EASA AD 2018-0079
Engine — Low Pressure Compressor Fan Blades — Identification / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0079 addresses the identification and replacement of low pressure compressor (LPC) fan blades on Rolls-Royce Deutschland Tay 650-15 and Tay 651-54 engines equipped with LPC modules M01300AA or M01300AB. The directive mandates determining the number of Dry Film Lubrication (DFL) treatments applied to LPC fan blades and requires replacement or marking based on this count to prevent potential blade retention lug failures. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the affected engines.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0079 supersedes AD 2017-0217 and introduces an updated alternative method for calculating the number of DFL treatments on LPC fan blades. This updated methodology may result in earlier replacement of certain blades, particularly those with Tay 651-54 operation history. The directive retains previous requirements but refines the assessment process and compliance timelines.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because fractures in LPC fan blade retention lugs can lead to severe engine malfunctions, including high vibration, reduced thrust, or in-flight shutdowns, which compromise aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. Accurate tracking and timely replacement of affected fan blades help prevent potential engine failures and ensure regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators must determine the number of DFL treatments on each LPC fan blade within 30 days after 22 November 2017 by reviewing maintenance records or using the updated calculation method in the Rolls-Royce Deutschland Alert NMSB TAY-72-A1833 Revision 1. Fan blades with 13 or more DFL treatments must be replaced within 500 flight hours after 22 November 2017, and blades with fewer treatments must be marked accordingly during the next removal. Installation of blades with 13 or more DFL treatments is prohibited from 22 November 2017 onward.
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