EASA AD US-2020-20-13
SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD 2021-26-22
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2020-20-13 is a final rule superseding AD 2018-15-04 and applies to General Electric Company CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines. It mandates ultrasonic inspections of high-pressure turbine stage 1 and stage 2 disks to prevent uncontained disk failures. The directive expands the population of affected disks and retains required inspections to enhance engine safety.
What Changed
This AD replaces AD 2018-15-04 by expanding the population of affected high-pressure turbine disks subject to ultrasonic inspection. It retains the inspection requirements from the previous AD but includes additional serial numbers of disks identified by the manufacturer. The AD also clarifies reporting requirements related to the inspection procedures.
Why It Matters
This AD addresses a critical unsafe condition caused by uncontained failures of high-pressure turbine disks, which can lead to severe engine and aircraft damage. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of aircraft powered by affected GE CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 engines. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their inspection programs to include the expanded disk population to mitigate risk.
What To Do
Operators must perform ultrasonic inspections of HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on affected GE CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 engines at each piece-part exposure using the specified GE service bulletins. Compliance with this AD is mandatory starting November 12, 2020. Any necessary disk replacements based on inspection results must be carried out promptly to maintain safety.
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