National Jet Systems (NJS) of Australia has embarked on the latest in a long line of modifications to BAe 146 engines to reduce the risk of cabin fumes, a problem that has plagued the regional jet.
This follows a case of alleged unfair dismissal last month brought by a former NJS pilot who suffered health problems after flying the 146. Although NJS won the case, it admitted that it could not provide the pilot with a safe working environment on the aircraft. The 146 is one of a number of types in which chemicals from oil and hydraulic fluids have leaked into the aircraft cabin air conditioning system as a result of engine oil seal failures.
NJS has made a number of modifications to its 15 146s, including seven different engine bearing seals, "all of which have produced some improvement", says NJS. The latest modification involves another new oil seal, which is a part of a product improvement programme that BAE Systems and engine manufacturer Honeywell have pursued, says BAE.
Last month the Industrial Relations Commission in Western Australia decided in favour of NJS in a case of alleged unreasonable termination of employment brought by former 146 first officer Nevan Pavlinovich, who was granted sick leave in January 2002 after suffering health problems attributed to cabin air contamination. As NJS was unable to give assurances that no further contamination would occur, it offered Pavlinovich a first officer position on the Bombardier Dash 8 fleet, which he turned down. After failing to resolve the dispute, NJS terminated his employment last October.
Air quality on the 146 was the subject of an Australian Senate inquiry in 1999/2000.
Source: Flight International
