FAA Writes Custom Rules for One Specific Aircraft Engine
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Pratt and Whitney Canada’s new PW220A helicopter engine has a cool new power feature that combines two emergency power ratings into one. The FAA set special safety rules to make sure this new design is just as safe as older engines. These rules kick in starting January 14, 2026, so the engine can fly safely without any delays or extra costs for users.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New alerting and recording equipment required
Engines with the flat 30-second and 2-minute OEI rating must alert the pilot when the rating begins and ends, automatically record each usage and duration, and, after any flight where the rating was used, positively alert maintenance personnel and allow retrieval of the recorded data. The rule also requires means to enable routine verification of these alerting and recording systems.
Mandatory post‑flight inspections after OEI use
The flat OEI rating allows up to three uses per flight, each no longer than 2.5 minutes, but each use must be followed by mandatory post-flight inspection and prescribed maintenance action. The Airworthiness Limitations Section must prescribe those mandatory post-flight inspections and the applicant must validate their adequacy and run an in-service engine evaluation program.
Extended certification and test requirements
Certification tests for the flat OEI rating must run continuously for 2.5 minutes for specified Sec. 33.87 tests; the overtemperature test time is extended to 5 minutes (instead of 4) at a gas temperature at least 35°F (19°C) above the maximum operating limit. Calibration measurements from those endurance tests may be used to show compliance with calibration test requirements.
Rule applies to PW220A starting Jan 14, 2026
The FAA special conditions apply to the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW220A engine model and become effective January 14, 2026. If the PW220A type certificate is later amended to include another model with the same design feature, the same special conditions will apply to that model as well.
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