GAS TURBINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION (GTAI)

Gas Turbine Accident Investigation (GTAI)

Duration: 4.5 days
CEUs: 3.6
Tuition:  $2,875 USD 

Investigating the engine aspects of aviation accidents is a complex, difficult challenge. This is especially true when the new high technology gas turbine engines now in use in commercial aviation are involved. The investigator, even if familiar with the traditional tools and techniques of powerplant investigation must update this knowledge to include the design aspects and failure modes of these new engines.

This course is aimed at gas turbine engines installed in aircraft as part of the propulsion system. The initial part of the course is designed so that the student will receive a general understanding of the terminology, layout and function of the internal workings of a jet engine allowing the student to focus on the investigative techniques, technology and analysis required in the more technical part of the GTAI course.

The course will discuss the basic modules of the jet engine including the inlet, fan, compression, burner, turbine and exhaust system from the standpoint of how they react as either causes or in ground impact damage in airplane accidents. The course offers an in-depth understanding of all the leading causes of engine related incidents and accidents as well as an up-to-date understanding of the interaction between these causes, the aircraft and the flight crew.

You will learn to recognize the post crash evidence of the most serious engine related accidents - catastrophic rupture of the engine due to uncontained failures, and bird and ice ingestion. You will learn to recognize so-called "benign" engine failures but also will be introduced to how such failures coupled with crew error can lead to a catastrophic accident.

Just as important to the investigation as the accurate gathering of evidence is the clear, concise and accurate reporting of that evidence to include clear, logical conclusions. The final part of this course will introduce you to the significance of a good report and how to draw conclusions that will support practical recommendations. Finally, you will gain some understanding of the relationship between the involvement of an engine and the rest of the aircraft and operation. This will be done through actual evidence and summaries of studies and work of various industry-wide committees.

When you have completed this course you will have the skill and knowledge to actively and effectively participate in a gas turbine accident investigation and make the necessary field determinations

Who Should Attend

Any individual who will be involved in turbine powered aircraft accident investigations (this includes engine specialists as well as generalist investigators).

Note: This is not a basic investigation course. While not absolutely required, it is highly recommended that anyone planning to attend the GTAI course have completed a basic course in aircraft accident investigation or have experience in such investigations.

How You Will Benefit

• You will expand your knowledge of the characteristics, failure modes, and investigation methods for modern, high-technology gas turbine engines employed in aviation.
• You will learn the relationship of engines to the causes of aircraft accidents and the probable relationships of engine failures to accident causation
• Practical examples and case studies will enhance your theoretical knowledge.
• The Board of Certified Safety Professionals accepts this course for Continuance of Certification credit.
• This course is one of the elective courses for the Certificate in Aircraft Accident Investigation granted by SCSI.
• SCSI will award 3.6 CEUs to each participant who successfully completes this course.

Course Topics

Types of gas  turbine engines

Inlet systems

Engine terminology/fundamentals

Components

Manufacturing techniques

Durability  coatings

Lubrication

Accessories

Bearings & seals

Fuel, electrical and operating systems

FOD/DOD incidents

Nozzles/augmenters

Failure modes

Engine events related to accidents

Field investigation techniques

Evidence analysis

In-flight damage evidence

Post-impact damage analysis

Preparing the report

Rotor disc failure

Engine surge

Blade fatigue

Operability/stability

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Core lock

Temperature anomalies

Nozzle failure

Blade creep

Axial collapse

Chip detectors

 

Course Administration

The Gas Turbine Accident Investigation Course consists of 5 training days. Students receive a textbook, lecture outlines, additional reference material and a Certificate of Completion. Classes begin daily at 0800 and end at 1200 on the last day.

Typical Comments from Attendees

• "Instructor's knowledge is excellent. Overall an excellent course."
• "Instructor has a wealth of knowledge"
• "I can recommend this course with confidence."
• "Great course. Instructor provides a wealth of information that is likely to be unequaled in the industry."
• "The course is very good and the instructor is very friendly and patient and he has a lot of experience."