AD 2021-11-07 Requires Inspection Of The Stages 6-10 Compressor Rotor Spool

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B64, 1B64/P1, -1B64/P2, -1B67, -1B67/P1, -1B67/P2, -1B70, -1B70/75/P1, -1B70/75/P2, -1B70/P1, -1B70/P2, -1B70C/P1, -1B70C/P2, -1B74/75/P1, -1B74/75/P2, -1B76/P2, -1B76A/P2, -2B67, -2B67/P, and -2B67B model turbofan engines.

This AD was prompted by a finding during an inspection by the manufacturer that two stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools in the high-pressure compressor (HPC) assembly were damaged at similar locations. Additionally, the manufacturer reported that certain stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool webs did not undergo a required fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) during production. This AD requires inspection of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 30, 2021.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspection of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool. Operators of certain affected GEnx-1B or GEnx-2B model turbofan engines have already completed acceptable inspections of the aft web of stage 6, stage 7, and stage 8 of the stages 6-10 compressor  rotor spool. The FAA proposed to require operators of those affected engines to complete the inspection of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool no later than the next engine shop visit. The FAA proposed to require all other remaining affected GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines to complete this inspection by the next engine shop visit, before the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools accumulate 6,500 cycles since new, or before further flight if 6,500 cycles since new has already been accumulated as of the effective date of this AD. Depending on the results of the inspection, the FAA proposed to require replacement of the stages 6-10 compressor rotor spool with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov