571356c73726f7a707e695b7d7a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4c5c8c1dccdd78ace8ad3cccdd0c5cfc1d6e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3273764172575341531c5747405d42531c5747"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="de9f9aad9ebbbfadbff0bbabacb1aebff0bbab">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 <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#ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abcdd985c2c5d8dbcec8dfc2c4c5ebc5cad9ca85ccc4dd">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 5, 2026.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05089 Filed 3-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 16, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.