EASA AD US-2018-14-10
Fuel Control Turbine Engines - Electronic Engine Control Software - Installation
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-14-10 addresses certain Pratt & Whitney PW2037, PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan engines. This final rule mandates the installation of updated electronic engine control (EEC) software standards to prevent unsafe conditions caused by ice crystal icing events leading to unrecoverable engine in-flight shutdowns. The directive applies to engines installed on U.S.-registered aircraft and provides instructions for compliance and software installation.
What Changed
This AD supersedes the previous AD 2017-12-03 by expanding the required EEC software standards eligible for installation and prohibiting the use of earlier software versions than SCN 5B/I or SCN 27A for specific EEC part numbers. It clarifies installation prohibitions by identifying affected EEC part numbers and updates the estimated number of affected engines and associated labor costs. The compliance criteria remain based on engine shop visits rather than EEC shop visits.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to mitigate the risk of engine failure due to ice crystal icing, which can cause in-flight shutdowns. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft. Accurate tracking and timely software updates help prevent operational disruptions and enhance engine reliability, especially for flights operating in regions prone to icing conditions.
What To Do
Operators of Pratt & Whitney PW2037, PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan engines must install the approved EEC software standards no earlier than SCN 5B/I or SCN 27A depending on the EEC part number. Compliance must be achieved by September 28, 2018, with final compliance no later than July 1, 2024. The software upgrade should be performed during scheduled engine shop visits to minimize operational impact.
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