The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a regulatory agency that oversees everything related to aviation in the United States. Among its many functions is the responsibility to issue airworthiness directives (ADs), which are mandatory instructions designed to correct an unsafe condition in an aircraft, engine or component thereof. One such AD that has been recently issued is FAA Info 15012. In this article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about this important directive.
What is FAA Info 15012?
FAA Info 15012 is an airworthiness directive that was issued by the FAA in 2015. The purpose of this directive is to require all operators of certain Boeing 737 aircraft to inspect the engine fan blades for crack indications. The directive was issued in response to a number of incidents involving engine failures on these aircraft, which were found to be caused by cracks in the fan blades. The directive aims to prevent these incidents from occurring in the future by ensuring that all affected engines are thoroughly inspected.
Who is affected by FAA Info 15012?
FAA Info 15012 applies to all operators of certain Boeing 737 aircraft, specifically those equipped with CFM56-7B engines. This includes both passenger and cargo airlines, as well as charter operators. The directive requires that all affected engines be inspected within a specified timeframe, regardless of whether they have experienced any issues or not.
What do the inspections involve?
The inspections required by FAA Info 15012 involve a visual and/or ultrasonic inspection of the engine fan blades. The purpose of this inspection is to detect any cracks or other indications of damage or wear. The inspections must be performed by a qualified technician using approved methods and equipment. If any cracks or other defects are found during the inspection, the affected engine must be repaired or replaced before it can be used again.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Non-compliance with FAA Info 15012 can have serious consequences. The FAA has the authority to levy fines and/or revoke an operator’s certificate if they fail to comply with ADs. Additionally, failure to comply with this directive could lead to serious safety incidents, which could result in loss of life and/or property damage. Therefore, it is essential that all operators affected by this directive take it seriously and ensure that they are in full compliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FAA Info 15012 is an airworthiness directive issued by the FAA that requires all operators of certain Boeing 737 aircraft to inspect the engine fan blades for crack indications. The directive is designed to prevent incidents caused by engine failures on these aircraft. The inspections required by the directive are thorough and must be performed by qualified technicians using approved methods and equipment. Non-compliance with this directive can have serious consequences, including fines, certificate revocation, and safety incidents. Therefore, it is essential that all operators affected by this directive comply fully with its requirements.
