Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037M, PW2040, and F117-PW-100 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained engine failure resulting from cracks in the knife edge of the high- pressure turbine (HPT) 2nd-stage air seal assembly. This AD requires fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) and visual inspections of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly with a part eligible for installation. This AD also requires replacement of the affected HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly, depending on the engine model, at either the next engine shop visit or the next piece-part opportunity. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.