Engine Turbine Disk Replacement Safety Directive
Summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFE Company (CFE) Model CFE738-1-1B engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This AD requires replacement of affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Compliance Requirements
- #1
Remove each affected HPT stage 1 disk and HPT stage 2 disk from service and replace with a part eligible for installation, in accordance with steps (1) through (9) in paragraph B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of CFE738-72-A8082; Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done; Use CFE Service Bulletin CFE738-72-A8082, dated July 4, 2023, as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise; Before using any approved Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC), notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office
Deadline: For affected HPT stage 1 disks: at the next piece-part exposure or before exceeding 2,450 cycles since new (CSN), whichever occurs first. For affected HPT stage 2 disks: at the next piece-part exposure or before exceeding 2,930 CSN, whichever occurs first
Market Impacts
Mandatory replacement requirement for affected HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks creates operational restrictions for aircraft operators using these engines; Creates new maintenance requirement for 29 engines on U.S. registry, generating demand for replacement parts and maintenance services; Creates operational barriers for aircraft with affected engines, requiring grounding or limited operation until compliance is achieved
Validated Company Impacts
HEICO CORP
HEICO's Flight Support Group is the world's largest manufacturer of FAA-approved jet engine replacement parts and provides repair/overhaul services, directly aligning with this AD's requirements for replacement of affected HPT disks and compliance with FAA service bulletins. The company's core business involves manufacturing and supplying the exact type of replacement parts mandated by this directive. The AD rule addresses operational safety and maintenance requirements for specific aircraft engines, which does not align with the company's disclosed financial risk factors of interest rate and foreign currency exposure. There is no overlap between the rule's technical compliance impacts and the company's financial risk profile.