Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Rolls-Royce plc RB211-535 series turbofan engines. This proposal would remove from service suspect radial drive steady bearings with certain serial number prefixes, and replace them with serviceable parts. Reports of a number of radial drive steady bearing failures from distinct batches of parts prompted this proposal. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent radial drive steady bearing failure, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown and smoke and fumes in the cabin.