Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-59A, -70A, -7Q, and -7Q3 Turbofan Engines

Résumé

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-59A, -70A, -7Q, and -7Q3 turbofan engines. This proposal would require fluorescent penetrant inspection of the high pressure turbine (HPT) second stage airseal knife edges for cracks, each time the airseal is accessible. This proposal is prompted by reports of cracks found in the knife edges of HPT second stage airseals during HPT disassembly. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of HPT second stage airseals due to cracks in the knife edges, which if not detected could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.