EASA AD US-2018-20-22
Engine - Combustor Assembly - Removal / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-20-22 mandates the removal and replacement of certain combustor assemblies in General Electric GE90-110B1, GE90-113B, and GE90-115B turbofan engines. This directive addresses combustion cases with unapproved welds that compromise engine safety. It applies specifically to combustion cases with part numbers 2063M37G01 or 2082M19G04 and serial numbers listed in specified GE service bulletins.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory requirement to remove affected combustion cases from service and replace them with approved parts. It was prompted by the discovery of unapproved welds performed by a supplier, which reduce the material integrity of the combustion cases. The directive also incorporates references to GE service bulletins detailing affected serial numbers and removal procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to combustion case failure, engine fire, and potential damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent in-service failures and maintain airworthiness. The directive also affects maintenance planning and parts inventory due to the required replacement of life-limited components.
What To Do
Operators of aircraft with GE90-110B1, GE90-113B, and GE90-115B engines must inspect their combustion cases against the serial numbers listed in GE service bulletins 72-0784, 72-0788 Revision 4, and 72-0793. Affected combustion cases must be removed from service within 10 cycles after the effective date of November 13, 2018, and replaced with parts eligible for installation. Comments on the directive are accepted until December 10, 2018.
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