Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2022-27-04

Engine Controls - Electronic Engine Control Full Authority Digital Engine Control Software - Replacement

Published: Jan 3, 2023
Effective: Jan 31, 2023
Deadline: Jan 31, 2024

Pratt & Whitney PW1500G

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of affected Pratt & Whitney PW1000G series engines must verify the installed EEC FADEC software version and, if earlier than V2.11.14.1, replace it with the approved updated software. This replacement must be completed within 12 months from the effective date of January 31, 2023. Stakeholders should coordinate with maintenance providers to schedule and perform the software upgrade promptly to maintain airworthiness.

Summary

The document titled "Engine Controls - Electronic Engine Control Full Authority Digital Engine Control Software - Replacement" is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA affecting Pratt & Whitney PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521G-3, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 turbofan engines. It addresses an unsafe condition caused by uncommanded dual engine shutdowns upon landing due to certain versions of the electronic engine control (EEC) full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software. The directive mandates updating the EEC FADEC software to a safer version to prevent compromised braking capability and potential runway excursions.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive requires removal of specific earlier versions of the EEC FADEC software and replacement with version V2.11.14.1 or later. It introduces updated software that corrects the thrust control malfunction logic to prevent erroneous engine shutdowns triggered by transient thrust disagreements during landing. This is a new regulation rather than an amendment, aimed at mitigating the identified unsafe condition.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that can lead to dual engine shutdowns and loss of hydraulic power during landing, compromising aircraft braking performance. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain safe operations and avoid runway excursions. Compliance also ensures adherence to FAA regulatory requirements and helps prevent costly incidents or accidents.

More for Pratt & Whitney PW1500G

All 13

Get the next one by email

New ADs and bulletins for Pratt & Whitney PW1500G, summarized like this page, every Monday.