Suresh Prabhu directs DGCA to submit a report on grounding of A320 Neos
Concerned that grounding of Airbus 320 (neos) powered by Pratt & Whitney engines may lead to safety issues, aviation minister Suresh Prabhu has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a report on grounding of these aircraft.
In a statement, Prabhu said “Security of passengers is of paramount importance and should not be compromised at any cost.”
The minister sought a report from the DGCA after reports that seven IndiGo Airbus 320 (neos) were grounded due to unavailability of spare engines.
The statement from the government added that the aviation regulator informed the ministry that there are 60 A320 Neos with P&W engines (41 with IndiGo and 19 with GoAir).
“As on date, 07 with Indigo and 02 with Go Air are on ground. These groundings are due to combustor distress found during routine scheduled boro scope inspection. These are all Block B combustors. As and when combustor distress is found beyond laid down limits, aircraft is removed from service for engine replacement. A320neos inducted after March 2018 are coming with P&W engines fitted with Block C combustors which has better life. Engines coming from shop are also fitted with Block C combustors,” the statement added.
The DGCA also informed the minister that the manufacturer (P&W) have taken measures to address significant problems of Engines related to combustion chambers distress and No 3 bearing issues by replacing Block B combustion chambers with Block C and providing dry face bearing seals. These measures have significantly reduced the engine problems, the statement read.
The DGCA has also informed the ministry that there are no safety concerns with the engines and distress is found during routine scheduled boro scope inspections of these engines.
“These engines are being continuously monitored and safety issues are addressed adequately. DGCA and airlines remain in touch with the manufacturer on the issue. No additional measure is required to be taken,” the statement added.
In a statement, Prabhu said “Security of passengers is of paramount importance and should not be compromised at any cost.”
The minister sought a report from the DGCA after reports that seven IndiGo Airbus 320 (neos) were grounded due to unavailability of spare engines.
The statement from the government added that the aviation regulator informed the ministry that there are 60 A320 Neos with P&W engines (41 with IndiGo and 19 with GoAir).
“As on date, 07 with Indigo and 02 with Go Air are on ground. These groundings are due to combustor distress found during routine scheduled boro scope inspection. These are all Block B combustors. As and when combustor distress is found beyond laid down limits, aircraft is removed from service for engine replacement. A320neos inducted after March 2018 are coming with P&W engines fitted with Block C combustors which has better life. Engines coming from shop are also fitted with Block C combustors,” the statement added.
The DGCA also informed the minister that the manufacturer (P&W) have taken measures to address significant problems of Engines related to combustion chambers distress and No 3 bearing issues by replacing Block B combustion chambers with Block C and providing dry face bearing seals. These measures have significantly reduced the engine problems, the statement read.
The DGCA has also informed the ministry that there are no safety concerns with the engines and distress is found during routine scheduled boro scope inspections of these engines.
“These engines are being continuously monitored and safety issues are addressed adequately. DGCA and airlines remain in touch with the manufacturer on the issue. No additional measure is required to be taken,” the statement added.
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