FAA cracks down on shaky Pratt & Whitney turbine frames
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-13- 09, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. AD 2026-13-09 required repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-13-09, a manufacturer's analysis revealed that turbine exhaust frames manufactured from a certain material were less durable and more susceptible to developing cracks under thermal stress. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at different initial inspection thresholds than required by AD 2026-13-09 based on the material used during manufacture and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
High cost of on-condition replacements
If inspections find cracks, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame may be required. The FAA estimates on-condition replacement costs per product at $125,765 (parts $125,000 plus 9 work-hours at $85/hour = $765).
Material-based earlier inspection schedule
Operators of Pratt & Whitney Canada Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines must perform repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at new initial inspection thresholds that vary depending on the material used in manufacture. This AD supersedes AD 2026-13-09 and requires compliance with Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2026-35 as incorporated, effective August 31, 2026. The FAA estimates this AD affects 48 engines on U.S. registry.
Immediate short compliance window
For certain engines, the AD requires initial actions to be done within 5 hours time-in-service or 20 engine starts after the effective date, whichever occurs first. The rule is effective August 31, 2026, and the FAA adopted this short compliance time without prior public comment because of the safety risk from thermal-stress cracks.
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