Rule2026-11179
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
June 4, 2026
Effective
July 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6223261122070311034c0717100d12034c0717"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c08184b380a5a1b3a1eea5b5b2afb0a1eea5b5">[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, 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1879747d60716b3672366f70716c79737d6a587e7979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbdad7dec3d2c895d195ccd3d2cfdad0dec9fbdddada95dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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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.
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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
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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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.
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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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcfdf1f3fffcdadddd92dbd3ca">[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#c6a7aaa3beafb5e8ace8b1aeafb2a7ada3b486a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d0c010815041e4307431a0504190c06081f2d0b0c0c430a021b">[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 2025-0176,
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a0b0e390a2f2b392b642f3f38253a2b642f3f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a1b1e291a3f3b293b743f2f28352a3b743f2f">[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, 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 <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#7016025e191e0300151304191f1e301e1102115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d3b5a1fdbabda0a3b6b0a7babcbd93bdb2a1b2fdb4bca5">[email protected]</span></a>.
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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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