AD 2022-02-03 Requires Independent Inspection To Verify Re-Installation Of The AGB Handcranking Pad Cover

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-26-01 for all CFM International, S.A. (CFM) CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with a certain accessory gearbox assembly (AGB) not equipped with a dynamic oil seal assembly in the handcranking pad.

AD 2013-26-01 required an independent inspection to verify re-installation of the handcranking pad cover after removal of the pad cover for maintenance. This AD was prompted by a dual engine loss of oil event and 42 prior events of total loss of engine oil during flight. This AD requires independent inspection to verify re-installation of the AGB handcranking pad cover after maintenance. This AD also requires the replacement of the affected AGB as a terminating action to the inspection requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective March 22, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-26-01, Amendment 39-17710 (78 FR 79295, December 30, 2013), (AD 2013-26-01). AD 2013-26-01 applied to all CFM CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B series turbofan engines with certain AGBs not equipped with a dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad assembly. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2021 (86 FR 23301). The NPRM was prompted by a dual engine loss of oil event and 42 prior events of total loss of engine oil during flight. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain certain requirements of AD 2013-26-01. The NPRM proposed to require the performance of an independent inspection to verify re-installation of the AGB handcranking pad cover after maintenance. Alternatively, the NPRM proposed to require the insertion of an independent inspection as a required inspection item in the approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program for the aircraft not later than the next time the AGB handcranking pad cover is removed for maintenance.

The NPRM also proposed to remove the optional terminating action in AD 2013-26-01 and add a mandatory terminating action for certain model turbofan engines, requiring the removal and replacement of an affected AGB with an AGB that incorporates the dynamic oil seal in the handcranking pad cover assembly. For all CFM56-3 and the majority of CFM56-7B turbofan engine models, the NPRM proposed to require replacement of the AGB as a mandatory terminating action to the inspection requirement. The NPRM does not require this terminating action for CFM56-7B27A, CFM56-7B27A/3 and CFM56-7B27AE model turbofan engines because these model engines, which are installed only in military airplanes, do not have a replacement AGB eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov