EASA AD 26-083
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive PAD No. 26-083 is a proposed 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. The directive updates mandatory life limits and inspection tasks to ensure continued airworthiness of these engines. It applies to all serial numbers of multiple CFM56-7B engine variants.
What Changed
This proposed AD supersedes previous directives 2007-0104 and 2009-0009, introducing new and/or more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits as defined in the latest revisions of the CFM56-7B Engine Shop Manual and related service bulletins. It restricts inspection methods for certain low pressure turbine rear frame locations to Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection only, removing Eddy Current Inspection as an alternative for on-wing inspections. The AMP must be revised within 12 months to incorporate these updated limitations and tasks.
Why It Matters
The updated airworthiness limitations are mandatory to prevent unsafe conditions arising from life-limited parts and inspection intervals being exceeded. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure engine reliability and regulatory compliance under EU regulations. The directive clarifies inspection methods and intervals, reducing ambiguity and enhancing safety management for CFM56-7B powered Boeing 737 aircraft.
What To Do
Affected operators must replace low pressure turbine rear frames before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals as per the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section. If the total cycles on an LPT rear frame are unknown, inspection or replacement must occur within 10 engine cycles or one month after the AD's effective date. The approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months to include these new requirements.
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