AD 2021-05-18 Required Initial And Repetitive Borescope Inspections (BSIs) Of The M-Flange

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-06-06 for all International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

AD 2019-06-06 required initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, replacement of the diffuser case with a part eligible for installation. This AD requires an initial BSI of the M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, repetitive BSIs of the M-flange until replacement of the diffuser case M-flange. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 29, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-06-06, Amendment 39-19604 (84 FR 11642, March 28, 2019), (AD 2019-06-06). AD 2019-06-06 applied to all IAE V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2020 (85 FR 55624). The NPRM was prompted by a crack found at the diffuser case M-flange during overhaul inspection.

Since the FAA issued AD 2019-06-06, the manufacturer performed an updated safety risk analysis, which resulted in reducing the M-flange inspection intervals and adding the performance of a replacement of the diffuser case M-flange, which terminates the need for repetitive BSIs of the M-flange. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an initial BSI of the M-flange and, if it fails the inspection, repetitive BSIs of the M-flange until replacement of the diffuser case M-flange.

FMI: www.regulations.gov