EASA AD US-2024-05-51
SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD US-2024-06-51
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2024-05-51 is a final rule addressing certain General Electric Company Model CT7 and T700 series engines installed on various restricted category helicopters. This directive mandates inspections of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint on the power turbine drive shaft assembly due to reported failures. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft by preventing potential loss of control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement for a phase array ultrasonic inspection of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint on the power turbine drive shaft assembly. If inadequate braze coverage is found, repair or replacement of the assembly is required. The directive follows an emergency AD issued earlier and formalizes the inspection and corrective actions as mandatory.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of the braze joint can lead to incorrect torque and engine speed indications, increasing pilot workload and risking loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure flight safety. The directive also impacts maintenance planning and resource allocation for affected engines and helicopters.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform the phase array ultrasonic inspection of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint on the power turbine drive shaft assembly before further flight starting April 1, 2024. If defects are found, repair or replacement must be completed promptly. Comments on the directive are accepted until April 29, 2024.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.