AV 2006-03
24 February 2006
Engine condition trend-monitoring
Engine condition trend monitoring (ECTM) is an excellent maintenance tool that enables operators to diagnose and monitor the health care of their respective engines. This software will detect and reveal engine problems before secondary damage occurs to the engine and/or its components. In many cases, ECTM can help prevent excessive hot section component distress by enabling the operator to identify preventative maintenance actions leading to an economical hot section inspection (HSI).
ECTM can be started at any engine time, however it is recommended that trend monitoring be initiated within 100 hours of new, or with newly overhauled or newly completed HSI inspected engines. Dirty compressors, faulty fuel nozzles, HSI deterioration, foreign object damage (FOD), engine bleed air leaks and damage related to hot starts are some of the things that can be identified.
For engines already in service, it is advisable to complete a compressor recovery wash and engine instrument calibration prior to commencement of ECTM.
The immediate benefits of an engine trend- monitoring program are increased safety, lower engine maintenance costs, reduced aircraft downtime by better maintenance planning and minimize aborted flights.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) recommends that owners, operators, maintainers and other interested persons comply with the following Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) Service Information Letter (SIL):
SIL No. GEN-055R2
"Guidelines and Standards for Utilizing the Engine Condition Trend-Monitoring (ECTM) Software”
Additionally, information on available ECTM programs and designated analysis centers published in the following SILs for the applicable engine series.
SIL No.
GEN-010 (System V)
GEN-011 (System V)
PT6A-122
PW100-097
PW150-015
JT15D-037
PW200-003
PT6B-004
PT6C-003
PT6T-005
ECTM is also referenced in the various Maintenance Manuals (Chapter 72-00-00 or 72-05-20) depending on the engine model.
For further information, please contact a Transport Canada Centre (TCC), or contact Mr. Barry Caldwell, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, Ontario, telephone 613 952-4358, facsimile 613 996-9178 or e-mail caldweb@tc.gc.ca.
For Director, Aircraft Certification
B. Goyaniuk
Chief, Continuing Airworthiness
Note: For the electronic version of this document, please consult the following Web address : https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/aircraft-airworthiness/aircraft-certification