EASA AD US-2021-14-11
Engine - High-Pressure Turbine Thermal Shield - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2021-14-11 addresses certain General Electric Company CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines. This directive mandates inspections of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) thermal shield due to detected cracking issues in the HPT rotor stage 1 disk. The AD applies to multiple CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 engine variants and aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) of the HPT thermal shield. If cracks are found, the directive requires removal from service of the HPT thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1 disk, and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The AD also clarifies engine applicability by excluding certain configurations not affected by the issue.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to cracking in key turbine components that could lead to engine failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential in-flight engine issues, ensuring aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. The directive also impacts maintenance planning and parts inventory management due to possible component replacements.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections of the HPT thermal shield by August 27, 2021. If any cracking is detected, they must remove the HPT thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1 disk, and HPT rotor stage 2 disk from service and replace them as necessary. Operators should consult the specified GE engine manuals and service information for detailed procedures.
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