After IndiGo, GoAir now asked to replace faulty PW engines: DGCA

After IndiGo, the aviation regulator DGCA has asked GoAir to replace the faulty Pratt and Whitney engines 13 aircraft. This notification is issued for the engines of A320 Neo aircraft that have been used for more than 3000 hours. DGCA has asked GoAir to follow suit after a warning was issued to the IndiGo Airlines on Monday.  

DGCA’s statement after discussions with GoAir 

DGCA has issued a statement after discussions with the Go Air team, saying, “We had day-long checks and deliberations and based on that, we have decided that all aircrafts which have unmodified LPT engines, and have done more than 3000 hours  in each case, have to be fitted with one modified LPT engine in next fifteen days and their number is about 13. Failing which, all these aircraft shall be grounded. This has been done after studying the pattern and evaluating the risk.” 

Read: DGCA asks Indigo to replace A320 Neo plane Pratt and Whitney engines

DGCA’s assessment of IndiGo airlines  

DGCA took this step in the month of October after the three incidents of A320’s engine shut down were reported. These IndiGo aircraft were fitted with Pratt and Whitney engines. The incidents occurred on three consecutive days from October 24 to 26. A DGCA team visited IndiGo office on the 28th of October to review the maintenance and safety data followed by a meeting with senior IndiGo team members including the COO, safety and maintenance heads.  After the discussions, IndiGo was instructed to stop operating the Neo aircraft with two ‘Pratt and Whitney 1100 series’ engines that has been used for more than 3000 hours. The regulator has warned the airline that the A320 Neo aircraft would have to be grounded if the changes are not completed in the next 15 days. 

Read: Former Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube joins GoAir in an advisory role

Issues with the Pratt and Whitney engines 

IndiGo has a fleet of 245 aircraft that include 89 A320 Neos. These are powered by Pratt and Whitney (PW) engines and have been facing low-pressure turbine issues, main gearbox failure, and engine vibration, resulting in schedule disruptions. While modifications have been carried out, the regulator wants IndiGo to take more steps. Both airlines have responded saying they are working closely with the aviation regulator and will take necessary actions whenever required. Both airlines further added that all required software changes are being fixed. 

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