FAA's Blade Watch: Crack Down on Trent Engines Now
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you operate certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent engines, the FAA wants you to keep checking specific compressor blades for hidden cracks using updated ultrasonic inspections. These checks must happen regularly, and if any problems show up, the blades need to be replaced to keep flights safe. Comments on this new rule are open until April 17, 2026, so get ready to act and keep your engines in top shape!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Ultrasonic Blade Inspections
If you operate Rolls‑Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, or 772B-60 engines with LPC blade P/N FK23411, FK25441, FK25968, FW11901, FW15393, FW23643, FW23741, FW23744, KH23403, KH23404, or LV11570, you must perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections for sub-surface anomalies per EASA AD 2025-0144 (dated July 9, 2025). If an inspection finds a problem, the blade must be replaced with a part eligible for installation to prevent LPC blade airfoil separation.
High Cost for Blade Replacement
If an ultrasonic inspection requires a replacement, replacing one LPC blade is estimated at 6 work‑hours × $85/hour = $510 labor plus parts priced at $225,000, for a total of $225,510 per blade. The FAA cannot predict how many engines will need such on‑condition replacements.
FAA Estimates 140 U.S. Engines Affected
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 140 engines on U.S.‑registered airplanes. The FAA estimates the inspection labor cost at 37 work‑hours × $85/hour = $3,145 per engine, for a total inspection cost on U.S. operators of $440,300.
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Key Dates
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