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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16913, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration; Correction
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public to make comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 02, 2026. The Information to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. All maintenance actions as well as documentation are required by Title 14 CFR part 43. This collection focuses on Form 337 which is collected by the FAA. Other records for preventative maintenance, and logbook entries are not collected by the FAA serve as a responsibility of the owner to maintain in case of verification of airworthiness when seeking approval or sale of the aircraft. This ensures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to ensure safety. Total form 337s submitted in 2024 is 76,253. Total general aviation aircraft registrations on file are 438,651. It is estimated by the numbers collected one in every five aircraft have a 337-form submitted for major alteration and repairs performed. Each 337 takes approximately 1 hour.
2026-16874, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence of a triple "PRIM FAULT" in the Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC) at touchdown. This proposed AD would require the installation of a new FCPC standard and applicable concurrent modifications. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain parts The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16888, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04142, Proposed Priorities, Requirements, and Definitions-Comprehensive Centers Program
The Department of Education wants to update the rules for the Comprehensive Centers Program to help schools and education agencies do even better at closing achievement gaps and improving teaching quality. These changes could start in fiscal year 2026 and beyond, affecting how grants are awarded and how support is given. If you have ideas or concerns, you’ve got until April 2, 2026, to speak up!
Next: 2026-04151, Interstate Transport Plan Review for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS
The EPA is giving states and the public more time to share their thoughts on how states work together to reduce ozone pollution that crosses state lines. This extension means comments are now due by March 23, 2026, helping everyone have a fair chance to weigh in. The plan affects states working to keep the air clean and could influence future pollution rules and budgets.