Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 series turbofan engines. This proposal would require removal and replacement of protective coating of the 7th and 9th through 12th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) disks and the 8th stage HPC hub, initial and repetitive inspections for corrosion pits and cracks, and removal from service as required. This proposal is prompted by reports from operators of cracks observed in JT8D engine steel HPC disks. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fracture of the 7th and 9th through 12th stage HPC disks and 8th stage HPC hub, resulting in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.