# Proposed AD FAA-2020-0442: Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2021-14-13
- Products: Pratt & Whitney
- Product type: Engine
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: June 1, 2020, 85 FR 33043
- Comments due: July 16, 2020
- Became: [AD 2021-14-13](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-14-13)
- Docket: FAA-2020-0442 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2020-0442, where comments are filed)
- Project: AD-2020-00260-E
- FR document: 2020-11499
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/c8/8c/c88c251433bab80ace4f518a19f7c18985526236dc4703f5207234e346789c49 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-01/pdf/2020-11499.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/01/2020-11499/airworthiness-directives-pratt-and-whitney-turbofan-engines
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/4D6B825F85817CB78625857A003DBA55.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2020-0442

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037M, PW2040, and F117-PW-100 model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained engine failure resulting from cracks in the knife edge of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 2nd-stage air seal. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs), fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs), and visual inspections of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly with a part eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the affected HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly, depending on the engine model, at either the next engine shop visit or the next piece-part opportunity. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Jun 1, 2020: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2020-11499, comments due Jul 16, 2020 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/01/2020-11499/airworthiness-directives-pratt-and-whitney-turbofan-engines)

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