Aircraft
GEnx Operators Face Risk of High-altitude Icing
Ice crystals can penetrate deep into an engine and cause serious mischief. (Photo: NASA)
Ice crystals can penetrate deep into an engine and cause serious mischief. (Photo: NASA)

Boeing has advised GEnx engine operators that it is revising the 787’s and the 747-8’s flight manuals to prohibit flight within 50 nm of thunderstorms that may contain ice crystals. Following Boeing’s recommendation, Japan Airlines immediately announced it would switch aircraft on two routes. From April to November, GEnx-powered aircraft suffered six engine-icing events, according to a GE statement. All aircraft landed at their planned destinations, said the engine maker, and none of the incidents involved in-flight shutdowns–only temporary thrust losses.