Engine – Fan Blades – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2018-0211, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0093-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform ultrasonic inspections of affected fan blades within the specified compliance times, which can be as soon as 20 days after 20 April 2018 for certain blades, and then repeat inspections every 3,000 flight cycles. Any detected discrepancies require immediate replacement of the affected fan blade before further flight. Only serviceable fan blades may be installed from the effective date of 18 May 2018.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0109 is an airworthiness directive addressing fan blade inspections for CFM International CFM56-7B engines installed on Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft. It mandates ultrasonic inspections of specific affected fan blades to prevent potential fan blade failure and uncontained debris release. The directive applies to multiple CFM56-7B engine variants and specifies compliance procedures and corrective actions.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0109 supersedes the earlier Emergency AD 2018-0093-E and reduces the compliance time for initial inspections of certain fan blades. It retains the inspection and corrective action requirements but introduces a shorter timeframe for initial ultrasonic inspections on specific fan blades and engines to enhance safety.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving fan blade fractures that could lead to uncontained engine debris and damage to aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. The reduced compliance times require careful planning to meet inspection deadlines and maintain regulatory compliance.
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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