Engine Powers Some Airbus A320neo Aircraft

Pratt & Whitney has released a revised configuration as a solution to the issue relating to a knife edge seal on the High Pressure Compressor (HPC) aft hub which affected a limited subpopulation of the PW1100G-JM engine that powers the Airbus A320neo aircraft.

EASA issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive regarding Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by the engines following what the agency described as “several occurrences of engine in-flight shut-downs (IFSD) and rejected take-offs involving A320neo aircraft."

According to the Emergency AD: “While investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause, preliminary findings indicate that the affected engines, which have high pressure compressor aft hub modification embodied from ESN P770450, are more susceptible to IFSD.”

The solution is based on a design with which the company has significant experience, and this solution has received all necessary regulatory approvals. Pratt & Whitney has begun implementing this solution and production engine deliveries incorporating this change will begin in early March.

The company said in a statement that it will continue to work with Airbus and its mutual airline customers to minimize operational disruption.

(Image provided with Pratt & Whitney news release)

FMI: www.utc.com