The recent emergency airworthiness directive (EAD) relating to some Rolls-Royce Tay 611 turbofans has not resulted in any groundings for the nine Gulfstream G-IV customers affected, the engine manufacturer says.
The European Aviation Safety Agency EAD allows for 20 flight cycles before the necessary rectification is carried out and, as Rolls-Royce points out, with the low utilisation rates of most business aviation aircraft, that provides plenty of time for the work to be carried out.
"Certain Stage 2 high-pressure turbine disc spanner retaining nuts did not receive the proper heat treatment after application of silver plating," the EASA directive states.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce says it has identified all 14 of the engines affected, and has traced the fault to an incomplete procedure following overhaul at a specific aircraft maintenance subcontractor.
Source: Flight International