EASA AD US-2020-22-02
Engine Fuel and Control - Hydromechanical Unit - Removal / Replacement
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2020-22-02 is a final rule addressing all General Electric Company CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 model turbofan engines equipped with a specific hydromechanical unit (HMU). The directive mandates the removal and replacement of the HMU due to fuel coking in the HMU fuel metering valve electro-hydraulic servo valves, which has caused tailpipe fires. This AD aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected engines.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires operators to remove the affected HMU and replace it with a part eligible for installation. It clarifies the definition of an HMU overhaul to include either a complete overhaul or an overhaul of the HMU fuel metering valve electro-hydraulic servo valve. The AD does not exclude engines with updated ECU software and maintains the compliance time of 40,000 flight hours since new or last overhaul.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk of tailpipe fires caused by fuel coking in the HMU components. Operators and maintenance organizations must track HMU and HMU FMV EHSV usage accurately to comply with the directive and avoid unplanned engine removals or safety incidents. Compliance ensures continued safe operation of aircraft powered by affected GE CF6-80 series engines.
What To Do
Affected operators must remove and replace the specified HMU on GE CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 turbofan engines by December 3, 2020, or within 40,000 flight hours since new or last overhaul, whichever occurs later. Maintenance teams should verify if the HMU FMV EHSV has been overhauled per approved procedures to credit compliance. Operators should contact General Electric for service information and ensure proper tracking of HMU components to meet AD requirements.
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