AD/Thielert/7 High Pressure Fuel Line Bracket (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.

Thielert Piston Engines

AD/THIELERT/7 High Pressure Fuel Line Bracket 4/2008 TX

Applicability:

Thielert Aircraft Engines TAE125-02-99 (CENTURION 2.0) engines, Serial Number (S/N) from 02-02-1500, up to and including S/N 02-02-2279.

Note 1:  These engines are known to be installed on, but not limited to, Cessna 172 and (Reims-built) F172 series, Piper PA-28 series, APEX (Robin) DR 400 series, Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft.

Requirement:

Unless previously accomplished, install a supporting high pressure fuel line bracket in accordance with Thielert Aircraft Engines Service Bulletin TM TAE 125-1005 P1, Revision 1 or later NAA approved revision.

Note 2:  EASA AD 2008-0027-E dated 13 February 2008 refers.

Compliance:

1.    If the total engine time is equal to or below 20 flight hours on the effective date of this AD:

Before achieving 30 hours total engine time or at the next engine inspection, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.

2.    If the total engine time is above 20 flight hours on the effective date of this AD:

Within the next 10 flight hours or at the next engine inspection, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 March 2008.

Background:

In-flight engine shutdown incidents were reported on aircraft equipped with a TAE125-02-99 engine.  This was found to be mainly the result of a cracked high pressure fuel line between the high-pressure pump and the fuel rail.  These cracks were caused by vibration.  This AD requires the installation of a supporting bracket on all affected TAE125-02-99 engines.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 February 2008