EASA AD US-2025-14-03
Turbine Engine - High-Pressure Turbine Front Rotating Air Seal - Inspections
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2025-14-03 is a final rule addressing certain General Electric Company CF34-10E series engines. It mandates inspections of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) front rotating air seal due to reported cracks, affecting models CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, CF34-10E7-B, CF34-10E5, and CF34-10E5A1. The directive requires fluorescent penetrant inspections and possible replacement of the HPT front rotating air seal or rotor disk to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections of the HPT front rotating air seal to detect cracks or linear indications. It also establishes criteria for replacing the air seal or rotor disk if defects are found and provides an optional terminating action by installing an updated design air seal. The directive updates applicability based on recent findings and public comments.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential failure of the HPT front rotating air seal or rotor disk, which could lead to uncontained engine parts release and damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to prevent engine failures and ensure regulatory compliance. Timely adherence reduces the risk of costly repairs and enhances flight safety.
What To Do
Operators of affected GE CF34-10E series engines must perform fluorescent penetrant inspections of the HPT front rotating air seal at each exposure of the HPT rotor assembly starting August 25, 2025. If any crack or linear indication exceeding specified limits is found, the defective part must be replaced before further flight. Installing the updated air seal part number 2929M57P01 will terminate the inspection requirements of this directive.