FAA limits Trent 1000 787s to ETOPs 60

[MarkR]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive for certain ENT!ROR Trent 1000-powered B787-8/9s, forcing carriers to limit extended operations (ETOPS) for affected aircraft. The directive has forced British Airways to adjust flight routes on some of its transatlantic services, The Telegraph has reported.

"This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to limit extended operations (ETOPS)... We have determined that updated AFM limitations are needed to minimize the potential for intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) blade failures under certain conditions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products," the FAA said.

By limiting ETOPS range, the directive effectively forces the affected aircraft to fly within a 60-minute diversion range from a suitable airport.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, aside from British Airways, other operators of affected Trent 1000 engine variants (the -A2, -AE2, -C2, -CE2, -D2, -E2, -G2, -H2, -J2, -K2, and -L2) include Thai Airways International, Air Europa, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Norwegian, Norwegian UK, Scoot, Air New Zealand, Royal Brunei Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and LATAM Airlines.

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/66922-faa-further-limits-trent-1000-etops

[Kent Broadhead]

Wow. Rectification and operator compensation are surely going to be a major hit to RR profits over this. Big impact on LATAM and AirNZ with their Pacific routes

[James Smith]

Can an Air NZ 787-9 operate over the Tasman or Pacific and comply with the 60 minute ETOPS directive? It is a huge limitation.

[David C]

Can an Air NZ 787-9 operate over the Tasman or Pacific and comply with the 60 minute ETOPS directive? It is a huge limitation.

Not a professional pilot myself , but looking at charts it would appear that unless Norfolk Island is a suitable diversionary airport and the single engine speed of a 787-9 is over 300kts , it would not be possible to legally fly a 787-9 between AKL and BNE. AKL-SYD and AKL-MEL are no goers . But as I said , I’m not a professional pilot , so there may some type of exceptions .
Dave C

[Erik H. Bakke]

Air NZ 777s will get a workout over the next few weeks/months, then.
I believe they have also leased some aircraft to cover for the 789s.

Norwegian have leased 2 (I think) 777s as replacement capacity, and other operators would be looking at the same, too.

[Mick F]

There’s no such thing as ETOP’s (EDTO) 60. 60 mins is the standard limit for anyone not EDTO approved.

Mick