Engine – Fan Blades – Inspection
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
- Would replace
- 2019-0018
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected CFM56-7B engines must perform ultrasonic inspections of specified fan blades within the compliance times defined by engine group, with subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 1,600 or 500 flight cycles depending on the group. Any detected discrepancies require immediate replacement of the affected fan blade with a serviceable one before further flight. Compliance with the service bulletin instructions and acceptance of previous inspections per earlier revisions are also outlined.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-091 is a proposed directive addressing inspection requirements for fan blades on CFM International CFM56-7B engines installed on Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft. It mandates ultrasonic inspections of specific fan blades to detect cracks and prevent potential fan blade failure. The directive applies to all serial numbers of affected engine models and specifies compliance times and inspection intervals.
What changed
This proposed directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0018 and introduces revised inspection procedures that expand the inspection area to detect all potential cracks on affected fan blades. It also clarifies accomplishment instructions and updates compliance times and intervals for ultrasonic inspections based on engine group classification.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving fan blade fractures that could lead to uncontained engine debris release and damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to maintain engine airworthiness and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
More for CFM International CFM56-7B
All 18- EASA PAD 26-113Engine – High Pressure Turbine Front Seal – InspectionSep 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0174Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentSep 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0161Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentAug 7, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-083Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentJul 6, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0033Engine — High-Pressure Turbine Inner Stationary Seal — Inspection
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