EASA AD US-2024-06-04
Engine - High Pressure Turbine (HPT) 1st and 2nd Stage Hubs, High Pressure Compressor (HPC) 8th Stage Disks - Inspection / HPC 7th Stage Rotors, HPC 8th Stage Disks, HPC Rear Hubs, HPT 1st and 2nd Stage Hubs, HPT 1st and 2nd Stage Air Seals, HPT 1st and 2nd Stage Blade Retaining Plates - Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-06-04 is a final rule addressing certain Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines including models PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1521G-3, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A. This directive mandates inspections and accelerated replacement of specific high-pressure turbine and compressor components due to a risk of failure identified after an incident involving an International Aero Engines PW1127GA-JM engine. The AD aims to prevent engine shutdowns and aborted takeoffs caused by component failures.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces requirements for performing angled ultrasonic inspections on HPT 1st and 2nd stage hubs and HPC 8th stage disks to detect cracks. It also mandates accelerated replacement of HPC 7th stage rotors, HPC 8th stage disks, HPC rear hubs, HPT air seals, and blade retaining plates. The AD updates inspection criteria and includes clarifications on service bulletin issue numbers and shop visit definitions.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a significant safety risk involving nickel powdered metal anomalies in key engine components that can lead to engine failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid unplanned engine shutdowns or aborted takeoffs. The directive impacts maintenance planning, inspection procedures, and parts replacement schedules for affected Pratt & Whitney engines.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform the required angled ultrasonic inspections on specified HPT and HPC components and replace parts based on inspection results. Accelerated replacement of certain HPC and HPT parts is also required. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by April 11, 2024, the effective date of the directive.
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