Pratt & Whitney Reduces Life Limits For A220, E190/E195-E2 Engines

Pratt & Whitney has reduced life limits on PW1500G and PW1900G geared turbofan (GTF) high-pressure compressor (HPC) front hubs after excessive corrosion was discovered during a routine overhaul, and the FAA plans to mandate the change.

The US agency, in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published May 31, said Pratt discovered corrosion on a front hub “during a routine engine overhaul.” It was found beneath anti-corrosion coating. The issue “reduces the low-cycle fatigue capability and can occur even during engine downtime,” the agency added.

Pratt informed operators of the issue and its decision to reduce the hub life-limits in several service bulletins issued in April and May. The NPRM refers to the bulletins for details on the new life limits.

Pratt did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The PW1500G and PW1900G engines power the Airbus A220 and Embraer E190/E195-E2 families, respectively. FAA said the directive affects 18 engines installed on US-registered aircraft.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is the only US operator of either aircraft type—it operates A220s.

The life-limit reduction is likely to be adopted by other regulators around the world.

Under this situation, “The 8^th China Aerospace Propulsion Technology Forum“ is scheduled to be held on September 26^th-27^th, 2019 in Xi’an China. There are 30 aero engine design and manufactures organization in China, The CAPTF 2019 will cover all related industry buyers. And we’d invite 200 delegates whom are: engineering director, manufacturer manager, machine shop leader to share about the situation about the China Aerospace Propulsion now and also we’d invite the global company to share the new and advanced technology and projects.

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