EASA AD 2020-0055
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0071
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0055 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting CFM International LEAP-1B engines installed on aircraft including Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 models. It mandates updated maintenance tasks, life limits, and software modifications to ensure continued airworthiness and address safety concerns related to high pressure turbine structures, rotor disc anomalies, bearing failures, and engine control software. The directive consolidates and supersedes previous ADs related to these engines.
What Changed
EASA AD 2020-0055 introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits for LEAP-1B engines, including updated inspections and corrective actions for turbine components and bearing cages. It requires modification of the engine control system software to an updated version that better handles erroneous pressure readings caused by icing. This AD supersedes EASA AD 2018-0251 and AD 2019-0137 by incorporating their requirements into the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses safety risks that have led to in-flight engine shutdowns and potential uncontained failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent engine damage or loss of thrust control, ensuring safe and reliable operation of affected aircraft. Compliance with these updated requirements is mandatory to maintain the airworthiness certification of LEAP-1B powered aircraft.
What To Do
Operators must modify the engine control system software before the next flight after 25 March 2020 and incorporate the updated maintenance tasks and life limits into their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of that date. They must also perform all required inspections, replacements, and corrective actions as specified in the Airworthiness Limitations Section. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be addressed promptly according to manufacturer instructions or with approved alternative methods.
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