FAA Orders Inspections for Pratt & Whitney Engine Cracks
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new safety checks for certain Pratt & Whitney engines to catch cracks early and keep flights safe. Starting May 29, 2026, operators must perform regular ultrasonic inspections and replace parts if needed, preventing engine shutdowns like a recent scary incident. This means some extra work and costs but way better than an emergency in the sky!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Very Expensive On-Condition Part Replacements
If inspections find cracks, operators must remove and replace affected parts. The AD lists on-condition replacement costs of $730,850 for an HPT 1st-stage disk and $500,850 for a turbine hub (these totals include parts and labor).
Immediate Removal of Specific Seal Assemblies; 14 U.S. Replacements
The AD requires removal from service at the next piece-part exposure of HPT lenticular seal assemblies with the part number 1B8575 and the serial numbers listed in the rule; 14 affected assemblies are estimated to require replacement on U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates replacement cost per affected seal assembly at $512,345 and a total cost to U.S. operators of $7,172,830; one serial number (DKLBG48292) must be removed at next piece-part exposure or before 2,750 cycles since new, whichever occurs first.
Mandatory Ultrasonic Inspections from May 29, 2026
Starting May 29, 2026, operators of specified Pratt & Whitney engines (F117-PW-100, PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, and PW2040D) must perform angled ultrasonic inspections (AUSIs) of HPT 1st-stage disks and turbine hubs at the next piece-part exposure and at every subsequent piece-part exposure. Each AUSI is estimated at 5 work-hours (5 x $85/hr = $425) per part.
Installation Limits and Documentation Requirements
As of May 29, 2026, persons may not install specified HPT 1st-stage disks (P/N 1B7801, 1B3601, 1B3601-001) or turbine hubs (P/N 1B4902, 1B6602, 1B8002) unless they are "parts eligible for installation." Eligible parts must have passed the AUSI, have a certificate of conformance showing compliance with NDIP-1282/1283, or be new with an FAA Form 8130-3 dated March 1, 2025, or later.
Optional Termination by Updating Maintenance Limits
Operators may choose optional terminating action: revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the engine manual and the operator's approved maintenance/inspection program to include the additional inspections in figure 2 of the AD. Incorporating those ALS inspections constitutes terminating action for the repetitive AUSIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA wants to limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep people and property safe. Facility owners can ask for special drone flight restrictions, but they must prove it’s needed for safety or security. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these new rules could change how drone operators fly near sensitive places.
2026-09773 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Helicopters have their engine parts installed correctly to keep flying safe. If you own or operate models like AS350 or EC130, you’ll need to check the main gearbox engine coupling soon and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and while inspections might cost some time and money, they’re key to avoiding bigger issues.
2026-09801 — Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders
If you own a Stemme S 12 glider, heads up! The FAA wants you to regularly check your fuel system for leaks caused by certain copper rings and replace any faulty ones. This keeps your glider safe and stops risky fuel leaks, with comments on the plan due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09802 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Winnie, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Griffith Ranch Airport in Winnie, TX. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice smoother, safer flights with no extra costs or delays.
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up before any costs or work kicks in.
2026-09772 — Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own a Diamond DA20-C1 airplane, the FAA wants you to check the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) because a missing wire might stop it from working in an emergency. They’re asking for a quick inspection and fixes if needed to keep you safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix should be pretty straightforward without breaking the bank.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08104 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I
Starting April 27, 2026, the DEA is officially putting MDMB-4en-PINACA—a powerful and risky chemical—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using it will face serious legal rules and penalties. This move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer from this dangerous substance.
Next: 2026-08108 — Puerto Rico State Plan; Operational Status Agreement; Change in Level of Federal Enforcement: Private Sector Employment on Federal Properties and Marine Construction Conducted by Private Sector Employees
Starting April 24, 2026, federal OSHA is stepping back in to oversee safety rules for private workers on federal properties and marine construction in Puerto Rico. This means both Puerto Rico and federal OSHA will share safety enforcement duties, making sure workplaces stay safe and sound. If you work in these areas, expect some changes in who checks the rules and how they're enforced.