EASA AD US-2019-05-01
Engine - Diffuser & High Pressure Turbine Case - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2019-05-01 addresses Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines including models PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100. This directive mandates inspections of the engine diffuser and high-pressure turbine (HPT) cases to detect potential cracks and prevent flange ruptures. It updates previous inspection requirements to enhance engine safety and reliability.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2017-11-06 by requiring on-wing eddy current inspections (ECIs) specifically for all diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. It maintains the fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) requirements for diffuser and HPT case flanges and clarifies inspection procedures and affected parts. The directive incorporates updated service information and addresses comments received during the rulemaking process.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent unsafe conditions caused by diffuser-to-HPT case flange ruptures, which could lead to engine failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid costly unscheduled repairs or safety incidents. The inspections help identify cracks early, maintaining engine integrity and operational safety.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform on-wing eddy current inspections of all diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs and fluorescent-penetrant inspections of diffuser and HPT case flanges. Compliance with these inspections is mandatory by April 16, 2019. Operators should reference Pratt & Whitney service bulletins PW2000 72-763 Revision 1 and ASB PW2000 A72-765 Revision 4 for detailed procedures and maintain records of completed inspections.
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