Engine – Fan Blades – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2018-0109, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2018-0071
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform an ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade within specified compliance times based on engine and fan blade cycles, with subsequent inspections every 3,000 engine cycles. Any detected defects require immediate replacement of the affected fan blade before further flight. Only serviceable fan blades, as defined in the directive, may be installed from the effective date onward.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0093-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of fan blades on CFM International CFM56-7B engines installed on Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft. It mandates ultrasonic inspections of specific fan blades to detect potential fractures originating from the fan blade dovetail. The directive aims to prevent fan blade failure and possible uncontained debris release that could damage the engine and aircraft.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0093-E supersedes AD 2018-0071 and introduces requirements for initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of all affected fan blades. It expands inspection instructions by incorporating CFM56-7B Service Bulletin 72-1033 and mandates corrective actions if discrepancies are found. This AD also allows installation of only serviceable fan blades as defined within the directive.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the continued airworthiness of CFM56-7B engines by detecting and preventing fan blade failures. Compliance reduces the risk of uncontained engine debris, which can cause significant damage and safety hazards. It also provides clear inspection intervals and corrective procedures, facilitating regulatory compliance and operational safety.
More for CFM International CFM56-7B
All 18- EASA PAD 26-113Engine – High Pressure Turbine Front Seal – InspectionSep 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0174Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentSep 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0161Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentAug 7, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-091Engine – Fan Blades – InspectionJul 30, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-083Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – Amendment
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