QEC (Quick Engine Change) Kit refers to the collection of engine accessories and equipment required to make an engine ready for installation and operation on a specific aircraft.

QEC is an integral part of the conversation regarding engines, especially nowadays, in the context of some engine types in shortage and engine exchanges becoming more and more popular.

What Can be Included (Non-Exhaustive)

The exact QEC configuration depends on the aircraft and engine type.

• Electrical components and wiring harnesses

• Fuel and lube oil, and pneumatic system

• Hydraulic pumps and plumbing systems

• Anti-ice, Fire Detector System Installation

• Exhaust nozzle and inlet cowl

As stated, this list is far from exhaustive and is intended to provide a general overview of what can be included. Always consult the relevant technical documents for your specific aircraft.

Why Is QEC Important?

• Aircraft compatibility: QEC components connect the engine to the aircraft’s fuel, oil, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems.

• Faster engine replacement: A pre-assembled QEC configuration reduces engine build-up and installation time, minimizing aircraft downtime and AOG exposure.

• Correct configuration: The QEC ensures the engine is properly configured for the specific aircraft type and operator requirements.

• Operational readiness: A bare engine cannot usually be installed and operated immediately without the required QEC components.

• Maintenance efficiency: Complete, serviceable, and documented QEC components reduce additional troubleshooting, sourcing, and modification work.

What Should Be Checked?

The inspection should cover more than physical condition. It should also verify that:

• All PN and SN, and supporting documents match the agreed QEC list

• Components are serviceable and free from obvious damage

• No unapproved, bogus, or incorrectly configured parts

What Happens If QEC is incomplete?

A QEC may be incomplete because components were missing at acquisition, removed for use on another engine, damaged or unserviceable, incorrectly configured, or supplied without acceptable certification and traceability. These gaps may require replacement or other corrective action.

• Accept as-is: May support a price reduction, particularly from the buyer’s perspective. However, the buyer must account for the full cost and lead time required to complete the QEC, including sourcing parts from other assets.

• Transfer components from another stored engine: Verify part-number and configuration compatibility, serial-number traceability, remaining life where applicable, serviceability after storage, and records completeness.

• Repair or overhaul unserviceable components: Consider not only MRO cost and turnaround time, but also whether the workscope, release status, remaining life, and supporting records meet the operational requirement.

• Purchase new or serviceable replacements: Confirm part-number and configuration compatibility, serviceability, certification, and full traceability. Proper verification is essential to avoid unapproved or bogus parts, which may create further delays and additional costs.

  
  

‘Bare’ Engine

The term “bare engine” generally means an engine supplied without some or all QEC components. As such, bare engines tends to sell for less, versus their with-QEC counterpart as whoever the next owner is, they need to procure matching parts to make sure it is compatible and ready to be installed on their aircraft.

This is why, nonetheless, the included and excluded QEC components should always be clearly listed in the purchase, lease, or exchange agreement.

About TBM Aviation

Founded in 2019, TBM Aviation has become a trusted partner for quality-assured, customizable aircraft technical solutions in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Backed by a team of technical experts with years of hands-on expertise in the aviation industry, our team is committed to deliver results that meet the diverse needs of operators, lessors, MROs, and other aviation industry players alike.