NEWTOWN, Conn. - GE has alerted airlines operating the GE90-115B engine of a potential problem that has led to two in-flight engine shutdowns this year. The problem is related to an Avio-sourced transfer gearbox experiencing a gear separation. GE has issued two service bulletins which affect a batch of 188 recently manufactured gearboxes; no specific cause has been identified yet, but a material anomaly has popped up during early analysis. The service bulletins call for the replacement of either the gearbox or the entire engine within five days. GE is using eddy current inspections to assist with identifying affected gearboxes.
The FAA is expected to issue an airworthiness directive shortly.
