Engine Exhaust - Thrust Reverser - Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of GE CF34-8E turbofan engines with affected thrust reverser halves must perform a one-time inspection of the RTV filled gap at the 12 o'clock position between the core cowl seal and pylon seal before accumulating 8,000 flight hours after November 7, 2018. If the gap exceeds 1 mm, both seals must be replaced with eligible parts to restore the correct gap width. Compliance with this directive is mandatory by the effective date.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-17-14 addresses certain General Electric Company CF34-8E turbofan engines. It mandates a one-time inspection of the gap between the core cowl seal and the pylon seal on specific thrust reverser halves to ensure the gap width is within acceptable limits. If the gap exceeds 1 mm, the thrust reverser fire seals must be replaced to prevent potential fire hazards.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement for inspecting specific half thrust reversers on GE CF34-8E engines identified by part and serial numbers. It limits applicability to only affected thrust reverser halves rather than all CF34-8E engines, reducing inspection burden. The directive also clarifies that required actions apply only to engines with affected thrust reversers installed.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving nonconforming thrust reverser fire seal gaps that could lead to uncontrolled fires and engine or aircraft damage. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential in-service failures. The focused applicability helps optimize inspection efforts and resource allocation.
More for General Electric CF34-8
All 10- EASA AD US-2025-12-08Turbine Engine - Combustion Chamber Assembly - InspectionJul 16, 2025
- EASA AD US-2023-02-05Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentMar 7, 2023
- EASA AD US-2022-21-06Engine - Low Pressure Turbine Stage 5 Discs - Removal / ReplacementNov 10, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-09-14Air - Operability Bleed Valve - Inspection / ReplacementMay 23, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-08-06
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for General Electric CF34-8, summarized like this page, every Monday.