Service Bulletin

PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA
SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
BULLETIN INDEX LOCATOR

TURBOPROP ENGINE
OPERATING TIME BETWEEN OVERHAULS AND HOT SECTION INSPECTION FREQUENCY
MODEL APPLICATION
PT6A-6,PT6A-6A,PT6A-6B,PT6A-25,PT6A-25A,PT6A-25C,PT6A-34B
Model(s) deleted this revision: PT6A-6/C20,PT6A-20,PT6A-20A,PT6A-20B,PT6A-21,PT6A-
27,PT6A-28,PT6A-114,PT6A-114A,PT6A-135,PT6A-135A
Compliance: Refer to Para. 1.E. in the Service Bulletin
Summary: This service bulletin provides a recommended basic operating time between
overhauls and specifies a recommended initial hot section inspection frequency.
P&WC turbine engines are required to undergo periodic inspection in accordance with
a pre-established schedule in order to ensure serviceability. The Time Between
Overhaul (TBO) and hot section inspections (HSI) intervals represent the two major
scheduled periodic inspections, and are defined in this SB.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

Revision No. 28: Nov 13/2001 Cover Sheet
24-Hour Global Service USA & CANADA........................ 1-800-268-8000 Other .......................................... 1-450-647-8000
HELP DESK International .................... (IAC*)+8000-268-8000 Fax ............................................. 1-450-647-2888
Toll free where available (SIL GEN-027) * International Access Code Web Site .................................. www.pwc.ca
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
1000, Marie-Victorin
Longueuil, Québec, Canada J4G 1A1
Tél. 450-677-9411
13 November 2001
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
REVISION TRANSMITTAL SHEET

TURBOPROP ENGINE MODEL PT6A
SUBJECT: Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin No. PT6A-72-1003, Rev. No. 28, dated Nov
13/2001 (P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28) OPERATING TIME BETWEEN OVERHAULS AND
HOT SECTION INSPECTION FREQUENCY
Replace your existing copy of this service bulletin with the attached revised bulletin. Destroy the
superseded copy.
Please retain this Revision Transmittal Sheet with the revised bulletin.
SUMMARY: This service bulletin is revised to:
v Delete engine models that are no longer applicable to this service bulletin;
v Add a note to the Para. 1.A. Effectivity to reference SBs 1703 and 1803;
v Remove references to the deleted engine models in Para. 3. Accomplishment
Instructions;
v Revise an example in the Para. 3. Accomplishment Instructions to use applicable
engine models;
v Delete a redundant reference to inspect Post-SB1404 first stage reduction planet
gear bearings from the Para. 3. Accomplishment Instructions;
v Add a reference to SIL PT6A-107 in the Para. 1. J. References and Para. 3.
Accomplishment Instructions:
v Add a note to explain the accessory TBO;
v Revise a step in the Para. 3. Accomplishment Instructions to state that P&WC will
no longer endorse requests for on-condition programs;
v Delete the reference to compressor turbine blades P/N 3120011-01 from Para 3.A.
(13);
v Give information for contacting the FSR;
v Change the reference for engine trend monitoring from the Engine Trend Monitoring
Analytical Guide to SIL GEN-055.
EFFECT OF REVISION ON PRIOR ACCOMPLISHMENT:

