Powder metal issue GTF extends to more parts – LEAP-1B checks covered by final AD

UPDATE DECEMBER 28 – Operators of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM will likely be confronted with longer delays from engine inspections. The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that requires accelerated inspections and replacements of more parts that have been produced from contaminated powder metal

. A final rule of a separate Airworthiness Directive also requires inspections of the CFM LEAP-1B.

As has been reported before, the powder metal issue affects the High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) stage-1 and stage-2 disks as well as the High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) 7th and 8th stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR). An October 2022 AD addressed the HPT disk issues, but after the failure of the blade rotor, this was followed up by another AD in August this year.

Angled ultrasonic inspections (AUSI) were required for the HPT disks and IBR-7 on most sub-versions of the PW1100G-JM that are used on the Airbus A320neo family. In August, cracks have also been found in the HPT disks of the PW1400G series that powers the Russian Irkut MC21. This aircraft hasn’t entered service due to the sanctions imposed on Russia in February last year.