Engines
FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise
One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

The FAA has proposed special conditions for certification of the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW220A engine featuring an idle cruise regime (ICR). The PW220A will have a unique design when installed in a twin-engine, transport-category helicopter, allowing one engine to power the aircraft during cruise while the other runs at a low-idle condition. Comments are due by Oct. 9, 2026.

Because airworthiness standards don’t address the ICR concept, the FAA proposed special conditions so the engine can meet a safety level equal to that of existing standards. P&WC applied for certification on Nov. 16, 2021, and applied for an extension on May 7, 2025. The 2021 type certification basis still applies, although P&WC will have to meet the special conditions.

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