EASA AD US-2019-16-15
Engine - High-Pressure Compressor Front Hub - Revision of the Airworthiness Limitations Section and the Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Programs
Summary
The document titled "Engine - High-Pressure Compressor Front Hub - Revision of the Airworthiness Limitations Section and the Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Programs" is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA affecting Pratt & Whitney PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan engines. It addresses corrosion issues found on the high-pressure compressor front hub that could lead to premature cracking. The directive mandates revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section and continued airworthiness maintenance programs to incorporate new or more restrictive life limits for the HPC front hub.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces revised maximum cycle limits for the HPC front hub on the affected Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines. It requires operators to update their Airworthiness Limitations Section and approved Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Programs to reflect these new or more restrictive limitations. The directive references specific Pratt & Whitney service bulletins that detail the updated cycle limits for different engine models.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to corrosion-induced cracking of the HPC front hub, which could cause uncontained engine failures. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure adherence to the updated life limits to prevent potential engine damage and ensure continued airworthiness. Failure to comply could result in unsafe operating conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness and their approved Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Programs within 90 days of the effective date, October 1, 2019. They must incorporate the revised maximum cycle limits for the HPC front hub as specified in the referenced Pratt & Whitney service bulletins. Requests for alternative methods of compliance can be submitted to the FAA for approval following established procedures.
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