Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2022-06-09

Engine - 1st-Stage Low-Pressure Compressor Blades - Inspection / Removal

Published: Mar 14, 2022
Effective: Apr 15, 2022
Deadline: Apr 15, 2022
Replaces: 2019-03-01
Replaces: 2021-05-51

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What to do

Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic and thermal acoustic image inspections on specified Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine 1st-stage low-pressure compressor blades. Blades that fail inspections must be removed from service. The initial inspections must be completed before further flight after April 15, 2022, the effective date of this AD. Special flight permits require specific inspections and functional checks as outlined in the directive.

Summary

Airworthiness Directive 2022-06-09 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Pratt & Whitney PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines. It mandates inspections and removal of 1st-stage low-pressure compressor blades to prevent in-flight failures and engine fires. This directive updates previous ADs by requiring improved ultrasonic and thermal acoustic image inspections on critical blade locations.

What changed

This AD supersedes AD 2019-03-01 and AD 2021-05-51 by introducing initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections alongside thermal acoustic image inspections for cracks in 1st-stage low-pressure compressor blades. It adjusts inspection thresholds and intervals based on new manufacturer service information following three in-flight blade failures. The AD also clarifies special flight permit conditions and defines parts eligible for installation.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure engine safety and prevent catastrophic failures during flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with enhanced inspection requirements to detect cracks early and remove defective blades, thereby reducing the risk of engine fires and improving overall fleet reliability. Compliance also ensures adherence to FAA regulations and avoids operational disruptions.

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