EASA AD US-2021-05-18
Engine - Diffuser Case M-Flange - Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2021-05-18 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing International Aero Engines AG V2500 series turbofan engines, including models V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5. This directive mandates inspections of the M-flange on the diffuser case to detect cracks and requires replacement of the diffuser case M-flange if defects are found. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these engine models.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2019-06-06 by revising inspection intervals and adding requirements for repetitive borescope inspections of the M-flange until the diffuser case M-flange is replaced. It also expands applicability to include the V2531-E5 engine model and clarifies inspection and replacement procedures, including guidance when cycles since new are unknown. Additionally, the terminology was updated to refer to the entire M-flange during inspections, and the latest service bulletin revision was incorporated.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition involving cracks in the diffuser case M-flange, which could lead to engine failure if undetected. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-service failures, ensuring engine reliability and safety. The clarified compliance requirements and updated service information help streamline maintenance planning and reduce ambiguity in inspection and replacement processes.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform an initial borescope inspection of the M-flange by April 29, 2021, and if cracks are found, conduct repetitive inspections until the diffuser case M-flange is replaced. Replacement of the diffuser case M-flange terminates the need for further inspections. Operators should refer to the latest service bulletins and maintain documentation of cycles when available, following FAA guidance for cases where cycle counts are unknown.
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.