Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 series turbofan engines. This amendment requires removal and replacement of protective coating of the 7th and 9th through 12th stage high pressure compressor (HPC) disks and the 8th stage HPC hub, initial and repetitive inspections for corrosion pits and cracks, and removal from service as required. This amendment is prompted by reports from operators of cracks observed in JT8D engine steel HPC disks. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture of the 7th and 9th through 12th stage HPC disks and 8th stage HPC hub, resulting in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.