EAGLE EYES

Quality Lessons Learned

EVALUATION OF HIDDEN WELD CHARACTERISTICS
Background:
Recently there was an escape related to the incorrect evaluation of a weld, where the root side of the groove weld was inaccessible for inspection. Additionally, the engineering drawing had a note indicating that hidden weld requirements apply per PWA 16 for this weld. The supplier did not recognize the need to have an approved quality plan, as required per PWA 16, and therefore had none in place. Although it is sometimes subjective as to when hidden weld requirements apply per PWA 16, when it is clearly stated on the engineering drawing, Quality Assurance approval of the method and frequency of testing is always required. It should also be noted that hidden welds can sometimes be called out in the QAD through VIS 158. When VIS 158 applies a method of substantiating the hidden weld characteristics is also required, but Pratt & Whitney Quality Assurance approval is not required.

Action Required:
All MCL SQEs and/or SQRs are to ensure that when hidden weld characteristics are identified, there is an approved quality plan per applicable requirement Please contact Dag Lindland at 860-565-4282 if there are any questions.

(EAR Export Classification ECCN: 9E991)

No. 12-04

DATE March 20, 2012