FAA to Enforce Sensor Replacement on Pratt Whitney PW4000-94 Engines Following Safety Incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to mandate the replacement of pressure burner sensors on Pratt & Whitney's PW4000-94 engines. This decision follows a series of in-service incidents, including tailpipe fires and engine shutdowns, attributed to sensor damage caused by epoxy deterioration. Pratt & Whitney identified the issue and recommended sensor replacements to operators in 2025, suggesting a timeline of 10-30 months for the replacements based on engine service history. The FAA's forthcoming directive will enforce these recommendations, affecting 210 engines on U.S.-registered aircraft. The specific engine models impacted include the PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, and several others.