FAA, EASA Require Airbus Engine Software Upgrades Following Aborted Takeoffs Written 11 October 2018

AP reports that regulators are “ordering that engine software be replaced on some Airbus passenger jets because of a problem that has caused pilots to abort several takeoffs in cold weather.” The FAA and EASA order covers 82 CFM International engines on US-registered Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets. The regulators “said this week operators will have until late January to replace electronic-control software.” The issue is caused when water accumulates and freezes in “pressure-sensor lines, preventing the fan blades from reaching takeoff speed.” According to the FAA, the problem was behind six aborted takeoffs, but CFM has improved its software for detecting freezing in sensor lines.