EASA AD 2021-0060
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0020
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0060 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting GE Aviation Czech M601 engine models including M601D-1, M601D-2, M601D-11, M601D-11NZ, and M601Z. These engines are installed on various aircraft such as Air Tractor AT series, Allied Ag Cat G-164 series, Pacific Aerospace FU-24, PZL-106 Kruk series, RUAG Do 28 series, Thrush S-2R series, Viking DHC-3 Otter, and Zlin Z 37 T and Z 137 T. The directive mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0060 introduces updated airworthiness limitations published in the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the GE Aviation Czech Engine Maintenance Manual Revision 18. Notably, it adds a new visual inspection requirement for the Centrifugal Compressor Case and incorporates new or more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits. These changes are mandatory for continued airworthiness and supersede previous maintenance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams as it ensures the safe operation of affected M601 engines by enforcing updated maintenance and inspection requirements. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions and potential engine failures. The directive also aligns maintenance programs with the latest manufacturer-approved limitations, helping to prevent unexpected engine issues and maintain regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Affected stakeholders must replace components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals as defined in the updated ALS. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be corrected before the next flight, following GE Aviation Czech maintenance instructions or approved alternatives. Additionally, operators must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programmes to incorporate these new limitations and tasks within 12 months from the effective date of 17 March 2021.
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