FAA Orders Fixes on GEnx-Equipped Boeing 787 Dreamliners | Aviation International News

FAA Orders Fixes on GEnx-Equipped Boeing 787 Dreamliners

The airworthiness directive requires that airplanes with two GEnx-1B PIP2 engines have one fixed or replaced in 150 days.

GEnx-1B PIP 2 engines could be susceptible to damage from heavy fan blade rubs, according to the FAA. (Photo: Bill Carey)

April 25, 2016

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered Boeing to revise flight manual procedures and carry out repairs to 787-8 and -9 Dreamliners fitted with General Electric GEnx-1B engines to prevent damage caused by fan ice shedding. The expedited airworthiness directive (AD) affects an estimated 100 to 150 airplanes; about 30 airplanes have already been repaired, according to GE Aviation.

The AD follows a March directive that was prompted by a report of a “significant fan rub” event on a 787 equipped with the GEnx-1B performance improvement program (PIP) 2 engine. The in-flight event was apparently caused by fan-ice shedding at 20,000 feet, which caused a fan imbalance that substantially damaged and shut down the engine. The airplane’s other engine was an older design GEnx-1B PIP1 powerplant that sustained minor damage during the icing event but continued to operate normally.

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