Methods and apparatus for sealing gas turbine engine variable vane assemblies

A method enables a variable vane assembly (44) for a gas turbine engine to be coupled to an engine casing (50). The variable vane assembly includes a bushing assembly (100) and at least one variable vane (52) that includes a platform (56) and a vane stem (54). The method comprises coupling a first bushing (142) to the engine casing in a press fit, coupling a second bushing (140) to the variable vane, and coupling the variable vane to the engine casing such that at least a portion of the first bushing is between the engine casing and the second bushing, and such that at least a portion of the second bushing is between the first bushing and the vane stem.