Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Trent 768 and 772 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Rolls-Royce, plc RB211 Trent 768 and 772 series turbofan engines. This action requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of thrust reverser hinge lugs and attachment ribs for cracks, and, if necessary, removal from service and replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by aircraft certification testing which revealed that stresses on the thrust reverser hinge were higher than had been anticipated during engine certification. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent thrust reverser hinge failure, possibly resulting in liberation of the thrust reverser cowl duct from the engine nacelle, which could result in impact damage to other sections of the aircraft.