The TBO and HSI information are transferred from this service to the service bulletins that follow:
For PT6A-6/C20, PT6A-20, PT6A-20A, PT6A-20B PT6A-21, PT6A-27, PT6A-28, PT6A-135 and
PT6A-135A Engines,
v P&WC S.B. No. 1803;
For PT6A-114 and PT6A-114A Engines,
v P&WC S.B. No. 1703.
NOTE: TBO extensions that were approved using this service bulletin are still valid. All new or
pending recommendations will be subject to the conditions of P&WC S.B. No. 1703 or
P&WC S.B. No. 1803, as applicable.
NOTE: A black bar in the left margin indicates a change in that line of text or figure.
REVISION HISTORY:
Original Issue: Dec 01/1973 Revision No. 27: May 02/2001
Revision No. 1: May 01/1974 Revision No. 28: Nov 13/2001
Revision No. 2: Jun 28/1974
Revision No. 3: Jul 17/1975
Revision No. 4: Oct 22/1975
Revision No. 7: May 07/1979
Revision No. 8: Aug 16/1979
Revision No. 10: Jan 27/1981
Revision No. 11: Mar 10/1981
Revision No. 13: Aug 25/1982
Revision No. 14: Apr 27/1983
Revision No. 16: Jan 29/1985
Revision No. 19: Sep 14/1994
Revision No. 20: Nov 06/1995
Revision No. 22: Dec 11/1997
Revision No. 23: Apr 06/1998
Revision No. 24: Nov 24/1998
Revision No. 25: Feb 04/1999
SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
1. Planning Information
A. Effectivity
PT6A-6, PT6A-6A, PT6A-6B, PT6A-25, PT6A-25A, PT6A-25C, PT6A-34B
NOTE: For other small PT6A models no longer listed, TBO extensions that were
approved using this service bulletin are still valid. All new or pending
recommendations for the models deleted from this service bulletin will be
subject to the conditions of P&WC S.B. No. 1703 or P&WC S.B. No. 1803, as
applicable.
B. Concurrent Requirements
None.
C. Reason
To provide a recommended basic operating time between overhaul (TBO); to specify a

recommended initial hot section inspection (HSI) frequency; and to describe the TBO
escalation/evaluation process.
D. Description
(1) Time Between Overhaul (TBO) recommendations take into consideration the
average effect of the many variables affecting overhaul life, such as average flight
duration, percentage of time at any given power level, climatic conditions and
environment, maintenance practices, utilization and engine modification standards.
(2) Under extreme conditions of very low utilization, coupled with continuous operation
in salt water atmosphere or heavy sand or dust environment, periodic inspections in
accordance with the applicable maintenance instructions may indicate
maintenance action prior to the recommended overhaul life.
(3) The operator fleet TBO interval may be escalated in increments of 500 Engine
Flight Hours (EFH), subject to the approval of the local Airworthiness Authority.
The TBO escalation process requires a minimum of one (1) satisfactory engine
sample at each subsequent TBO level. The minimum requirements for a satisfactory
engine sample are described below (Ref. Para. 3.A.5 and Para. 3.B.).
E. Compliance
The inspection intervals and overhaul periods provided in this bulletin are the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Airworthiness authorities normally require operators to
follow these recommendations unless alternative arrangements have been made
between the operator and the manufacturer, and approved by the operator’s airworthiness
authority.
P&WC No. N/A

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003
Revision No. 28: Nov 13/2001 © 1973 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Page 1 of 10
PRINTED IN CANADA
SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
1. Planning Information (Cont’d)
F. Approval
Transport Canada has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this Service
Bulletin.
NOTE: The service life values quoted herein are determined by the limiting values
stated on the Pratt & Whitney Canada drawings which form part of the
Department of Transport Aircraft Engine Type Approval for the applicable
engine model. These limiting values are based on the use of P&WC parts
installed on/in the engine. Use of other than P&WC supplied components may
reduce the life limits.
G. Weight and Balance
None.
H. Electrical Load Data
Not changed.
I. Software Accomplishment Summary
Not applicable.
J. References
Applicable PT6A Technical Manuals
Engine Condition Trend Monitoring Analytical Guide Manual 3043607
P&WC S.B. No. 1002, 1303, 1403, 1404, 1505 and 1510
Service Information Letter No. PT6A-107
K. Publications Affected
None.
L. Interchangeability and Intermixability of Parts
Interchangeability - Refer to Para. 2.D.
Intermixability - Not changed.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

