EASA AD 2020-0201R2: Engine Fuel & Control — Fuel Control Unit — Replacement

What to do

Operators must replace affected fuel control units with serviceable parts within specified flight hour or calendar time limits depending on engine group classification, with the earliest deadline being within 10 flight hours after 22 September 2020. Installation of affected FCUs is prohibited from the effective date, and engines with affected parts cannot be installed on aircraft after that date. Compliance must follow the instructions in the GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin referenced in the directive.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0201R2 is an update addressing the replacement of fuel control units (FCU) on GE Aviation Czech M601 and H80 series engines installed on various aircraft including the Aircraft Industries L-410, Air Tractor AT series, Allied Ag Cat G-164, PZL-106 Kruk, RUAG Do 28, Thrush S-2R, and Viking Air DHC-3 Otter. The directive mandates replacement of affected FCUs due to improperly installed rubber cuff sealings that can cause engine power fluctuations and potential loss of control. It applies to all serial numbers of the listed engine models with specific affected FCU part and serial numbers detailed in the directive.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0201R2 revises the previous version 2020-0201R1 by amending the definition of affected fuel control units and incorporating a newly designed repair solution by GE Aviation Czech. The updated directive includes revised service bulletin references and clarifies compliance requirements for replacement and installation prohibitions of affected parts. It also introduces grouping of engines based on affected parts to specify compliance times.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to engine power fluctuations that could lead to engine surges or loss of power, potentially causing loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure affected FCUs are replaced or repaired promptly to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. The directive also restricts installation of affected parts, impacting inventory management and maintenance planning.