EASA AD 2018-0013
Engine — Low Pressure Compressor Fan Blades — Identification / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0013 is an airworthiness directive addressing Rolls-Royce Deutschland Tay 620-15 engines equipped with low pressure compressor (LPC) modules M01100AA or M01100AB. It focuses on the identification and replacement of LPC fan blades that have undergone multiple Dry Film Lubrication (DFL) treatments. The directive aims to prevent potential failure of LPC fan blade retention lugs that could lead to engine malfunction and reduced aircraft control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements to determine the number of DFL treatments applied to affected LPC fan blades and mandates replacement if the number of treatments reaches or exceeds 13. It also establishes a maximum allowable number of DFL treatments for these blades and requires marking blades with fewer than 13 treatments during the next scheduled removal.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to LPC fan blade retention lug fractures caused by excessive DFL treatments. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid engine failures, in-flight shutdowns, and potential loss of aircraft control. It also impacts maintenance planning and parts management by introducing tracking and replacement criteria for affected blades.
What To Do
Operators must determine the number of DFL treatments on each affected LPC fan blade within 30 days of the directive's effective date. Blades with fewer than 13 treatments should be marked during the next scheduled removal, while blades with 13 or more treatments must be replaced within 500 flight hours. Installation of affected blades is only permitted if they have fewer than 13 treatments and are properly marked, with replacement required before exceeding this limit.
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