PW500 Series Engines Operated Infrequently and Use of 3rd Generation Oil
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators should familiarize themselves with Pratt & Whitney Service Information Letter PW500-045R1 and any subsequent revisions. They must consult the latest maintenance manual amendments for approved lubricants and operate engines according to the latest manufacturer instructions. Reporting any defects or malfunctions to Transport Canada Continuing Airworthiness is mandatory. No explicit compliance deadline is stated.
Summary
CASA 2015-03 is a Civil Aviation Safety Alert issued by Transport Canada addressing Pratt & Whitney PW500 series engines operated infrequently and the use of 3rd generation engine oil. The alert warns of potential engine oil loss and shutdown due to seal deterioration caused by 3rd generation oils combined with infrequent engine operation. This issue affects operators, maintainers, and owners of PW500 series engines.
What changed
This alert introduces a safety concern regarding the use of 3rd generation oils in PW500 series engines, which has led to seal deterioration and oil loss during infrequent operation. Pratt & Whitney Canada has removed 3rd generation oils from the list of approved lubricants in the PW500 engine maintenance manuals. Operators are advised to follow updated maintenance instructions and approved lubricant lists.
Why it matters
The issue is critical because oil loss can cause engine shutdowns, potentially leading to dual engine failures, which is a serious safety risk. Operators and maintenance personnel must be aware of this to prevent in-flight engine shutdowns and ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations. Proper lubricant selection and adherence to operating instructions are essential to maintain engine reliability and safety.
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