AD/At 600/4 Engine Mount (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Airtractor 600 Series Aeroplanes

AD/AT 600/4 Engine Mount 13/2006

Applicability:

All Model AT-602 aircraft.

Requirement:

1.    Visually inspect the engine mount for cracks in accordance with Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter (SL) No. 253, dated 12 December 2005.

2.    If crack damage is detected during any inspection, before further flight, incorporate an approved repair scheme, or replace the engine mount with a new engine mount in accordance with the maintenance manual.

Note 1:  Follow SL No. 253 for information on obtaining a repair scheme.

Note 2:  FAA AD 2006-22-08 Amdt 39-14805 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Upon accumulating 4,000 hours time in service or within 100 hours time in service after 21 December 2006, whichever occurs later; unless already accomplished.  Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service.

2.    If a cracked engine mount is repaired, continue to inspect at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service, unless the repair scheme states differently.  If a cracked engine mount is replaced, initially inspect upon accumulating 4,000 hours time in service, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 21 December 2006.

Background:

The FAA received reports of cracked engine mounts.  Such cracking, unless detected and corrected, could result in failure of the engine mount and possible separation of the engine from the aircraft.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

8 November 2006