Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-217C and JT8D-219 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the low-pressure turbine (LPT) shaft. This proposed AD establishes a new lower life limit for these parts and would require removing affected LPT shafts from service using a drawdown plan. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT shaft, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.