Phenom300E Ground Power Mode (GPM)

[biz_master]

Hi all,

Embraer recently introduced a Ground Power Mode into the Phenom 300E engine which simulates an APU.
Do you know if it is approved to leave the aircraft unattended while running on this mode?

Thank you.

[ElectraII]

Hi, there. I haven’t seen how AFM/POH describes the GPM operation, but I guess it is common sense that you shouldn’t leave a gas turbine spinning at several thousand rotation per minute and burning high volatile Jet A1 unattended… I have flown different aircraft models with APUs and it’s always been mandatory that either a Pilot or a trained Technician should remain on board whenever the APU is on.

[Denti]

Originally Posted by ElectraII

Hi, there. I haven’t seen how AFM/POH describes the GPM operation, but I guess it is common sense that you shouldn’t leave a gas turbine spinning at several thousand rotation per minute and burning high volatile Jet A1 unattended… I have flown different aircraft models with APUs and it’s always been mandatory that either a Pilot or a trained Technician should remain on board whenever the APU is on.

I guess it depends. I have seen in cold climates the maintenance leaving the APU on throughout the night unattended on 737s to keep the airplane warm, however, in the airlines i have worked in that was not allowed. On the A320, depending on operator SOP, there is no need for a pilot or engineer on board as the APU automatically shuts down and activates the fire extinguisher if needed. Guess all kinda modern designs can do similar stuff, but no idea beyond the mini-bus and the 737.