Federal Register #2026-16655

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 Series Engines and Air Tractor AT802 Aircraft

This summary covers recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directives affecting specific aircraft engines and airframes: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Mentioned: - Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (PW&C) - Air Tractor, Inc. - Wipaire, Inc. - Products/Services Requested: - Turbine exhaust frames for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines - 48 units identified for inspection and possible replacement - No specific part numbers beyond engine model references - Horizontal stabilizer spars for Air Tractor AT802 and AT802A airplanes with Wipaire STC No. SA01795CH - Inspections and repairs required for left and right, forward and rear spars - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Repetitive visual inspections of turbine exhaust frames for cracks due to thermal stress - Replacement required if cracks are found - Inspection thresholds vary based on material susceptibility - Compliance with Transport Canada Emergency AD CF202635 is required - For Air Tractor aircraft with Wipaire STC, repetitive inspections and repairs of horizontal stabilizer spars are mandated due to reported cracks - These are regulatory safety actions, not traditional procurement opportunities; no direct purchase quantities or part numbers for replacement parts are specified - The directives are effective upon issuance, with compliance times based on engine usage or aircraft operation, and require ongoing adherence to inspection and replacement schedules

Description

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-13-09 for Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at different initial inspection thresholds based on the material used during manufacture. Depending on inspection results, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame may be required. The directive addresses an unsafe condition related to turbine exhaust frame cracks caused by thermal stress, aiming to prevent failure that could lead to loss of axial containment and damage to the helicopter.

View original listing