EASA AD US-2026-14-03 — Engine - Engine Fuel Distribution - Replacement

Summary

The Federal Register Final Rule titled "Engine - Engine Fuel Distribution - Replacement" establishes a new airworthiness directive (AD 2026-14-03) issued by the FAA for certain General Electric Company GEnx engine models including GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B70 series, GEnx-1B74/75, GEnx-1B76, and GEnx-2B67 variants. This AD addresses a fuel leak issue caused by defective fuel tube hoses connecting the main fuel-oil heat exchanger, affecting engines installed on aircraft such as the Boeing 787-8. The directive mandates removal and replacement of affected fuel tube hoses to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.

What Changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory removal and replacement of fuel tube hoses identified by specific preform manufacturing lot numbers (684141 and 677536) due to a manufacturing defect causing fuel leaks. It clarifies the definition of an engine shop visit as any engine induction into the shop for maintenance and does not require repetitive inspections beyond the initial replacement. The AD incorporates GE service bulletins dated November 4, 2025, as the basis for compliance procedures.

Why It Matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it prevents potential fuel leaks that could lead to fuel imbalance and safety hazards in affected GE GEnx engines. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid regulatory violations and maintain aircraft safety. Understanding the scope and compliance requirements helps streamline maintenance planning and inventory control of spare parts.

What To Do

Operators of aircraft with affected GE GEnx engines must identify and remove from service all fuel tube hoses with the specified lot numbers and replace them with eligible parts by August 21, 2026. Maintenance teams should verify hose lot numbers during any engine shop visit and ensure no affected hoses remain in inventory or are installed. Compliance with the AD is mandatory from the effective date, and prior compliance actions are recognized if done according to the specified GE service bulletins.