EASA AD 2017-0251
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0085
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0251 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes equipped with CFM56-5A/5B engines. It addresses the issue of broken aft engine mount inner retainers caused by vibration and surface finish defects, which could lead to in-flight loss of an engine mount link. The directive mandates inspections, part identification, replacement, and modification of affected engine mount assemblies to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA AD 2017-0251 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0138 and adds new requirements including referencing Goodrich Aerostructures Service Bulletin RA32071-164 for terminating actions. It introduces additional restrictions on installation of new engine mount assemblies for engines fitted with a Turbine Rear Frame (TRF) with 4 lugs configuration and clarifies installation prohibitions for certain engine configurations. The AD retains previous inspection and replacement requirements while updating modification instructions and part identification criteria.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential failure of aft engine mount retainers, which could cause serious damage or injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight engine mount failures and ensure regulatory compliance. The AD provides clear instructions for inspections, corrective actions, and modifications, impacting maintenance planning and parts management for affected Airbus aircraft fleets.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes must perform detailed inspections of aft engine mount inner retainers within specified timeframes, replace any defective parts promptly, and identify and replace non-conforming retainers by the deadlines stated. Additionally, modification and re-identification of engine mount assemblies must be completed within 48 months after 16 August 2017, except for certain 4-lugs engine configurations. Installation of prohibited parts is forbidden from specified effective dates.
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