FAA proposes inspections for PW1500G and PW1900G compressor issue

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed an airworthiness directive covering Pratt & Whitney PW1500G and PW1900G geared turbofans. It cites a high-pressure compressor issue that could cause uncontained engine failures. Released on 16 September, the proposal covers 215 of the engines in the United States.

The PW1500G powers the Airbus A220, and the PW1900G powers the Embraer E-Jet E2. According to the FAA, affected engines contain a certain high-pressure compressor module that makes them susceptible to second- and third-stage rotors contacting variable stator vanes. The vanes' inner locating rings can strike the rear rims of the compressor rotors. Six such incidents have been reported to the agency.

Pratt & Whitney investigated and attributed the problem to worn vane bushings, which the FAA says can allow the vanes to rock forward. On 13 July the manufacturer issued Alert Service Bulletins calling for repetitive borescope inspections of the first-, second- and third-stage rotors to look for signs of wear, scratching or contact. The engine maker said the FAA proposal is consistent with the guidance in those bulletins.

The directive would make the inspections mandatory. Operators would have to complete the first inspections before an engine reaches 8,000 flight hours, or within 1,000 hours of the rule taking effect, whichever comes first. Inspections would then repeat at intervals not exceeding 1,000 flight hours, with any damaged parts replaced.