FAA Expands Engine Fix Mandate to More GE Models
Published Date: 1/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain General Electric CF34 engines to fix a potential problem with turbine parts. This update now includes more engine models, so more operators need to check and possibly fix their engines. Comments on these changes are open until March 10, 2025, and following the new rules might cost some time and money but will keep flights safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential High Cost for Combustion Case Replacement
If wear exceeds the maximum repairable limit, the FAA requires removal from service; the FAA's on-condition estimate for replacing the combustion case is 8 work-hours at $85/hour plus parts cost $647,000, totaling $647,680 per combustion case replacement.
Applicability Expanded to Two Engine Models
You operate GE CF34-10E engines: the FAA added Model CF34-10E5 and CF34-10E5A1 to the AD applicability. The AD now lists CF34-10E2A1, CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1, CF34-10E6, CF34-10E6A1, CF34-10E7, and CF34-10E7-B engines with HPT shroud/LPT nozzle assembly P/Ns 2205M38G01–2205M38G05.
Mandatory Inspection and Rework at Shop Visit
You must, at the next engine shop visit after the AD's effective date, do a visual inspection of the combustion case inner shell for wear and gouges and, if indicated, repair or remove the part from service; you must also rework the affected HPT shroud/LPT nozzle assembly per GE CF34-10E Service Bulletin 72-0351 R01 (dated July 17, 2019). If wear exceeds repair limits, the combustion case must be removed from service before further flight.
FAA Cost Estimate: $680 Per Action
The FAA estimates the inspection costs 8 work-hours at $85/hour = $680 per engine and the rework costs 8 work-hours at $85/hour = $680 per engine; the agency estimates this AD affects 221 engines on U.S. registry and lists the cost on U.S. operators for each $680 action as $150,280.
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