Saturday, December 01, 2018

DGCA on Pratt engines for A320 Neos: Studying engine vibration issue


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New Delhi: Three of the 84 Airbus A320 new engine option (Neo) powered by Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines were grounded earlier this week (on November 27) awaiting engine replacement. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday gave a status report on PW-powered Neos, a combination used in India by IndiGo and GoAir, and said it “has ensured the safety of aircraft operations is not compromised at any stage”.

PW’s engines for the Neos have been constantly facing technical snags that have been addressed by the engine manufacturer and European and American regulators. “In addition to (earlier) issues, there have been few cases of engine vibrations, low-pressure turbine (LPT) blade damage. Airlines have referred the matter to the engine manufacturer. DGCA would consider issuing necessary instructions upon receipt of the report from the engine manufacturer,” the DGCA’s public notice issued Friday said.

In a statement, PW said, the three planes of GoAir were grounded till earlier this week (on November 27) and now the figure was at one on Friday morning. However, this figure keeps varying from time to time depending on the number of Neos grounded due to PW engine snags and/or PW engine replacement.
“PW has worked closely with its A320 Neo operators including IndiGo and GoAir, to keep their aircraft flying while continuing to retrofit the fleet to the latest engine configuration. These upgrades are providing significant improvements in engine reliability and durability. With the objective to support increased aircraft availability, the company has provided spare engines and continues to ramp up engines returned from maintenance overhauls. Engine deliveries are on schedule and Pratt & Whitney is on track to meet its commitments to Airbus. In addition, since December of 2017, all new engines Pratt & Whitney ships include the latest upgrades. Pratt & Whitney will continue to work closely with Airbus and our joint customers to make sure they have the latest engines to support aircraft deliveries and operational commitments.”
01/12/18 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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