FAA Fixes Cracked Engine Vanes: Borescope Inspections Mandatory
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is adopting 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 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 AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory VIGV inspections for Trent 1000
If you operate airplanes with the listed Rolls‑Royce Trent 1000 engines (models Trent 1000-A2, -AE2, -C2, -CE2, -D2, -E2, -G2, -H2, -J2, -K2, and -L2), you must perform repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the intermediate pressure (IP) compressor variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) to check for cracks. This AD is effective September 18, 2026; the FAA estimates a borescope inspection costs $510 per engine (6 work‑hours × $85/hour), that 28 engines on U.S. registry are affected (total estimated inspection cost $14,280), and that on‑condition replacement parts cost $12,657 plus labor shown as “110 work‑hours × $85 per hour = $3,307” per the document.
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