Tue, Dec 01, 2009
NTSB Recommended Rapid Replacement Of Some Engine Parts Subject
To Icing
The FAA has declined to prevent some 130 B777 airliners from
flying long-distance routes before the replacement of some engine
parts that have, in extremely rare cases, iced up during flight and
caused engine shutdowns. The NTSB had recommended that at least
some of the suspect parts be replaced by the end of this year, but
the FAA will allow the aircraft to keep flying through early
2011.
The long-simmering debate over the Rolls-Royce engines involves
parts that can ice over and restrict fuel flow, which can lead to
engine shutdown. The FAA said one reason for the longer regulatory
deadline is the lack of availability of the parts, though the NTSB
had pushed to have at least one of the two engines on each of the
affected aircraft to be re-built no later than mid-2010. Some
carriers are voluntarily moving forward with a repair plan as
quickly as possible, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The issues are most likely to occur during long-duration high
altitude flights over polar regions. Only three events have been
recorded in over one million flights, according to the FAA. In one,
though, a British Airways 777 went down short of the runway at
Heathrow in London, injuring 13 people. In another, a Delta flight
experienced a reduction in power in one engine that was quickly
rectified.
Rolls-Royce says it is cooperating with both Boeing and Airbus,
which also uses the suspect engine, to analyze the problem.
The NTSB said the extended phase-in of the repair was not
consistent with the risk involved should an engine fail.
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