EASA AD US-2022-18-06
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment; Engine - Interstage High Pressure Turbine Rotor Seals - Removal / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2022-18-06 addresses safety concerns for General Electric Company GE90-110B1, GE90-115B, GE90-76B, GE90-85B, GE90-90B, and GE90-94B model turbofan engines. It focuses on reducing life limits and requiring removal and replacement of certain interstage high-pressure turbine rotor seals due to detected manufacturing anomalies. This directive aims to prevent premature failure of critical engine parts and potential uncontained debris release.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces reduced life limits for rotating compressor discharge pressure seals, interstage high-pressure turbine rotor seals, and rotor stage 2 disks by revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the GE90-100 Engine Manual and operators' maintenance programs. It also mandates removal and replacement of specific interstage HPT rotor seals identified by part and serial numbers on certain GE90 engine models. The directive does not supersede any previous ADs.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses an unsafe condition caused by melt-related freckles in engine forgings that reduce the fatigue life of key rotating parts. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid engine failures that could lead to uncontained debris and damage to aircraft. Ensuring compliance helps maintain engine reliability and airworthiness, reducing safety risks and potential operational disruptions.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the GE90-100 Engine Manual and their approved maintenance or inspection programs within 90 days of the AD's effective date. They must also identify and replace certain interstage HPT rotor seals with specified part and serial numbers as required. The AD's effective date is October 26, 2022, and compliance must be ensured by then.
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