EASA Orders Inspection of Airbus A350-1000 Engines
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Issues New Directive
Calls for Inspection of Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Engines
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) requiring airlines to inspect the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines on Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The AD was prompted by a recent incident involving an A350-1000 that experienced an uncontained engine failure.
The inspection must be carried out within 14 days of receiving the AD. Airlines are required to inspect the high-pressure compressor (HPC) for any signs of damage, including cracks, wear, or foreign object damage (FOD). Any damaged parts must be replaced before the aircraft can be returned to service.
The EASA AD is the latest in a series of safety concerns raised about the Trent XWB-97 engine. In 2021, the engine was involved in another uncontained engine failure on an A350-900 aircraft. Rolls-Royce has since implemented a number of modifications to the engine in an attempt to address the safety concerns.
Safety Concerns Prompting Inspection
The EASA AD is a precautionary measure taken in response to the recent uncontained engine failure. The incident involved an A350-1000 operated by Air France that was flying from Paris to Montreal. The aircraft experienced a loud bang and vibrations before the crew shut down the left engine. The aircraft was able to land safely in Montreal.
The cause of the engine failure is still under investigation. However, the EASA AD suggests that the HPC may have been damaged by FOD. FOD can enter the engine through the air intake and cause damage to the compressor blades. This damage can lead to an uncontained engine failure, which can be catastrophic for the aircraft and its occupants.
Impact on Airlines
The EASA AD will have a significant impact on airlines that operate the A350-1000. The inspection will require the aircraft to be grounded for at least 14 days. This will cause flight cancellations and delays, which could lead to financial losses for airlines.
In addition, the AD could lead to increased maintenance costs for airlines. If the HPC is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced. This could be a costly and time-consuming process.
Conclusion
The EASA AD is a serious safety concern that airlines need to address immediately. The inspection will help to identify any damaged HPCs and prevent them from causing an uncontained engine failure. Airlines should follow the AD closely and ensure that their A350-1000 aircraft are inspected as soon as possible.
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