EASA AD 2026-0174 — Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – Amendment

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0174 is an amendment addressing time limits and maintenance checks in the Airworthiness Limitations Section for CFM INTERNATIONAL CFM56-7B engines installed on Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, and 737-900ER aircraft. This directive updates mandatory life limits and inspection requirements for low pressure turbine rear frames and related engine components. It applies to all serial numbers of specified CFM56-7B engine variants.

What Changed

This amendment supersedes EASA AD 2026-0161 and adds the CFM56-7B27A/3 engine model to the applicability. It retains existing requirements but clarifies inspection methods, restricting inspections of certain low pressure turbine rear frame locations to Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection instead of allowing Eddy Current Inspection as an alternative. The directive also updates the Airworthiness Limitations Section and associated service bulletins to reflect new or more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits.

Why It Matters

This directive ensures continued airworthiness and safety by mandating compliance with updated life limits and inspection procedures for CFM56-7B engines. Operators and maintenance organizations must adhere to these requirements to prevent unsafe conditions caused by potential engine component failures. Compliance with the directive is essential for regulatory approval and to avoid operational restrictions on affected aircraft.

What To Do

Operators must replace low pressure turbine rear frames before exceeding life limits and perform all applicable maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals as defined in the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section. If the cycle count on an LPT rear frame is unknown, inspection or replacement must occur within 10 engine cycles or one month after the reference date. The approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate these updated tasks and limitations.