AD/CON/76 - Superior Pistons (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

Teledyne Continental Motors Piston Engines

AD/CON/76 Superior Pistons 10/96

Applicability: Teledyne Continental Motors O-470-K, -L and -R model engines fitted with Superior Air Parts Inc. Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) pistons part number SA626992 or SA626992P15.

Requirement: To prevent piston failure which could result in engine power loss or engine failure, replace Superior Air Parts pistons P/N SA626992 or SA626992P15 with pistons as detailed in approved maintenance data, including appropriate PMA listings.

Note 1: This directive does not require engines to be disassembled to identify the piston part number. Even if the applicable Superior pistons are fitted, the engine may remain in service until the next disassembly which permits access to the pistons.

Note 2: Applicable Superior pistons can be identified by the part number SA626922 or SA626922P15 stamped into the piston dome, or by a raised casting number SA632932 evident along one of the piston pin bosses.

Note 3: FAA Airworthiness Directive 96-12-04 refers.

Compliance: At next disassembly of the engine, for whatever reason, which permits access to the pistons, effective on 12 September 1996.

Background: This directive requires certain pistons to be removed from service. The requirement is in response to the issue of an FAA airworthiness directive on this subject. The FAA airworthiness directive follows the manufacturer's advice of a possible manufacturing defect in certain pistons.