Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly Allison Engine Company) AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A3, AE 3007A1E, and AE 3007A1P Turbofan Engines

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A3, AE 3007A1E, and AE 3007A1P turbofan engines, with 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacers, part number (P/N) 23069627, 23070989, 23072849, or 23075364 installed. This AD reduces the life limit for 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacers, P/N 23072849, to a certain lower life limit, based on engine model. This AD also requires a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacers P/Ns 23069627, 23070989, 23072849, and 23075364 before reaching the spacer life limit, within specified cycles-since-new (CSN), and requires replacement of the spacer if found cracked, or with bent or missing aft tangs. This AD is prompted by a report that during a scheduled inspection, aft pilot tangs on a 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacer were found bent and cracked. We are issuing this AD to prevent 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacer failure, leading to uncontained turbine failure, engine shutdown, and damage to the airplane.