Federal Register #20261309

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 Engines and Airbus Helicopters H160B

This opportunity involves new airworthiness directives (ADs) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for specific aircraft engines and helicopters: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Mentioned: - Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) – manufacturer of PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines - Airbus Helicopters – manufacturer of Model H160B helicopters - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks on all P&WC PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines - Estimated 48 engines affected - No specific part numbers provided - Replacement of the turbine exhaust frame if cracks are found (quantities undetermined) - Modification of the window jettisoning system on Airbus Helicopters Model H160B to ensure serviceability and prevent failure - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Inspections must begin within 5 hours time-in-service or 20 engine starts after the directive's effective date - Ongoing, repetitive inspections and replacements as needed - Compliance with referenced Transport Canada and EASA directives - Estimated labor cost for inspection is $42.50 per engine; replacement costs are higher but not specified - The directive aims to prevent turbine exhaust frame failure (which could cause loss of containment and helicopter damage) and to ensure window jettisoning system reliability on affected helicopters

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. This AD was prompted by reports of circumferential cracks found at the turbine exhaust frame external surface caused by thermal stress from engine starts. It requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on the results, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. The AD aims to prevent turbine exhaust frame failure, which could lead to loss of axial containment, release of parts, and damage to the helicopter.

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