Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A Series Turbofan Engines

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-17-10 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PW530A series turbofan engines by individual letters. This AD requires recording engine surge events in the aircraft maintenance records. If an engine surge event is experienced, this AD requires, prior to the next flight, inspecting that engine for evidence of second stage stator vanes rubbing on the compressor rotor. In addition, this AD requires reworking all affected engines to increase the clearance between the second stage stator vanes and the compressor rotor. This amendment is prompted by reports of 4 inflight engine shutdowns and 2 additional unscheduled engine removals for significant compressor rotor damage. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent an inflight engine shutdown due to rubbing of the second stage stator vanes on the compressor rotor.