EASA AD US-2026-04-09
Turbine Engine - High-Pressure Compressor Stage 5 Blisks - Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2026-04-09 addresses certain General Electric Company GEnx engine models, including GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B70, and GEnx-2B67 variants. This directive focuses on the replacement of high-pressure compressor stage 5 blisks with part number 2357M35P02 that have specific serial numbers due to a manufacturing quality issue. The AD aims to prevent potential engine damage and uncontained debris release caused by possible blisk fractures.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires the removal and replacement of affected HPC stage 5 blisks identified by specific serial numbers with parts eligible for installation. It introduces mandatory compliance within the next piece-part exposure or before exceeding 7,700 cycles since new, whichever occurs first. The AD does not supersede any previous directives but establishes new safety requirements for these engine components.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential premature failure of HPC stage 5 blisks, which could lead to uncontained engine failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure affected parts are identified and replaced promptly to maintain airworthiness and prevent costly damage or safety incidents. Compliance teams need to track affected serial numbers and manage timely part replacements to meet regulatory requirements.
What To Do
Affected operators must remove and replace the HPC stage 5 blisk with an eligible part at the next piece-part exposure or before the blisk exceeds 7,700 cycles since new, whichever occurs first. Stakeholders should review engine serial numbers against those listed in the AD and plan maintenance accordingly. Comments on the AD can be submitted to the FAA by April 10, 2026.