Pratt & Whitney Engines Face Mandatory Crack Checks
Published Date: 6/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to keep certain Pratt & Whitney engines safe by requiring regular special inspections for cracks in key parts. If cracks are found, those parts must be fixed or replaced to avoid engine problems. This affects specific engine models and could mean some downtime and repair costs, but it’s all about keeping flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Addresses engine-separation safety risk
The proposed AD is intended to address an unsafe condition after an event involving an IAE Model PW1127GA-JM engine that experienced HPC 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-7) separation, which caused an engine shutdown and an aborted takeoff. The rule aims to reduce the risk of similar engine separations by requiring inspections and removals where needed.
Required repetitive ultrasonic inspections
If you operate the listed Pratt & Whitney engines (F117-PW-100, PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, or PW2643), the FAA would require repetitive angled ultrasonic inspections (AUSIs) of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disks and turbine hubs to check for cracks. These inspections must be done repeatedly as the proposed airworthiness directive requires.
Mandatory removal and replacement for crack findings
If inspections find crack indications in the specified HPT 1st-stage disks or turbine hubs, those parts must be removed from service and replaced. The proposed AD also requires removal from service of certain HPT lenticular seal assemblies.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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