EASA SIB NE-20-09: Pratt & Whitney PW1500G Engines - Turbine Engine Compressor Section

What to do

Operators of PW1500G engines should upgrade their FADEC software to version V2.11.9.2 as required by AD 2020-07-02 and implement continuous monitoring of LPC performance following the procedures in the Engine Maintenance Manual PW1000G-A-71-00-00-02B-030A-A. There is no specific compliance deadline beyond the AD mandate, but ongoing vigilance is recommended to detect and address LPC stalls promptly.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: NE-20-09 provides guidance regarding Pratt & Whitney PW1500G turbofan engines, specifically focusing on the turbine engine compressor section. It advises operators to monitor the Low Pressure Compressor (LPC) performance after upgrading to FADEC software version V2.11.9.2, which complies with AD 2020-07-02. The bulletin highlights recent LPC Rotor 1 failures and related in-flight shutdowns but clarifies that no unsafe condition currently warrants a new airworthiness directive.

What changed

This bulletin informs operators about the requirement to remove older FADEC software versions and upgrade to version V2.11.9.2 as mandated by AD 2020-07-02. It introduces a recommendation to continuously monitor LPC operating performance to detect deteriorated or dirty compressors that could lead to recoverable LPC stalls at the top of climb. The bulletin also references Pratt & Whitney's monitoring method described in the Engine Maintenance Manual.

Why it matters

This information is critical for aviation professionals because LPC Rotor 1 failures have caused in-flight engine shutdowns, impacting flight safety and operational reliability. Continuous monitoring helps identify compressor degradation early, preventing potential engine stalls and ensuring compliance with FAA mandates. Maintenance and compliance teams must be aware of the software upgrade requirements and the need for ongoing performance monitoring to maintain engine airworthiness.