FAA Targets Corrosion in GE Engines with New Inspections
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain General Electric CF34 engines stay safe after finding corrosion that could cause engine power loss. They’re asking owners to run tests, inspections, and possibly remove engines if problems show up. These checks must start soon, and updating maintenance manuals is part of the plan—so operators should get ready to act and keep planes flying safely without surprise costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Repair, strict 65 psi threshold, possible engine removal
If corrosion is found, you must do a variable geometry (VG) system functional check. If the actuator needs more than 65 psi (448 kPa) to fully extend or retract, you must do a force gage test and visual inspection and repair any tight feedback cable or obstruction before flight; if the pressure still exceeds 65 psi after those actions, you must remove the engine from service.
Quarterly engine restart tests required
If you operate affected GE CF34 engines, you must run an engine heat soak restart test within 3 months after the AD's effective date and then every 3 months after that. If a hung start occurs during a test, you must troubleshoot the engine before flying it again.
Borescope inspections with staggered deadlines
You must perform a borescope inspection (BSI) of the high-pressure compressor (HPC) case: Group 1 engines within 12 months after the effective date, Group 2 engines within 24 months, and Group 3 engines before further flight. If you perform the required BSI for Group 1 or Group 2, it ends the need for the repetitive heat soak restart tests for that engine group.
Who is affected and estimated national cost base
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 1,152 engines on U.S.-registered airplanes (specific ESN ranges are listed in the AD). The FAA estimates a per-action labor cost of $680 for each heat soak restart test or BSI, which totals $783,360 for U.S. operators per action across all affected engines; revising the ALS is estimated to cost $85 per product totaling $97,920 across U.S. operators.
Update maintenance manuals (ALS) within 12 months
Operators must revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the CF34-3 engine maintenance manuals and their approved maintenance or inspection programs within 12 months after the AD's effective date to add the VG system functional check. The FAA estimates one work-hour per product for this revision (cost per product $85).
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