EASA AD US-2020-22-18
Engine - Propeller Gearbox Shaft and Carrier Assembly - Usage Hours Assignment / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2020-22-18 addresses all Rolls-Royce Corporation AE 2100A, AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A, and AE 2100P turboprop engines. This directive responds to a fatigue crack issue found in the propeller gearbox shaft and carrier assembly that caused high vibration during manufacturer testing. It mandates usage hour assignment and replacement of these assemblies before exceeding newly established life limits to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements for assigning usage hours to the propeller gearbox shaft and carrier assembly at the next engine or gearbox shop visit. It also establishes mandatory replacement of these assemblies before reaching the new life limits specified by Rolls-Royce Corporation. The directive incorporates related service bulletins and maintenance manual tasks to guide compliance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to propeller loss and subsequent engine and aircraft damage. Operators and maintenance organizations must track and manage the life limits of affected parts to prevent unsafe conditions. Compliance ensures continued safe operation of aircraft equipped with these Rolls-Royce turboprop engines.
What To Do
Operators must assign usage hours to the propeller gearbox shaft and carrier assembly at the next engine or gearbox shop visit after December 15, 2020. They must also replace the assemblies before exceeding the life limits specified in the directive's Table 1. Compliance with these actions is mandatory by the effective date of December 15, 2020.
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