Life Management Aspects of Civil Aero-Engines

Several aircraft accidents in the past few years which have been attributed to corrosion and fatigue, have added to the concern on ageing aircraft, and understandably resulted in questions also being directed towards engines. The ageing process does have an effect on engines, but unlike airframes, engines have always been subjected to periodic disassembly, inspection, and rework/repair/replacement, either on a whole engine or modular basis. All the available evidence shows that the total control process results in a satisfactory situation, with no indication of lowering reliability or safety as the fleet ages. This paper looks at the various fleet statistics, and then reviews the design procedures which produce engines with inherent integrity into old age, and the in-service procedures which confirm and preserve it. Characteristics of some of the major components are discussed, and some further points are suggested in which engines differ from airframes.