AD 2007-02-05 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211 Trent 700 Series Turbofan Engines

This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768-60, RB211 Trent 772-60, and RB211 Trent 772B-60 series turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A330-243, -341, -342 and -343 series airplanes.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Initial Inspections, Cleaning, and Replacements (f) Using the schedule in Table 1 of this AD, borescope-inspect and clean as necessary, the high pressure-and-intermediate pressure (HP-IP) turbine internal oil vent tubes, external oil vent tubes, and bearing chamber. Table 1.—Initial Inspection Schedule If the engine or the 05 Module: Then initially inspect: Has reached 10,000 hours time-since-new (TSN) or reached 2,500 cycles-since-new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD. Has fewer than 10,000 hours TSN or fewer than 2,500 CSN on the effective date of this AD Within 3 months after reaching 10,000 hours TSN or 2,500 CSN, whichever occurs first. Is returned for a shop visit Before returning to service. (g) If after cleaning, there is still carbon in the vent tube that prevents cleaning tool, number HU80298, from passing through the tube, then replace the internal oil vent tube within 10 cycles-in-service (CIS). (h) If after cleaning, there is still carbon of visible thickness in either of the two external oil vent tubes, then replace the external oil vent tube before further flight. Repetitive Inspections, Cleaning, and Replacements (i) Within 6,400 hours time-in-service since last inspection and cleaning, or within 1,600 cycles-since-last inspection and cleaning, or at the next engine shop visit, whichever occurs first, borescope-inspect the HP-IP turbine internal and external oil vent tubes and bearing chamber, and clean the oil vent tubes as necessary. (j) If after cleaning there is still carbon in the internal oil vent tube that prevents cleaning tool, number HU80298, from passing through the tube, then replace the internal oil vent tube within 10 CIS. (k) If after cleaning there is still carbon of visible thickness, in either of the two external oil vent tubes, then replace the external oil vent tube before further flight. Inspection and Cleaning Procedures (l) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(4)(b) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rolls-Royce plc Alert Service Bulletin No. RB.211-72-AE302, Revision 3, dated September 20, 2006, to do borescope inspections, and cleaning of the oil vent tubes and bearing chamber. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from a recent incident where an RB211 Trent 700 series turbofan engine had an oil vent tube rupture as a result of blockage, leading to significant loss of engine oil. The incident indicates that further measures are necessary to control carbon buildup in the oil vent tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent internal oil fires due to coking and carbon buildup, that could cause uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.