Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney Division PW4052, PW4152, PW4056, PW4156A, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4158, PW4460, PW4462, PW4164, PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4168, and PW4168A turbofan engines with certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 front hubs installed. This AD was prompted by Pratt & Whitney's updated low-cycle-fatigue analysis that indicated certain HPT stage 1 front hubs could initiate a crack prior to the published life limit. This AD requires removing the affected HPT stage 1 front hubs from service using a drawdown plan. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 front hub, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Agency Contact: James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; phone: 781-238-7742; fax: 781-238-7199; email: james.e.gray@faa.gov.