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.
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 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.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
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: 2026-10398 — To Implement Certain Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and for Other Purposes
This proclamation extends special trade benefits for certain sub-Saharan African countries through the end of 2026, helping them keep duty-free access to U.S. markets. It also continues important programs supporting African apparel and fabric industries. These changes affect businesses and workers involved in trade with Africa and keep the benefits active until December 31, 2026.