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TFE731 Winter 2004
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Removal Authorization For Margin Restoration
— Mike Healzer
This article is a condensed version of a letter and detailed procedure available at Honeywell's website www.e-engines.honeywell.com. Once at this site, select Communications, then TFE731 Communications and several documents will appear. The title of this document is Performance Removal Policy (Operators).
There have been occasions in which TFE731 engines have been removed from aircraft due to low performance indications without proper troubleshooting procedures being conducted. Without conducting proper troubleshooting steps, the margin restoration process can become more difficult, and in some cases, engines may be removed needlessly due to nonengine- related issues. This letter is intended to clarify and document the appropriate procedures to be followed by operators and Service Centers when there is an engine ITT or N2 low performance problem reported.
Low Performance Troubleshooting Process
- Interview operator to determine where and what performance limitations exist; be specific. Identify which parameter, N2, ITT or both and under which operating condition the limiting occurs, i.e. ITT on takeoff on hot day conditions.
- Contact Jet-Care to determine if this is a recent adverse trend.
- Troubleshoot aircraft systems (See attached sheet - Appendix A in the e-engine website)
- If Aircraft systems check out okay, proceed with Engine troubleshooting process
- Obtain engine troubleshooting guidelines (from e-engine website: e-engine.honeywell.com - SPOTLIGHT)
- Complete in-flight data sheet with anti-ice off (See attached sheet - Appendix C in the e-engine website)
- Conduct 5 point run with bleeds off (un-blocked)
- Conduct 5 point run with bleeds blocked at engine
- Obtain and evaluate any 5 point data from previous events
- Obtain and evaluate last test cell data
- Contact Honeywell Customer Support or your local FSE to discuss the issues "PRIOR TO" removing the engine in question
- Document all actions taken to resolve problem Failure to adhere to the approved troubleshooting procedures described in this letter may result in a rejection of warranty claims filed for the associated event.
The TFE731 experts at Duncan Aviation can assist you through this process. For help at any time, please contact our TFE731 technical representatives 800.228.4277 in Lincoln or 800.525.2376 in Battle Creek.
Service Bulletin TFE731-72-5168
— Mike Healzer
Honeywell has released a service bulletin (SB) applicable to TFE731- 60-1C engines installed on Falcon 900EX aircraft.
This SB was created due to cracking/ separation of the bleed/service strut boss from the fan bypass duct shell at the 3 and/or 9 o'clock positions. Movement of the bleed/service strut boss relative to the fan bypass duct shell can allow disengagement or damage of the oil transfer tube o-rings, with subsequent loss of engine oil.
The SB provides instructions to inspect the adhesive fillet interface at these strut bosses. The inspection is required at the next opportunity, not to exceed the next 150 hour routine periodic inspection.
The SB requires completion of an "engineering feedback worksheet," which is to be faxed to Honeywell within 24 hours of the inspection. Results of the inspection vary from replacement of the fan bypass duct prior to next flight to a reinspection of the area at intervals specified by the SB. Fan bypass duct replacement requires removal of the engine.
If the engine is still under warranty, and the fan duct requires replacement, Honeywell covers the price of the part and labor to replace it. New engine warranty for the dash 60 engines is seventy-eight (78) months from the date of shipment by Honeywell or sixty (60) months from the date aircraft is put into commercial use or three thousand (3,000) engine operating hours after initial operation, whichever occurs first. A Honeywell Special Program is available for engines out of warranty.
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