Old aircraft engines need more frequent crack checks, not fewer

The US aviation regulator is changing inspection rules for certain aircraft engines. Instead of a single inspection, these engines now need repeated checks for cracks in their compressor cases.

Aircraft engine parts wear out. Regulators usually try to find the right balance between safety and cost. This change means that the manufacturer's initial assessment of how long a part could go without inspection was too optimistic. Now, operators will have to spend more on maintenance to keep these engines flying safely.