Enhancing Aircraft Engine Condition Monitoring

Abstract Engine Condition Monitoring (ECM) plays an important role in the day-to-day business of modern airlines. It ensures efficient on-condition maintenance, contributes to increased safety and improved (dispatch) punctuality, while yielding important operational cost savings. Amongst others, engine performance is monitored daily from in-flight measured aircraft and engine parameters. The performance engineer interprets results from analysis programs and deduces conclusions, including possible preventative or corrective actions. Using a balanced combination of neural networks and expert system techniques, ECM can be enhanced, ensuring more consistent results. Artificial intelligence is used here in a supporting role. Initial results show the validity of the approach by successfully identifying certain engine problems.