Jet engine manufacturer CFM International has recently discovered that suspect parts have infiltrated its own repair shops. The company, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran, revealed on Wednesday that the number of engines suspected of containing falsely documented parts from a UK distributor had risen to 126.
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This includes 16 engines inside its own workshops, which were inadvertently bought indirectly. CFM International has been reviewing documentation turned over by AOG Technics as part of their effort to determine the full extent of their sale of parts with fraudulent documentation. The company is working collaboratively with operators so they can promptly remove unauthorized parts from their engines in accordance with the recommendations issued by the regulatory agencies.
The company found four instances where parts from AOG infiltrated its own facilities, impacting 16 engines. One instance was through CFM Materials. The other three involved indirect purchases from suppliers who sourced material with falsified forms from AOG and unknowingly sold it to CFM. The majority of parts involved are non-serialized items like bolts, nuts, washers, dampers, seals, and bushings. CFM reiterated that no "life-limited parts" - typically the most critical rotating parts of the engine that have to be changed after a certain number of flights, regardless of whether they are worn out - had been found among the suspect components.
The discovery has put the integrity of the highly regulated aviation system at risk but without triggering any safety incidents. The number of affected engines has risen from 96 at the time of last month's hearing but still represents less than 1% of the 22,600 CFM56 engines in use globally. Without accurate paperwork, airlines cannot tell which parts are airworthy. Suspect or unapproved parts have to be removed. This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control and traceability in the aviation industry. It also highlights the need for robust systems to prevent and detect fraudulent practices. As CFM continues its investigation and works towards resolving this issue, it serves as a stark reminder for all stakeholders in the aviation industry about the potential risks and challenges they face.
