EASA AD US-2021-11-07
Engine - Compressor Rotor Spools - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2021-11-07 addresses certain General Electric Company GEnx-1B64, 1B67, 1B70, and 2B67 model turbofan engines. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools due to discovered damage and missed fluorescent penetrant inspections during production. This directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected engines.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools on specified GE GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B turbofan engines. Depending on inspection results, it requires replacement of spools with rejectable indications. The directive also updates references to the latest service bulletins and clarifies definitions and compliance timelines.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could affect engine performance and safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid in-service failures and ensure regulatory compliance. It impacts maintenance planning, inspection procedures, and parts management for affected engines.
What To Do
Operators of affected GE GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B engines must perform borescope or eddy current inspections of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools by the next engine shop visit or within 100 flight cycles if the spool has 6,400 or more cycles since new as of July 30, 2021. If rejectable indications are found, the spool must be removed from service and replaced. Previous inspections performed per earlier service bulletins may be credited.
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