FAA Targets Iron Shavings in GE Jet Engines: Swap 'Em Out
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to fix a safety issue with some General Electric CF6-80E1 engines because certain turbine disks might have tiny iron bits that could cause problems. They’re proposing to replace these parts to keep flights safe. If you own or work with these engines, get ready to act before March 17, 2025, and expect some costs for the replacements.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory replacement of GE CF6-80E1 disks
If you own or operate GE Model CF6-80E1A2, CF6-80E1A3, CF6-80E1A4, or CF6-80E1A4/B engines with HPT stage 1 or stage 2 disks listed in Table 1 of the rule, you must replace those affected disks with parts eligible for installation. For two specific serial numbers (stage 1 S/N GWN0GP27 and stage 2 S/N BTB77100) replacement is required before further flight after the effective date; for other listed disks replacement is required at the next piece part exposure or before the disk exceeds 8,600 cycles since new for stage 1 or 12,000 cycles since new for stage 2. Stage 1 disks that have greater than 8,550 cycles since new on the effective date may be deferred up to 50 flight cycles.
Estimated cost to replace HPT stage 1 disk
The FAA estimates replacing an affected HPT stage 1 disk costs 8 work-hours at $85 per hour (total $680 labor) plus parts cost of $1,228,800 (prorated), for a total cost per product of $1,229,480. This is the FAA's estimated per-engine cost for the HPT stage 1 disk replacement.
Estimated cost to replace HPT stage 2 disk
The FAA estimates replacing an affected HPT stage 2 disk costs 8 work-hours at $85 per hour (total $680 labor) plus parts cost of $201,600 (prorated), for a total cost per product of $202,280. This is the FAA's estimated per-engine cost for the HPT stage 2 disk replacement.
FAA estimate of U.S. registry scope
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect one engine installed on an airplane of U.S. registry. This indicates the FAA expects limited direct application to U.S.-registered aircraft.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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