AD/Con/86 ECi Cylinder Assemblies (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.

Teledyne Continental Motors Piston Engines

AD/CON/86 ECI Cylinder Assemblies 5/2006

Applicability:

Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) model 520 and 550 series piston engines with certain Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) cylinders, part number (P/N) AEC631397, installed; and

TCM TSIO-520-NB, -VB, and -WB engines that are modified by FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) SE4327SW, STC SE09104SC, or STC SE09261SC for operation at 325 HP or greater (also called RAM TSIO-520-NB, -VB, or -WB Series III, IV, and VII piston engines).

Requirement:

1.    Determine the serial number (S/N) of ECi P/N AEC631397 cylinders per FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-08-10.  If the SN is 1043 or lower, or if it is 7709 or higher, no further action is required.

2.    For cylinder serial numbers 1044 through 7708, refer to the FAA AD 2004-08-10 to determine if cylinders need to be replaced.  Replace cylinders, if required by the provisions of FAA AD.

Note 1:  FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-08-10 amendment 39-13579 refers.

Note 2:  ECi Mandatory Service Bulletin S.I. No. 04-1 also pertains to the subject of this AD.

Compliance:

1.    Unless already accomplished, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or one month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

2.    Before further flight.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 May 2006.

Background:

This AD results from reports of 34 failures of ECi cylinder head.

The requirements of this AD are aimed at preventing loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder head and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

17 March 2006