AD 2008-23-04
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Aviat | Various | Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 Turbofan Engines |
| engine | Rolls-Royce | plc RB211 Trent 553-61 | Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 Turbofan Engines |
Unsafe Condition
The intermediate-pressure (IP) turbine blade shrouds of the RB211 Trent 500 series engines feature closure welds (dust caps). Development engine testing has revealed the potential for dust caps to crack, lift, and release, allowing hot annulus gas to be ingested down the core passages of IP turbine blades, causing local heating of the disc firtree and creep of the disc material. Failure of the disc rim in creep could simultaneously release two blades and a disc post, potentially beyond the containment capabilities of the casing.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Initial and repetitive borescope inspections for missing or lifting IP turbine blade outer shroud dust caps. Installation of core restrictor plugs in the IP turbine blade roots if 20 or more IP turbine blade outer shroud dust caps are found lifting, or if 1 or more dust caps are missing.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Initial borescope inspection within 5 flight cycles.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, and 560A2-61 turbofan engines that have not incorporated RR Service Bulletin (SB) No. RB.211-72-D733, dated August 21, 2002, or Revision 1 of that SB, dated March 6, 2008. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A340-500 and -600 series airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.