P&W Earns FAR 33 Certification For 100 Pax Jet Engines

Pratt & Whitney successfully completed FAA FAR 33 certification testing on the company's PW6000 engine last month, earning FAR 33 status on Nov. 11. During the FAR 33 certification test program, the engine completed more than 10 demanding engine certification tests and concluded these tests ahead of schedule last month. The engine performed flawlessly, demonstrating the durability of the PW6000 design.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step for the PW6000 program," said Steve Heath, vice president of Commercial Engine Programs. "We are well positioned to earn JAR 25 certification on the Airbus A318 in October 2005," he said.

The PW6000, with a thrust range of 18,000 to 24,000 pounds, is targeted for new 100-passenger-sized aircraft. It features a number of new technologies enabling low cost of operation. A prominent design feature is the overall reduction in compressor and turbine stages that contributes substantially to lower maintenance and ownership costs. It is fully compliant with the more stringent noise and emissions standards expected to be in place in 2006.

"The PW6000 meets all of Airbus' expectations for the A318," Heath said. "This engine has undergone numerous ground tests and four development flight tests. We are confident that it will perform smoothly during the upcoming JAR 25 certification flight test program."

FAR 33 tests ensure that development engines are flight worthy and meet the FAA's highest standards for the demands of revenue service. JAR 25 tests certify that the airframe and the engine together meet airworthiness standards.

The narrow body market and providing service solutions to the aviation industry are key parts of Pratt & Whitney's growth strategy. Reliability, maintainability and lower maintenance costs are key attributes of this engine.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com