EASA AD US-2019-25-13: Superseded by FAA AD 2021-12-01

What to do

Operators with affected Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 engines must perform ultrasonic inspections on LPC 1st-stage fan blades that have 3,250 or more flight cycles since new within 250 flight cycles after January 14, 2020. Any fan blade that fails the inspection must be removed and replaced before further flight. Stakeholders should refer to Engine Alliance Service Bulletin EAGP7-A72-426 dated September 30, 2019, for inspection procedures.

Summary

FAA Airworthiness Directive 2019-25-13 is a final rule addressing Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines equipped with specific low-pressure compressor (LPC) 1st-stage fan blades. This directive mandates ultrasonic inspections of these fan blades and requires replacement of any blades that fail inspection to prevent unsafe conditions. The AD was issued following an in-flight shutdown caused by multiple fan blade fractures.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory ultrasonic inspections for LPC 1st-stage fan blades with part numbers 5700531, 5702931, 5702931CL1, or 5702931CL2 on Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 engines. It requires replacement of any fan blades that show rejectable indications during inspection. The AD is considered interim pending further investigation into the root cause of the fractures.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving potential uncontained fan blade failure, which can cause engine damage and jeopardize aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid in-flight shutdowns and maintain airworthiness. The directive also impacts maintenance planning and parts inventory management due to possible blade replacements.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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