Method and apparatus for controlling and regulating a rotorcraft turbine engine

1. Apparatus for controlling and regulating a turbine engine of a rotorcraft, the apparatus comprising:

an electronic computer configured to receive and process signals relating to monitored parameters of said turbine engine in order to determine whether an event has occurred that may diminish safety of the rotorcraft, the electronic computer including a counter for counting cycles of use of a component of the turbine engine; and

an alarm connected to said electronic computer via an analog connection independent of any digital connection;

wherein said electronic computer activates said alarm via the analog connection when a maintenance action needs to be undertaken on said turbine engine based on the counter reaching a predetermined threshold and when said turbine engine is used in abnormal manner according to the monitored parameters of the turbine engine.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said alarm includes an indicator lamp arranged in a cockpit of said rotorcraft.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , including at least one display system that receives from the electronic computer information relating to said monitored parameters via first and second digital connections independent of the analog connection.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said alarm is integrated in said display system.

5. A method of controlling and regulating a turbine engine of a rotorcraft, the method being suitable for being implemented by apparatus for controlling and regulating a rotorcraft turbine engine and including an electronic computer configured to receive and process signals relating to monitored parameters of said turbine engine in order to determine whether an event has occurred that may diminish safety of the rotorcraft, said control and regulation apparatus including an alarm connected to said electronic computer via an analog connection independent of any digital connection;

wherein said electronic computer includes at least one management counter for counting cycles of use of a limited-lifetime component of the turbine engine, said electronic computer activates said alarm via the analog connection when a maintenance action needs to be undertaken on said turbine engine based on said management counter reaching a predetermined threshold and when said turbine engine is used in abnormal manner according to the monitored parameters of the turbine engine.

6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein said apparatus includes at least one display system arranged in a cockpit of said rotorcraft, said electronic computer sending a message to said display system via digital bus so that the display system informs the pilot that said management counter has reached said predetermined threshold.

7. A method according to claim 5 , wherein said apparatus includes at least one display system arranged in a cockpit of said rotorcraft, and said electronic computer sends a message to said display system ( 5 ) via a digital bus so that the display system informs the pilot that said turbine engine is being used in abnormal manner.

8. A method according to claim 5 , wherein, on the ground, the following steps are performed when said electronic computer is switched on:

a) said electronic computer simulates activating a power rating of the turbine engine;

b) said electronic computer simulates a value for a monitored parameter (Ng, Cm, T45) of said turbine engine, said value being above a predetermined limit for the power rating;

c) verifying that a display system arranged in a cockpit of the rotorcraft and connected to the electronic computer by a digital connection indicates that said value is above said limit; and

d) verifying that said alarm is activated by said electronic computer.

9. A method according to claim 8 , wherein said power rating is the takeoff power (PMD) rating of the turbine engine.