Trent-powered A380s to be checked for rotor shaft cracks

Operators of Rolls-Royce-powered Airbus A380s are set to be ordered to inspect the type’s engines for cracking of spacers between intermediate-pressure compressor discs. EASA says examination of a Trent 900 rotor shaft revealed a crack in an interstage spacer between the stage 2 and stage 3 discs, and that a similar crack was subsequently found – in the same location – on another rotor shaft. “Investigation is ongoing to identify the cause of these cracks,” it states. “It has been determined that more engines could be affected by this cracking phenomenon.” EASA warns that the condition could potentially lead to failure of the intermediate pressure compressor rotor shaft and release of high-energy debris. <br/>Emirates and SIA are the largest operators of Trent-powered A380s, <br/>