EASA AD US-2022-23-09
Engine - High-Pressure Turbine Stage 1-2 Disks and Stage 7-9 Compressor Rotor Spools - Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2022-23-09 addresses certain General Electric Company GE90-90B, GE90-94B, GE90-110B1, and GE90-115B turbofan engines. It mandates the replacement of specific high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks, as well as stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools, due to manufacturing defects involving iron inclusion in powder metal materials. This directive aims to prevent potential uncontained engine failures and ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory replacement requirements for affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools identified by specific part and serial numbers. It prohibits installation of these affected parts after the effective date and requires removal within 400 flight cycles or before further flight if the engine is not in service. The directive is a final rule following a notice of proposed rulemaking and incorporates related GE service bulletins for compliance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk stemming from material defects that could lead to premature fracture and uncontained engine failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid potential engine damage and aircraft safety hazards. Compliance teams need to track affected parts and ensure timely replacement to maintain regulatory compliance and operational safety.
What To Do
Operators must remove and replace affected HPT stage 1 disks, HPT stage 2 disks, and stages 7-9 compressor rotor spools before exceeding 400 flight cycles after January 17, 2023, or before further flight if the engine is not currently in service. Installation of any affected parts identified by the specified part and serial numbers is prohibited after the effective date. Stakeholders should consult the referenced GE service bulletins for detailed removal procedures and coordinate with the FAA for any alternative methods of compliance.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.