The FAA is following Transport Canada’s guidance and has proposed an airworthiness directive to prevent flameouts on Pratt and Whitney Canada (P&WC) JT15D turbofans. The engines are installed on about 1,500 aircraft, including Mitsubishi, Beech and Cessna 500-series business jets. After a few dual flameouts of the engines, it was discovered that a fuel control hydro mechanical unit P3 servo can freeze up at high altitudes under certain weather conditions.
The fix involves rerouting compressor delivery air to improve moisture separation and it’s going to cost between $2,000 and $4,200 per airplane, depending on engine model, based on the FAA’s labor rate estimate of $80 an hour. P&WC issued a service bulletin on the fix in June. The AD takes effect Sept. 22 and the work must be completed within 200 flight hours.
