GE Aviation Debuts TRUEngine LLP Program

GE Aviation is launching the TRUEngine LLP program, which offers the industry a means of evaluating the operating history of used life-limited parts (LLP). 

 

"The TRUEngine LLP designation is a proactive answer to customer requests for a reliable means of identifying life-limited parts that have always operated in OEM configuration," says Tom Levin, general manager, Materials Services. "This extension of our TRUEngine program will help operators support the value of their assets and assure optimized OEM technical support." 

 

To earn the TRUEngine LLP designation, life-limited parts are subjected to a rigorous back-to-birth records audit and engineering review to evaluate their configuration and maintenance history relative to airworthiness limitations substantiated by GE and documented in the engine manual. Items will be qualified at the part level and at a specific time-since-new and cycles-since-new.

 

Life-limited parts are the most critical engine components and include rotating components such as disks, spools, and shafts. Life limits are established using a rigorous methodology that is applied to both individual parts as well as the engine system. Systems-level analysis is critical because some non-life-limited "influencing parts" like turbine blades and seals can significantly impact durability of LLP. 

 

TRUEngine LLP will be rolled out in stages and ultimately will cover the CFM56, CF34, CF6, GE90, and GEnx product lines. TRUEngine LLP documentation will accompany future LLP sold through GE Aviation’s materials business, a source of used serviceable material for GE Aviation engines.

 

Launched in 2008, the TRUEngine designation provides assurance to owners, operators, and engine buyers that engines qualified as TRUEngine have been maintained in the OEM configuration. Independent studies show that engines maintained with OEM parts and repairs maintain as much as 50% higher asset values compared to engines that include non-OEM parts or repairs. More than 8,200 engines operated by 111 operators have received the TRUEngine designation.

 

Most recently, Mallorca, Spain-based Air Europa air lines has been awarded TRUEngine designation for the 23 CF34-10E engines powering its fleet of Embraer 195 aircraft. Previously, Air Europa received the TRUEngine designation for 29 of its CFM56-7B engines and 13 CF6-80E engines.

 

"Air Europa has made a firm commitment to OEM quality engine maintenance," says Allen Paxson, general manager of the CF34 Engine Program at GE Aviation. "We are very pleased to welcome Air Europa to the growing family of TRUEngine-designated CF34 operators."

 

To qualify for TRUEngine status, the engine configuration, overhaul practices, spare parts and repairs used to service an engine must comply with GE-issued engine manuals and other maintenance recommendations. The qualification is obtained through the customer's declaration of compliance and GE's verification of customer submitted maintenance records since birth. The TRUEngine designation is available to all CF34 engines in service if they meet the TRUEngine qualification criteria.

 

In related news, CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE, is also participating in the TRUEngine LLP program, which is currently being offered for the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engine models.