Who establishes mandatory replacement times for critical components of turbine engines?

The engine manufacturer is responsible for establishing mandatory replacement times for critical components of turbine engines. This practice is grounded in the manufacturer's extensive testing and research during the development of the engine. The manufacturer conducts rigorous analysis to determine component durability, performance under stress, and overall safety. As a result, they provide guidelines that ensure safe operation and maintenance of the engine throughout its lifecycle.

These established replacement times are based on empirical data and regulatory requirements, ensuring that components are replaced before they reach a critical state that could lead to failure. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining airworthiness and safety in aviation. While the FAA regulates and oversees compliance with safety standards and may endorse manufacturer recommendations, it is the manufacturer that directly specifies the intervals based on their detailed engineering analyses. Thus, the mandatory replacement times reflect the manufacturer's expertise in their specific turbine engine models.