EASA AD 2020-0007
Engine — Rotating Air High Pressure Turbine Front Seal — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0007 is a regulatory document addressing the replacement of rotating air high pressure turbine (HPT) front seals on CFM International CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B engines. These engines are installed on various Airbus models including A318, A319, A320, A321, A340, and Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft. The directive mandates inspections and replacement of specific affected HPT front seals to prevent potential uncontained engine failures.
What Changed
EASA AD 2020-0007 supersedes the previous AD 2019-0150 and introduces reduced life limits for affected HPT front seals that have been re-installed on different engine models. It also refines the definition of affected parts by excluding certain seals and adds installation restrictions to prevent re-installation of affected parts on different HPT discs. The AD retains prior replacement requirements while clarifying compliance times and operational limitations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving cracked HPT front seals that could lead to uncontained engine failures and potential damage to aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The AD impacts maintenance planning, parts management, and engine shop practices by enforcing strict replacement and installation rules.
What To Do
Operators must identify engines with affected HPT front seals and replace these parts within specified engine cycle limits as detailed in the AD. They must not operate aircraft with two engines having affected parts exceeding defined cycle thresholds. Installation of affected parts on any engine is prohibited from 5 July 2019, and re-installation of serviceable parts on different HPT discs is forbidden from the AD's effective date of 29 January 2020. Compliance must be achieved by the deadlines specified in the directive.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.