A330neo included in latest Trent engine inspection order

Airbus A330neo operators have been included in a new European directive ordering inspections of intermediate pressure compressor shaft assemblies on Rolls-Royce Trent engines for the Boeing 787. The directive follows the discovery cracks in the front air seal of the shaft assembly during stripping of a flight-test powerplant. Inspection of other in-shop engines revealed 2 other instances of cracked seals, says EASA. The condition could potentially lead to intermediate pressure compressor shaft failure and in-flight shutdown. It is ordering repetitive on-wing inspection of an area between the rearmost seal fin of the assembly's front air seal and the compressor's stage one disc. If cracks are detected, the engine must be removed from service to undertake corrective measures developed by Rolls-Royce. <br/>