Airworthiness Directives: General Electric Company Engines

What it does

• •Proposes a new airworthiness directive requiring replacement of certain start bleed valve (SBV) fuel tubes with redesigned versions on four General Electric Passport engine models.
• •Sets a compliance deadline requiring the fuel tube replacement before the tube accumulates 2,750 flight hours since new, or within 250 flight hours after the directive becomes effective, whichever is later.
• •Specifies that the affected fuel tube has part number 2721M52G01 and must be replaced with part number 3179M50G01.

Why it matters

• •Addresses a documented safety hazard where hot gas leakage eroded fuel tubes, causing fuel leakage that led to an engine core compartment fire and in-flight engine shutdown.
• •Applies to 126 engines installed on U.S. aircraft, with estimated compliance costs of approximately $637,182 total across all operators.
• •Aims to prevent future engine fires and potential damage to aircraft by proactively replacing components on engines of the same design.

Who is affected

• •Operators of aircraft equipped with General Electric Passport 20-17BB1A, 20-18BB1A, 20-19BB1A, or 20-19BB1B engines.
• •Maintenance personnel who must perform the fuel tube replacement work.

What happens next

The FAA will accept public comments until December 28, 2026, and may revise the proposed rule based on those comments before issuing a final airworthiness directive.