The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency airworthiness directive Wednesday requiring operators of Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines to conduct accelerated disk inspections within 30 days.
Background
The directive follows three in-flight engine shutdown events in the past 60 days. While all incidents were handled safely with no injuries, the FAA determined the frequency warranted emergency action. Pratt & Whitney identified a manufacturing defect in high-pressure compressor disk stages 5 through 7.
Affected Aircraft
Approximately 1,200 aircraft worldwide are affected, including those operated by American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and dozens of international carriers. Spirit Airlines, which operates an all-A320neo fleet, faces the largest operational disruption.
Pratt & Whitney Response
"We are working closely with the FAA and our airline customers to minimize disruption while ensuring the highest safety standards are maintained," a Pratt & Whitney spokesperson said.