EASA AD US-2021-14-19
Engine - High Pressure Turbine Stage 1/2 Disks - Inspection
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2021-14-19 is a final rule addressing certain International Aero Engines AG V2500 model turbofan engines installed on aircraft such as the Airbus A321-231. This directive mandates ultrasonic inspections of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage and 2nd-stage disks to detect potential failures that could lead to uncontained disk failure and engine damage.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory ultrasonic inspections of the HPT 1st-stage and 2nd-stage disks on specified IAE V2500 turbofan engines. Depending on inspection results, affected disks must be replaced with parts eligible for installation. The directive also establishes compliance times based on engine model and flight cycles to address a high-risk subpopulation of disks identified after an uncontained failure event.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because uncontained HPT disk failures pose a severe safety risk, including potential damage to the engine, aircraft, and possible loss of the airplane. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and replacements to maintain airworthiness and comply with FAA safety requirements, thereby preventing catastrophic engine failures.
What To Do
Operators of aircraft with affected IAE V2500 turbofan engines must perform ultrasonic inspections of the HPT 1st-stage and 2nd-stage disks within 100 to 620 flight cycles after August 5, 2021, depending on the engine model. If inspections reveal defects, the disks must be replaced with approved parts before further flight. Stakeholders should also review the referenced Pratt & Whitney and IAE service instructions for detailed inspection procedures.
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