Powerplant – Engine Mounts – Inspection
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 models must replace engines with affected engine forward mount platforms before those parts reach 4,700 flight cycles since their last fluorescent penetrant inspection. Maintenance teams should follow Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3045 and General Electric SB CF6-80E1 72-0609 for inspection and corrective actions. Installation of affected engines is permitted only if subsequent replacement complies with the directive's requirements.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive Proposal PAD No. 26-138 addresses inspection requirements for engine mounts on Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-301, A330-302, and A330-303 aeroplanes. It specifically targets engine forward mount platforms with part number 1843M81G01 that may have been improperly inspected using fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) procedures. The directive aims to ensure airworthiness by mandating replacement or reinspection of affected engines.
What changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory replacement of engines fitted with affected engine forward mount platforms before they accumulate 4,700 flight cycles since the last fluorescent penetrant inspection. It also allows installation of affected engines only if they will be replaced within the specified flight cycle limit. The directive is based on findings that inspections performed between 2020 and 2024 may have been inadequate, potentially compromising crack detection.
Why it matters
This proposal is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk involving engine mount failures that could lead to in-flight engine separation. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent unsafe conditions and maintain regulatory approval. The directive impacts maintenance planning, engine management, and parts traceability for Airbus A330 fleets.
More for Airbus A330
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