EASA AD US-2020-06-02
Engine - Turbine Stator Intermediate Outer Rear Air Seal - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2020-06-02 is a final rule addressing safety concerns for International Aero Engines, LLC PW1000G series turbofan engines equipped with certain low-pressure turbine 3rd-stage blades. This directive mandates inspections and possible replacement of the turbine stator intermediate outer rear air seal to prevent blade fractures. It applies to multiple PW1122G-JM through PW1133G-JM engine models and aims to mitigate risks of engine failure and loss of aircraft control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the turbine piston seal on affected IAE PW1000G engines. Depending on inspection outcomes, operators must replace the seal with an eligible part to prevent debris-related blade fractures. The AD also establishes compliance timelines and references specific service bulletins for inspection procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety issue that has caused multiple fractures of low-pressure turbine blades, potentially leading to engine failure and loss of thrust control. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in significant safety risks and operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators of affected International Aero Engines PW1000G series engines must perform initial borescope inspections of the turbine piston seal within 15 days for engines on ETOPS flights and within 45 days for others. Repetitive inspections are required thereafter, with immediate replacement of any defective seals or blades found. Stakeholders should consult the referenced Pratt & Whitney service bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-0154-00A-930A-D for detailed procedures.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.