The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed an airworthiness directive for certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, requiring fan cowl inspections and, in some cases, replacement or modification. The measure targets a protection issue that could leave the right engine vulnerable to debris from an uncontained failure in the other engine, creating a risk of dual engine shutdown on affected US-registered aircraft.
The proposal would turn Boeing operator guidance issued in February 2026 into a mandatory requirement for operators on the US registry. Initial action would involve records checks or inspections to identify affected parts, followed by modification or replacement if the relevant fan cowl part number is installed.
The FAA has opened the rule for comment until 21 September 2026. The issue is framed as a certification and maintenance airworthiness concern rather than an in-service event, with Boeing having identified the protection shortfall on the right engine’s left fan cowl.