After Mid-Air Shutdowns, DGCA Restricts IndiGo And GoAir From Using A320 Neo Planes Powered By PW Engines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on January 17, 2019, banned Airbus A320 Neos with Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines flying to Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) or any other overseas route, where an emergency landing place is over sixty minutes away during any point in its entire journey over the ocean, said a senior regulatory official, reported Live Mint.

The bar is imposed on IndiGo and GoAir that uses PW engines

This development came amidst the ongoing PW engines problems, which also consists of mid-air shutdowns. The Civil Aviation Ministry on January 8, 2019, checked the performance of A320 neo planes which were powered with PW 1100 series engines.

In the meeting, it was decided to provide instructions in addition to the present measures associated with combustion chambers and No.3 bearing issues for finding and correcting impending failures of dry face seal. The two carriers have been asked to carry out several inspections of the PW engines, including weekly scrutinisation of the 3rd stage LPT blade.

Cockpit crew to identify the cause of Burning

The communication further said that for new engines, several inspections have to be done at the first oil filter change. The communication stated that the engines that have less than 1,000 Flight Hour (FH) and has the first oil filter changed should perform BSI at next opportunity or a check.

The regulator body has further asked airlines to create awareness among cabin and cockpit crew regarding odour, burning smell, and smoke during approach phase and positive reporting to cockpit crew for necessary action. The watchdog said that if any odour or smoke is noticed in air-conditioning pack air, the cockpit crew is recommended to find the source of odour by isolating packs one at a time. The regulator body mentioned that all these cases should be recorded for better investigation in future.

Also Read: For Cancelling Tickets Without Notice, GoAir Asked To Pay Over Rs 98,000 To Mumbai Resident