FAA Orders GE Engine Disk Swaps Over Tiny Iron Bits
Published Date: 1/31/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain General Electric jet engines stay safe by replacing some turbine disks that might have tiny iron bits inside. This affects several GE GEnx engine models and aims to prevent engine problems. Owners need to act before March 17, 2025, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory HPT Disk Replacements
If your airplane has one of the listed GE GEnx engines with the affected part and serial numbers, you must remove and replace the affected high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and/or stage 2 disk at the next piece-part exposure after the effective date of the AD or before the disk reaches its cyclic removal threshold (up to 10,100 cycles since new), whichever occurs first. The AD applies only to disks with the part and serial numbers listed in the GE service bulletins incorporated by reference.
FAA Cost Estimates For Operators
The FAA estimates replacing an affected HPT stage 1 disk costs about $758,096 per product (8 work-hours at $85/hour plus $757,416 parts cost) and replacing an HPT stage 2 disk costs about $278,781 per product (8 work-hours plus $278,101 parts cost). The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect one engine on a U.S.-registered airplane requiring the HPT stage 1 disk replacement and estimates no U.S.-registered engines would require the HPT stage 2 disk replacement.
Prevents Uncontained Engine Failures
The FAA is proposing this AD because certain HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks may contain iron inclusion that could reduce fatigue life and cause premature fracture. Replacing the affected disks is intended to prevent uncontained debris release, engine damage, and damage to the airplane, improving flight safety for passengers and crew.
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