Revision No. 28: Nov 13/2001 Page 2 of 10
SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
1. Planning Information (Cont’d)
2. Material Information
A. Industry Support Information
Not applicable.
B. Material - Cost and Availability
Not applicable.
C. Manpower
Not applicable.
D. Material Necessary for Each Engine
Not applicable.
E. Reidentified Parts
None.
F. Tooling - Price and Availability
Not applicable.
3. Accomplishment Instructions
A. Time Between Overhaul (TBO) Recommendations:
(1) Rotor component life limitations outlined in the latest revision of P&WC S.B.
No.1002 override TBO considerations.
(2) The basic industry TBO is published in this SB. All PT6A-6, PT6A-6A, PT6A-6B,
and PT6A-34B engines may be operated to a TBO of 3,600 hours.
All PT6A-25, PT6A-25A, and PT6A-25C engines may be operated to a TBO of
3,000 hours.
The basic TBO may be escalated, on a sampling basis, for the operator’s fleet in
increments not exceeding 500 EFH, subject to the approval of the local Airworthiness
Authority, following a minimum of one (1) satisfactory engine sample at each new
TBO interval.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)
Example: An operator having a basic 3,600 hour TBO will have one
engine time expired, inspected and overhauled at that level,
at the same time requesting a TBO evaluation report from a
P&WC Distributor and Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF).
If the engine proves to be in a satisfactory condition, P&WC
will consider recommending a fleet extension to 4,100
hours.
NOTE: The TBO established by individual operators is independent of the TBO

published for the industry.
(3) Pre-SB1404:
First-stage reduction planet gear bearings must be replaced at each and every
overhaul, or 8,000 hours, whichever occurs first.
(4) Deleted.
(5) Escalation of an operator’s fleet TBO requires a minimum of one (1) sample engine
meeting the following minimum requirements:
(a) The sample engine was operated by the operator for a majority of the TBO
interval (i.e. more than 50% of the current TBO interval).
(b) The sample engine has not had a major shop visit repair since the last
overhaul (where components normally replaced at scheduled overhaul were
replaced, i.e. M/M level repairs only).
(c) The sample engine is within 250 EFH of the operator’s current TBO interval.
(d) The operator requested a TBO evaluation and submitted a completed ‘‘TBO
Evaluation Sample Request Form’’ (copy attached).
(e) The sample engine was disassembled to a detail level and a hardware
evaluation was performed, prior to cleaning the hardware.
(f) The sample engine was evaluated by a P&WC DDOF.
(g) The TBO escalation is subject to the approval of the local Airworthiness
Authority.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
(h) P&WC reserves the right to request additional information on the sample
condition, or further TBO escalation samples, and does not guarantee that the
operator will be granted a TBO escalation.
NOTE: 1. When shipping an engine to a P&WC DDOF as a sample, operators

should state that it is a sample and request a TBO extension
evaluation report.
NOTE: 2. When desiring a TBO extension, operators should submit a formal

request in writing together with sample engine number and
evaluation report to:
1,000 Marie-Victorin
Longueuil Quebec
Canada J4G 1A1
Attention: Manager PT6A Technical Support
NOTE: All TBO extension recommendations are subject to
approval of the local regulatory authority.
(6) Operators who have obtained TBO extension on one engine model covered by this
service bulletin and who later acquire other engine models also covered by this
service bulletin, with the exception of PT6A-25, PT6A-25A and PT6A-25C may apply
this extension to the newly acquired models.
Example: An operator having PT6A-6 engines obtains a TBO of 4,500

hours by adherence to this bulletin purchases aircraft
equipped with PT6A-6A engines. The PT6A-6A engines may
now be operated to a TBO of 4,500 hours.
(7) Basic engine accessories as defined in the applicable Illustrated Parts Catalogs
may be operated to the engine/module TBO plus 500 hours.
NOTE: Where accessories are removed for shop repair and subsequently
reinstalled, operating time since new or overhaul must be recorded on
the repair tag. The operator, and/or the maintenance organization selected
by the operator, must have a system to log the accumulated time.
(8) For engines engaged in crop dusting and other chemical applications, refer to
P&WC S.B. No.1303 as applicable to the appropriate ‘‘AG’’ model.
(9) Compressor turbine disk and compressor turbine blade set must each be submitted
to an overhaul type inspection. Such inspection must include Non Destructive
Testing (NDT) inspection and stretch measurement in accordance with overhaul
manual instructions at the following intervals:
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
(a) Compressor turbine disk with full set of zero time blades installed at last shop
visit, inspect within 5,000 hours.
(b) Compressor turbine disk with full or partial set of previously run compressor
turbine blades installed, inspect within 3,000 hours since last compressor
turbine blade inspection.
(10) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Pilatus PC-7MKII:

