Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 123 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38991-38994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-13058]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-4665; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00553-E; 
Amendment 39-23391; AD 2026-13-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S 
engines. This AD was prompted by reports of circumferential cracks 
found at the turbine exhaust frame external surface caused by thermal 
stress from engine starts. This AD requires repetitive visual 
inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on 
the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust 
frame. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 14, 2026. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain 
publication listed in this AD as of July 14, 2026. The FAA must receive 
comments on this AD by August 13, 2026.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4665; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, 
contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft 
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; 
phone: (888) 663-3639; email: [email protected]. You may find the Transport Canada 
material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-4665.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 
(781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-4665; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2026-00553-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

[[Page 38992]]

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23, dated May 29, 2026 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2026-23) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition on P&WC Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. The 
MCAI states that operators reported circumferential cracks at the 
turbine exhaust frame external surface. A manufacturer investigation 
revealed that the cracks originated from a turbine exhaust frame wall 
found below the minimum required thickness, with subsequent crack 
initiation and growth caused by thermal stress from engine starts. To 
address this unsafe condition, the manufacturer published service 
material that specifies procedures for repetitive visual inspections of 
the turbine exhaust frame. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in turbine exhaust frame failure, which could lead to loss of 
axial containment, release of parts, and damage to the helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4665.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23, which specifies 
procedures for repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust 
frame for cracks and replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. This 
material is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
(CAA) of another country and are approved for operation in the United 
States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of 
Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing 
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in Transport 
Canada AD CF-2026-23, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary 
source of information for compliance with requirements for 
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with 
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23 is 
incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with 
Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23 in its entirety through that 
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this AD. Material required by Transport Canada 
AD CF-2026-23 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4665 after this AD is published.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because multiple circumferential cracks at the turbine exhaust frame 
external surface have been reported, and investigation revealed that 
the cracking was associated with thermal stress linked to engine 
starts. Crack propagation of the turbine exhaust frame could result in 
turbine exhaust frame failure, which could lead to loss of axial 
containment, release of parts, and damage to the helicopter. At this 
time, the growth rate of the turbine exhaust frame cracking has not 
been determined. For these reasons, on certain helicopters, the initial 
actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 5 hours time-
in-service or 20 engine starts after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first. The compliance time in this AD is shorter than 
the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the 
final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 48 engines of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:


                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                 Action                          Labor cost           Parts cost      product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection of turbine exhaust     .50 work-hours x $85 per             $0          $42.50          $2,040
 frame.                                   hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 38993]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                  Labor cost                Parts cost      product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of turbine exhaust frame.........  9 work-hours x $85 per hour = $765..     $125,000        $125,765
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2026-13-09 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.: Amendment 39-23391; Docket 
No. FAA-2026-4665; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00553-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 14, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model 
PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of circumferential cracks found 
at the turbine exhaust frame external surface caused by thermal 
stress from engine starts. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the turbine exhaust frame. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in turbine exhaust frame failure, which 
could lead to loss of axial containment, release of parts, and 
damage to the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine start'' includes the 
start of an engine for any reason, even if it is not followed by a 
flight.

(h) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD: 
Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified 
in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23, dated 
May 29, 2026 (Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23).

(i) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23 requires compliance in 
terms of hours air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-
service.

(j) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service material referenced in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2026-23 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (l) of this AD and email to [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2026-23, dated May 29, 2026.
    (ii) [Reserved].
    (3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact 
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 
159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; phone: (888) 
663-3639; email: [email protected]. You may find the Transport 
Canada material on the

[[Page 38994]]

Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on June 24, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-13058 Filed 6-25-26; 4:15 pm]
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