Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45/-50 series turbofan engines, that requires an initial and repetitive on-wing visual inspection of the side links of the five-link forward mount assembly for cracks, and replacement of the side links and pylon attachment bolts, and inspection of the fail-safe bolt and platform lug, if the side links are found cracked. This AD also requires a shop-level refurbishment of the side links as a terminating action to the on-wing inspection program. This amendment is prompted by four reports of cracked side links detected during routine engine shop visits. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a side link fracture, which could result in the failure of the second side link, or the forward engine mount pylon attachment bolts, and possible separation of the engine from the aircraft.