EASA AD US-2022-09-14
Air - Operability Bleed Valve - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2022-09-14 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing General Electric Company CF34-8C and CF34-8E model turbofan engines. It mandates inspections and replacements related to the operability bleed valve (OBV) components to prevent fuel leaks and potential engine fires. This directive applies to specific OBV part numbers installed on these engine models.
What Changed
This directive supersedes AD 2019-22-05, expanding applicability to include CF34-8E model engines and introducing a redesigned OBV that eliminates the need for repetitive inspections. It requires initial and repetitive inspections of OBV fuel tubes, bleed air manifold link rod assemblies, and fuel fittings, with mandatory replacement of OBVs or related hardware that fail inspection. Additionally, it mandates replacement of certain OBVs as a terminating action for inspections.
Why It Matters
This AD addresses critical safety concerns caused by fuel leaks and engine fires linked to OBV malfunctions. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected turbofan engines, reducing the risk of in-flight engine failures. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must update maintenance programs to incorporate these inspection and replacement requirements to avoid unsafe conditions.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive inspections of OBV components on GE CF34-8C engines and replace any defective parts. They must also replace certain OBVs on both CF34-8C and CF34-8E engines as specified to terminate repetitive inspections. Compliance with these actions is required by June 24, 2022, the effective date of the AD.
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