Engine – Fan Blades – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2019-0018, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0109
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 compliance times specified in Appendix 1 of the directive and repeat inspections every 1,600 flight cycles. Any detected defects require immediate replacement of the fan blade with a serviceable one before further flight. Compliance deadlines include initial inspections within 20 days or up to 133 days after 20 April 2018, depending on engine and fan blade cycles.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0211 addresses safety concerns 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 fan blades to detect cracks that could lead to fan blade failure and uncontained debris release. The directive applies to multiple CFM56-7B engine variants and affected fan blade part numbers.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2018-0109 and reduces the interval for repetitive ultrasonic inspections of affected fan blades. It retains previous inspection and corrective action requirements but mandates more frequent inspections to enhance safety. The updated Service Bulletin 72-1033 Revision 2 provides the revised inspection instructions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential fan blade failures that could cause uncontained engine debris and damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. The reduced inspection intervals require adjustments in maintenance planning and resource allocation.
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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