Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company GE90 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, - 77B, -85B, -90B, and -92B model turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) for cracks in the high pressure compressor (HPC) stage 2-6 spool, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. That amendment was prompted by reports of cracks in the stage 3-4 and stage 4-5 interstage seal teeth and spacer arms. This amendment deletes reference to the GE90-92B engine model, deletes reference to HPC spool part number (P/N) 350-005-769-0 and directs the removal from service of affected part number spools by either engine cycles or calendar date, whichever occurs first. This amendment is prompted by the introduction of a new design HPC stage 2-6 spool and four additional HPC stage 2-6 spool P/N's that are terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements for certain P/N spools. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the HPC stage 2-6 spool due to cracks, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.