Longer Time On Wing, No Scheduled Hot Section Inspections Or Overhauls

GE Aviation has made an on-wing engine upgrade program available for certain configurations of the CF34-3A2 engine, which will allow the engines to go from a hard-time maintenance schedule to an on-condition maintenance schedule. The upgraded engines will have longer time on wing and greatly reduced maintenance costs with no scheduled hot section inspections or overhauls.

"Offered as part of GE Aviation's OnPoint solution agreement, the new on-wing engine upgrade is an improvement to the CF34 modernization program released four years ago and is backed by all the assurances included in our services agreements," said Bill Hoernschemeyer, general manager of Business and General Aviation Sales at GE Aviation. "This new program for CF34-3A2 engines can be accomplished without a shop visit if the engine configuration meets the requirements specified in the bulletin. Converting these scheduled maintenance engines to on-condition will increase the time on wing for the engine, reduce maintenance expenses and improve the aircraft's resale value."

The new on-wing upgrade is available for 36 CF34-3A2 engines that are in service on Challenger 601 aircraft.

Challenger 601 File Photo

The original CF34 modernization program is available for all CF34-1A and -3A and all remaining CF34-3A2 engines. This upgrade must be performed during an overhaul at GE's Strother facility, a GE Branded Service facility, or other GE-authorized shop. For these CF34 engines, GE says the upgrade involves the replacement of the engine's existing honeycomb shrouds in the high pressure turbine with advanced steel shrouds and the addition of a borescope port. The combustor liner will also be replaced with a more durable liner.

With the upgrade, the engines will be fully on-condition with next unscheduled shop visit typically driven by the cycle limited parts lives.

FMI: www.geae.com