Airworthiness Directives; CFE Company Model CFE738-1-1B Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to CFE Company Model CFE738-1-1B turbofan engines. This AD requires, on certain engines identified by serial numbers: a one-time visual inspection of Stage 2 high pressure turbine (HPT) aft cooling plates for nicks, dents, and scratches, and if present, dimensional inspection of indentation depth; repair, if indentation is within acceptable limits, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This AD also requires inspection for raised metal on the Stage 2 HPT rotor disk post aft surface that mates with the Stage 2 HPT aft cooling plate, and removal of the raised metal, if present. This amendment is prompted by reports of Stage 2 HPT aft cooling plates that were dented during the assembly of the cooling plate to the Stage 2 disk due to raised metal on the stage 2 HPT disk post aft mating surface. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent aft HPT cooling plate failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.