AD NUMBER: 2016-22-11

PRODUCT: All Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines with certain part number (P/N) high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 nozzle segments installed.

ACTION: Final Rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-02-06 for the engines listed above.

AD 2013-02-06 required initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSI) and removal from service of these nozzles before further flight if one or more burn holes were detected in any HPT stage 2 nozzle segment.

AD 2013-02-06 also required removal from service of these HPT stage 2 nozzle segments at the next engine shop visit.

This AD requires the same inspections as AD-2013-02-06, requires removal of affected HPT stage 2 nozzles at next piecepart exposure, and adds certain P/Ns to the applicability. This AD was prompted by another report of inadequate cooling of the HPT stage 1 shroud and stage 2 nozzle, leading to damage to the HPT stage 2 nozzle, burn-through of the turbine case, and in-flight shutdown.

The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent HPT stage 2 nozzle failure, uncontrolled fire, in-flight shutdown, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective November 16, 2016. Comments on this AD must be received by December 16, 2016.

FMI: AD