EASA AD US-2018-19-22
Engine - High-Pressure Turbine Front Rotating Air Seal - Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-19-22 mandates replacement of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) front rotating air seals on General Electric Company CF34-10A16, CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, and CF34-10E7-B turbofan engines. This directive addresses cracks found in the HPT front rotating air seals that could lead to uncontained failures. The directive applies to specific parts identified in GE CF34-10E Service Bulletin 72-0347 R00 dated August 3, 2018.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires the removal and replacement of affected HPT front rotating air seals within specified cycle limits based on their usage. Unlike the related GE service bulletin, this AD does not mandate inspection or repair but allows installation of parts that have been inspected and repaired. The directive introduces mandatory compliance deadlines to mitigate the risk of seal failure.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it prevents potential uncontained failures of the HPT front rotating air seal, which could cause engine damage and jeopardize aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely compliance to avoid operational disruptions and maintain regulatory compliance. The directive also clarifies compliance requirements differing from the manufacturer's service bulletin, impacting maintenance planning.
What To Do
Operators must remove and replace affected HPT front rotating air seals according to the cycle limits specified in the AD, with the earliest removals required within 250 cycles in service for seals with 17,499 or more cycles since new as of October 25, 2018. Parts must be replaced with those eligible for installation, and compliance must be achieved by the effective date of October 25, 2018, following the specified cycle thresholds. Comments on the AD were invited until November 26, 2018.
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