JT15D Engines Spring 2000

• Use Your Cell Phone & Flight Phone
• Engine Igniters
• Stiff Throttles
• JT15D Support Programs

Use Your Cell Phone & Flight Phone

A customer recently called Duncan to discuss an engine discrepancy at 35,000 feet while on a trip. The pilot phoned a Duncan technical representative who asked him to perform some basic engine operations. This provided some real time flight data. This flight data was a big help while troubleshooting the problem.

Once the aircraft landed, the discrepancy went away. This made the information gathered in flight even more valuable. The engine discrepancy was discovered, and the aircraft was repaired and returned to service. Fortunately, little time was spent on the ground because of the use of flight and cell phones to communicate with ground maintenance personnel. Data received and troubleshooting processes performed in flight are extremely valuable and can save operators downtime and money. Feel free to use those cell phones and flight phones to give Duncan a call anytime for help while in the air.

The next time your at 35,000 feet and you need to contact a Duncan tech rep, please contact Ken Kuchenreuther in BTL at 800.525.2376 or Doug Alleman in LNK at 800.228.4277.

Engine Igniters

This is the season for extended usage of the JT15D ignition system. Be sure to inspect the igniter plugs as required and make sure they have plenty of life remaining until the next inspection interval. Igniter plugs that are worn beyond limits can damage the leads and exciter boxes, causing engine start failure. In extreme cases, pieces from the worn igniter plugs can depart during operation and damage the engine.

For more information about engine igniters, please contact Ken Kuchenreuther in BTL at 800.525.2376 or Doug Alleman in LNK at 800.228.4277.

Stiff Throttles

Throttles on JT15D powered aircraft may become increasingly difficult to move after many hours of use. Pilots often notice discrepancies that may be related to stiff throttles. These discrepancies include high idles, slow response or failure of the engine synchronization system and general lack of performance. In most cases, these problems can be corrected with minimal downtime by removing and lubricating the aft throttle cables and properly rigging the engines. Occasionally, the flow divider Orings may require replacement.

JT15D Support Programs

These P&W Commercial Support Programs terminate in 2000. The programs were introduced to reduce costs associated with specific repairs identified by P&W and should be considered during maintenance opportunities.

1. A94016R4-Diffuser Pipe Replacement: This program offers assistance to those operators who are required to replace the diffuser pipes, by offering the repair standard pipes, clamps, bolts and deflector ring at a discount. Program terminates Dec. 31, 2000.
2. A94023-Intermediate Case Replacement: This program offers commercial support to operators where the intermediate case is discovered to be cracked beyond acceptable repair limits and must be replaced. Program terminates Nov. 30, 2000.
3. A95024-Outer By-Pass Duct Rear Flange Crack Repair: Replacement of outer by-pass duct due to cracking of the rear flange. Program terminates June 30, 2000.
4. C87006R2-Gas Generator Replacement: A new gas generator case featuring redefined diffuser exit ducts, improved sealing and a flexible No. 3 bearing scavenge tube is introduced. This program offers the new gas generator case at a special discount of list less 70%. Program terminates Dec. 31, 2000.

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