Let’s Talk Engine Low Utilization Inspections
According to Embraer Phenom Specialists at West Star Aviation, a recurring comment they hear from operators time and again is that if their engines have been through a Hot Section inspection, they believe a Low Utilization Inspection is not required.
This is simply not the case. The LUI is actually a Pratt & Whitney inspection requirement.
A low utilization engine is defined as an engine that has not been subject to disassembly and inspection of both the hot section and the cold section at an approved facility by the end of the service intervals listed below.
Note: An additional one month or 10 flight hours, whichever comes first, is permitted for scheduling purposes for the initial LUI and the 24 mo LUI intervals. These inspections are in addition to the 12 mo/800 hr engine inspections.
Let’s Get Specific
For the P&W PW617F-E engines on the Phenom 100:
- The engine LUI is due at the end of 12 yrs since entry into service/overhaul or 13 yrs since engine manufacture, whichever comes first.
- Subsequent LUIs are due every 24 mo provided the visual inspections, borescope inspections, and performance calibration runs are satisfactory.
- The LUI is done on-wing.
The LUI procedure for PW617F-E engines:
- External wash, hand wash the LP Compressor, and Compressor Wash–Desalination tasks
- Engine calibration task
- Borescope inspection of the following components: HP Compressor Rotor, HP Compressor Impeller, Diffuser Exit Duct assemblies, and Fuel Nozzles
For the P&W PW535E engines on the Phenom 300:
- The engine LUI is due 10 yrs since entry into service/overhaul or 11 yrs since engine manufacture, whichever comes first.
- Subsequent LUIs are due every 24 mo provided the visual inspections, borescope inspections, and performance calibration runs are satisfactory.
- The LUI is done on-wing.
The LUI procedure for PW535E engines:
- External wash, fan wash, and desalination wash
- Inspect for corrosion of structural cases, ducts
- Performance calibration run
- Borescope inspection of the following components: HP Compressor and Diffuser Exit Ducts
West Star Aviation is an Authorized Embraer Base Maintenance Service Center and Warranty provider for most Embraer models. If you have additional questions on the Embraer Phenom Low Utilization Inspection or on any of West Star Aviation’s Embraer capabilities, please contact one of the specialists below:
Kevin Hand
Technical Sales Manager, Embraer
(ALN)
Cell: 618.823.3062
khand@wsa.aero
Joe Carr
Technical Sales Manager
(GJT)
Embraer/Turbo Prop
Office: 970.248.5250
jcarr@wsa.aero
Connor Mottice
Technician Sales Manager
(CHA)
Office 423.320.6156
cmottice@wsa.aero
Jeff Messmer
Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero
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