EASA AD US-2022-03-19
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section - Amendment
Summary
The Federal Register document titled "Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section - Amendment" is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for General Electric Company Passport 20-17BB1A, 20-18BB1A, and 20-19BB1A model turbofan engines. It addresses a manufacturing quality issue affecting certain high-pressure turbine rotor stage 1 disks. The directive mandates revisions to the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual and the operator's continuous airworthiness maintenance program to reduce the life limit of these disks.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a reduced life limit for certain high-pressure turbine rotor stage 1 disks on the specified GE Passport engines due to a manufacturing quality escape. It requires operators to revise their maintenance manuals and approved maintenance programs to incorporate these new life limits. The directive also updates the service bulletin date to the published version of August 13, 2021.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it prevents potential premature failure of turbine disks, which could lead to uncontained engine failures and damage to aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their maintenance programs to ensure compliance and maintain engine safety and airworthiness. Failure to comply could result in unsafe operating conditions and regulatory violations.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise the airworthiness limitations section of their engine maintenance manuals and their approved continuous airworthiness maintenance programs within 120 days of the directive's effective date. They should incorporate the reduced life limits for the affected high-pressure turbine rotor stage 1 disks as specified in the referenced GE service bulletin. Additionally, operators should coordinate with their principal inspectors or local FAA offices for any alternative methods of compliance if needed.
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