Will Warn Operators Of Icing Issue On Dreamliner, 747-8 Engines

The FAA is expected to issue an AD this week warning airlines flying Dreamliners and 747-8 airplanes powered by GEnx engines to avoid flying near towering thunderstorms. There have been several reports of ice building up behind the first compressor fan of the engines in such conditions, and the ingested ice has led to a temporary reduction of power in the engines.

While none of the affected engines has stopped operating and all flights have landed safely, the FAA said it would be taking the "interim" action "to make sure pilots avoid icing conditions that could affect engine power and possibly damage the engine," according to a report from Reuters.

The FAA said it is working closely with Boeing and GE to develop a permanent solution. Boeing said late last week that it hopes the problem can be resolved through updated control and engine software.

Dreamliners powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines are not affected. The 747-8 uses the GEnx engines exclusively.

FMI: www.faa.gov