EASA AD CF-2023-12
Engine — Dispatch Restriction to Prevent No. 3 Bearing Failure
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-12 is an urgent directive addressing engine dispatch restrictions to prevent No. 3 bearing failures on Airbus Canada Limited Partnership BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft models. It targets Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines with suspected defective No. 3 bearings from a specific manufacturing batch. The directive prohibits operation of affected aircraft if certain engine fault messages related to oil debris or bearing issues are displayed until inspections and debris removal are completed.
What Changed
CF-2023-12 introduces a prohibition on dispatching aircraft equipped with PW1500G engines that display specific engine fault messages indicating potential No. 3 bearing failure. It mandates inspection of the magnetic chip detector and oil filter for debris and requires removal of any found debris before further flight. This directive enforces compliance with Pratt & Whitney service bulletin PW1000G-A-72-00-0187-00A-930A-D or equivalent instructions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent in-flight engine shutdowns and potential loss of aircraft control caused by defective No. 3 bearings. Compliance ensures early detection and correction of bearing defects, reducing the risk of unplanned engine removals and enhancing flight safety. It also affects dispatch decisions and maintenance planning for affected Airbus Canada aircraft equipped with PW1500G engines.
What To Do
Operators must immediately prohibit flight dispatch of aircraft with affected engines showing specified engine fault messages until the magnetic chip detector and oil filter are inspected and cleared of debris per maintenance manuals. Maintenance teams must follow Pratt & Whitney's service bulletin instructions for bearing replacement at the next scheduled shop visit. Compliance is required from the directive's effective date of March 2, 2023.
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