Engines of Business Jets May Have Cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration will order an emergency inspection of jet engines used in thousands of business aircraft for cracks that could lead to engine explosions, officials said Wednesday.

Some corporate jets could be grounded because only a small number of maintenance facilities are certified to perform the sophisticated inspections, industry spokesmen said.

Much depends on how rapidly the FAA requires the inspections. The order is being debated within the agency, sources said, and is expected to be issued next week. One option being considered is that inspections take place within an aircraft’s next 50 flights.

Robert Buckhorn, an FAA spokesman, confirmed that the agency is working on an emergency airworthiness directive but said it is not yet in final form.

The engines, manufactured by the Garrett Engine Division of Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., are used on Jetstar aircraft, Learjet 35s, Falcons, some Sabreliners and other business aircraft.