EASA AD CF-2026-35
Engine – Exhaust – Turbine Exhaust Frame Cracks - Inspection
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2026-35 is an urgent regulatory document addressing turbine exhaust frame (TEF) cracks in Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. It mandates initial and periodic general visual inspections of the TEF to detect circumferential cracks caused by thermal stress and material durability issues. This directive updates previous requirements to include different inspection thresholds based on TEF material composition.
What Changed
CF-2026-35 replaces the earlier directive CF-2026-23 and requires compliance with revision 3 of the Pratt & Whitney Canada Alert Service Bulletin PW210-72-A57186 dated July 2, 2026. It introduces differentiated inspection intervals depending on whether the TEF was manufactured before or after the SB57123 modification, reflecting differences in material durability between IN625 and Waspaloy. The directive also clarifies inspection thresholds and mandates replacement of the TEF if crack lengths exceed 9.5 inches.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation operators and maintenance organizations as it addresses a safety risk involving potential TEF failure, which could lead to axial containment loss and damage to the helicopter. Compliance ensures early detection and mitigation of cracks, preventing in-flight failures and maintaining airworthiness. It also provides clear guidance on inspection intervals and part replacement, aiding maintenance planning and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines must perform initial general visual inspections of the TEF within specified flight hours or engine start cycles depending on the TEF material and service history. Subsequent inspections must be repeated at intervals defined by crack length findings, with mandatory replacement of the TEF if cracks exceed 9.5 inches. Inspections conducted under the previous directive CF-2026-23 before July 16, 2026, are considered compliant.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.