FAA Orders Ultrasonic Checks on Pratt Whitney Engines
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Pratt & Whitney RTX engines, get ready for new safety checks starting June 26, 2026. The FAA wants regular ultrasonic scans to catch cracks early and replace parts if needed, all to keep flights safe after a serious engine event. These inspections might cost some time and money but are crucial to avoid bigger problems down the runway.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required removal of certain air seals
If an HPT 1st-stage air seal has one of these serial numbers—CKLBME2702, CKLBME2703, CKLBME2704, CKLBME2705, CKLBME2711, or CKLBMS8019 (P/N 50L663 or 50L959)—you must remove that air seal from service at the next piece part opportunity after June 26, 2026 and replace it with a part eligible for installation. The AD lists those serial numbers and part numbers in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1).
Estimated inspection and replacement costs
The FAA estimates this AD affects 124 engines on U.S. aircraft. The agency estimates per-inspection labor costs of $340 for the HPC 15th-stage disk and $425 for each of the front turbine hub, HPT 2nd-stage hub, and HPT 1st-stage air seal; and estimates 6 engines will need replacement of HPT 1st-stage air seals at a parts cost of $763,000 each (cost per product $763,085; total $4,578,510). On-condition replacement parts are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars (for example, $312,850 to replace an HPC 15th-stage disk).
Mandatory ultrasonic inspections
If you own or operate aircraft with Pratt & Whitney RTX Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, or PW4090-3 engines, you must perform angle ultrasonic scan inspections (AUSIs) of the HPC 15th-stage disk, front turbine hub, HPT 1st-stage air seal, and HPT 2nd-stage hub at the next "piece part opportunity" after June 26, 2026 and at every subsequent piece part opportunity. The inspections must follow the Pratt & Whitney service bulletins dated June 20, 2024 listed in the AD.
Optional ALS update ends inspections
You may avoid the repetitive AD inspections by updating the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the engine manual and your approved maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the ALS additional inspections in figure 1 to paragraph (i) of the AD. Revising the ALS as specified constitutes terminating action for the AD requirements in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3).
New-part installation eligibility rule
A new, zero-time HPC 15th-stage disk, front turbine hub, HPT 1st-stage air seal, or HPT 2nd-stage hub is considered "part eligible for installation" if it has an FAA Form 8130-3 from the original equipment manufacturer dated July 1, 2025 or later. This replaces a prior requirement that zero-time parts must have passed an AUSI at production to be eligible.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10356, Removal of Environmental Clearance Officer Review and Comment for Assessments for Projects Over 200 Lots/Dwelling Units or Beds
Starting June 22, 2026, HUD will no longer require special environmental officers to review big housing projects with over 200 units or beds. This change speeds up the approval process without cutting corners on safety or rules. Builders and developers will save time, and HUD is asking for public feedback by July 21, 2026.
Next: 2026-10370, Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR): Clarification of Filing Requirements Regarding In-Transit Shipments and Other FTR Provisions; Correction
The Census Bureau fixed some small mistakes in the Foreign Trade Regulations that affect how companies report shipments passing through the U.S. These corrections don’t change the rules but make the instructions clearer and easier to follow. The updated rules took effect on May 26, 2026, so businesses should use the corrected info now to avoid confusion or delays.