Turbine TBO
 

Hi Guys
Been trying to find out what the score is with the TBO on Turbine aircraft. How do they decide how long the engine life is? I was told that they don't have 50 and 150 hour checks like piston engines but have phases. How does that work and what is the time period for the checks?

The engine I have in mind is the PT6 either from a King Air or Cheyenne

Thanks

For manufacturer's info go to either Maint manual Chap 4 (for scrap lives) or Chap 5 for main recommendations, generally speaking.
For PT6 look in Service Bulletins, early numbers (Bulletin series depends on PT6 model)

Phase checks versus 150 hour problem is terminology - Beech talk about phase check (means interval between inspections) currently recommended at 200 hr interval e.g. Ph 1 @ 200, Ph 2 @400, repeating 4 Phases at 2yr cycle if the hours don't accrue.

Old heavy iron types often talk about 'C' checks or 'D' checks for big inspections - meaningless names unless you have a copy of the maint schedules. You could equally well call it a sausage check or a dog check, it just depends what the schedule writer decided to call it!

As for how do they decide - best ask the chaps wot make 'em...

Gizza day or two and I'll check current Kingair situation and let you know.:)