Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-18-08 which applied to all Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 and GP7277 model turbofan engines. AD 2019-18-08 required a visual inspection of the engine fan hub assembly, initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECIs) of the engine fan hub blade slot bottom and blade slot front edge for cracks, and replacement of the engine fan hub blade lock assembly for certain affected engines. This AD continues to require initial and repetitive ECIs and adds an ultrasonic test (UT) inspection. This AD also lowers the repetitive ECI threshold, and requires an independent inspection of the engine fan hub assembly at the next disassembly and the next reassembly of the engine fan hub blade lock assembly and a visual inspection of the engine fan hub assembly for damage. This AD also requires replacement of the engine fan hub assembly with a part eligible for installation if damage is found outside serviceable limits. This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of the engine fan hub. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.