Replace the propeller shaft at every overhaul with a new propeller shaft.
(11) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Embraer EMB-312:

Pre-SB1426:
Replace the propeller shaft at overhaul with a new propeller shaft.
Post-SB1426:
Replace the propeller shaft with a new propeller shaft at every third overhaul or
9,000 hours whichever is less.
(12) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Pilatus PC-7MKII:

Pre-SB1510:
Incorporate the third-stage compressor-stator assembly in accordance with SB
No. 1510 at overhaul.
(13) Deleted.
(14) TBO extension recommendations from P&WC are subject to fees per Service
Information Letter (SIL) PT6A-107.
(15) P&WC will no longer endorse requests for on-condition programs on the PT6A
models.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
B. Sampling Process (Ref. Fig. 1):

(1) The aircraft/engine owner/operator must initiate the TBO escalation sampling
process, when one or more of their engines reach the applicable published TBO
limits. The owner/operator will fill out and submit the attached TBO Sample
Request Form to a P&WC DDOF. The owner/operator may request a TBO
contingency of up to 200 EFH, subject to the approval of the local Airworthiness
Authority, for the remaining engines in the fleet. This will permit continued operation
beyond the current TBO interval, while the sample engine is evaluated and
overhauled, provided that engine performance remains satisfactory, in accordance
with the applicable P&WC M/M. This TBO contingency may be requested from
the local P&WC Field Service Representative (FSR).
NOTE: 1. P&WC FSRs are listed on the internet at www.pwc.ca.
NOTE: 2. The P&WC Customer Help Desk may also be contacted to get the name
of the local FSR:
v 1-800-268-8000 (Toll free in Canada or continental US only);
v 8000-268-8000 (International toll free, where available);
v 1-450-647-8000.
(2) The sample engine must be sent to a P&WC DDOF for the TBO evaluation. The
evaluation requires the engine to be disassembled and reviewed, prior to cleaning
the hardware, to determine if the condition of the parts is such that they could
have stayed in service for another 500 EFH. The P&WC DDOF will forward the
evaluation report to P&WC for review and request a TBO escalation.
(3) A successful sample will result in a letter from P&WC to the operator stating that a
TBO escalation of 500 EFH is recommended, subject to the approval of the local
Airworthiness Authority.
(4) The escalated TBO will apply to all other engines in the operator’s fleet covered by
the same TBO SB. The TBO escalation process may be repeated when the next
engine reaches the new escalated TBO interval.
(5) The following example is for two engines installed in one twin-engine aircraft. The
same TBO escalation process is applicable, for two engines installed in two
different twin-engine aircraft, as well as two engines installed in two single-engine
aircraft, in the operator’s fleet. A similar process is applicable for single-engine, single
aircraft operators.
(a) An operator’s engines have a TBO of 3,000 EFH. Both engines on an aircraft
have a time since new (TSN) of 2,990 EFH. The left engine is removed, sent to
a P&WC DDOF and a rental engine is installed. The sampling is successful
and the operator now has a TBO of 3,500 EFH thereby allowing the right engine
to continue to 3,500 EFH.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
(b) The operator will then have overhauled one engine instead of two. The
operator will also have deferred the second overhaul by 500 EFH, should they
continue to operate the same aircraft or other aircraft with the same family
of engines, to the extended TBO interval (covered by the same TBO SB).
(c) If the operator continues to operate the aircraft, the right engine will be removed
for overhaul and sampling at TSN of 3,500 EFH. Successful sampling will
extend the operator’s fleet TBO to 4,000 EFH. As a result the operator has now
escalated his fleet TBO by 1,000 EFH (3,000 to 4,000 EFH) by staggering
the overhauls. If both engines had been overhauled at the same time, the fleet
TBO would have only been escalated to 3,500 EFH. Therefore, the benefits
of using this approach for the operator are two-fold:
1 Deferral of one overhaul by 500 EFH.
2 Escalation of operator’s TBO interval by 1,000 EFH.
(6) Contact the local FSR for additional information.
NOTE: 1. P&WC FSRs are listed on the internet at www.pwc.ca.
NOTE: 2. The P&WC Customer Help Desk may also be contacted to get the name
of the local FSR:
v 1-800-268-8000 (Toll free in Canada or continental US only);

