FAA order targets turbine cases on some Leap-1B engines

Reports of unapproved repairs has led the FAA to require airlines replace high-pressure turbine cases in some CFM International Leap-1B engines, which power Boeing 737 Max. An airworthiness directive made public Nov 29 targets only some derivatives of Leap-1B turbofans and applies to just 13 engines worldwide, including 2 engines in the US fleet, according to CFM and the FAA. Airlines must replace so-called "stator cases", which surround the high-pressure turbine, within 200 cycles following Dec 15, when the directive takes effect, the order says. The issue has caused no engine failures and will not cause widespread fleet disruption nor slow CFM's deliveries of Leap-1Bs to Boeing, CFM stresses. Stator cases on 4 of the 13 affected engines have already been removed, it adds. <br/>