FAA issues a new AD affecting Rolls-powered 757s

The US Federal Aviation Administration issued an airworthiness directive (AD) for 757-200s and -300s powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-535 series engines (PW2000-powered 757s are not affected).

Quoting the FAA: “This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the forward bulkhead web, web stiffeners, attachment angles, and thermal anti-ice (TAI) spray ring assemblies of the engine air intake cowl. This AD requires replacing the forward bulkhead assembly, TAI spray ring assembly, and attachment fittings of the air intake cowl. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of air intake cowl components due to cracking, which could result in the air intake cowl separating from the engine and striking critical airplane control surfaces that could result in a loss of airplane control; severe engine damage and loss of thrust; or large parts striking a person or property on the ground.”

The AD is effective 1 July 2014, and the FAA estimates the cost of compliance to be up to $180,000 per engine. Full details are available on the US government regulations website at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-1103-0012 .