v 8000-268-8000 (International toll free, where available);
v 1-450-647-8000.
C. Hot Section Inspection (HSI) Frequency
(1) P&WC recommends to perform the HSI within 50 EFH of the scheduled HSI
interval. The HSI interval does not increase, as the TBO is escalated.
(2) All PT6A engines may be operated to a scheduled HSI interval.
(3) Alternatively, the HSI frequency may be based on Engine Condition Trend
Monitoring in accordance with the Service Information Letter (SIL) Gen-055
Guidelines and Standards for Utilizing the Engine Condition Trend Monitoring
(ECTMT) software for the model concerned.
(4) If trend monitoring is introduced part way through engine life, a compressor wash
and HSI must be accomplished to establish a performance base line.
(5) Scheduled HSI intervals, if selected are:
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
(a) PT6A-6, PT6A-6A, PT6A-6B, and PT6A-34B = 1,800 hours
(b) PT6A-25, PT6A-25A and PT6A-25C = 1,500 hours
4. Appendix
Not applicable.
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

SERVICE BULLETIN
P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28
TURBOPROP ENGINE
C72341
TBO Evaluation Sample Request Form
Figure 1
Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003


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PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA

BULLETIN INDEX LOCATOR

Compliance: Refer to Para. 1.E. in the Service Bulletin

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

P&WC S.B. No. 1003R28

REVISION TRANSMITTAL SHEET

SUMMARY: This service bulletin is revised to:

EFFECT OF REVISION ON PRIOR ACCOMPLISHMENT:

v P&WC S.B. No. 1803;

For PT6A-114 and PT6A-114A Engines,

v P&WC S.B. No. 1703.

To provide a recommended basic operating time between overhaul (TBO); to specify a

P&WC No. N/A

1. Planning Information (Cont’d)

G. Weight and Balance

H. Electrical Load Data

I. Software Accomplishment Summary

L. Interchangeability and Intermixability of Parts

Interchangeability - Refer to Para. 2.D.

Intermixability - Not changed.

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

1. Planning Information (Cont’d)

A. Industry Support Information

B. Material - Cost and Availability

D. Material Necessary for Each Engine

F. Tooling - Price and Availability

A. Time Between Overhaul (TBO) Recommendations:

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

NOTE: The TBO established by individual operators is independent of the TBO

(f) The sample engine was evaluated by a P&WC DDOF.

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

NOTE: 1. When shipping an engine to a P&WC DDOF as a sample, operators

NOTE: 2. When desiring a TBO extension, operators should submit a formal

Example: An operator having PT6A-6 engines obtains a TBO of 4,500

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

(10) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Pilatus PC-7MKII:

(11) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Embraer EMB-312:

(12) For the PT6A-25C engines installed on the Pilatus PC-7MKII:

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

B. Sampling Process (Ref. Fig. 1):

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

1 Deferral of one overhaul by 500 EFH.

2 Escalation of operator’s TBO interval by 1,000 EFH.

(6) Contact the local FSR for additional information.

NOTE: 1. P&WC FSRs are listed on the internet at www.pwc.ca.

v 1-800-268-8000 (Toll free in Canada or continental US only);

C. Hot Section Inspection (HSI) Frequency

(2) All PT6A engines may be operated to a scheduled HSI interval.

(5) Scheduled HSI intervals, if selected are:

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003

3. Accomplishment Instructions (Cont’d)

(a) PT6A-6, PT6A-6A, PT6A-6B, and PT6A-34B = 1,800 hours

(b) PT6A-25, PT6A-25A and PT6A-25C = 1,500 hours

Dec 01/1973 PT6A-72-1003