Technical Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives & Fleet Safety

Keep up to date with essential airworthiness directives (ADs), manufacturer service bulletins, maintenance rule proposals, and upcoming educational webinars.

Critical Airworthiness Directives & Service Bulletins

• Lycoming Piston Pin AD (AD 2026-17-10):

  Applies to certain Lycoming O-235, O-540, and IO-540 engines using specific thin-wall piston pins (Part LW-13445) due to microcracks from manufacturing tooling changes. Requires inspection of engine oil filters/screens for metal particulates and replacement within 25 to 150 hours time-in-service depending on engine serial number.

• Continental V-Band Coupling AMOC (AD 2023-09-09 Extension):

  Details the global Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) approved for Continental part number 653332 V-band couplings on turbocharged engines. Outlines repetitive inspection requirements, removal limits based on operating hours, a 12-year service life cap, and a compliance deadline of October 15, 2026.

• Tempest Spark Plug Service Bulletin (SB-012):

  Recommends immediate inspection prior to next flight for potential cracking in specific lot numbers of Tempest spark plugs manufactured between May 5 and July 29, 2026.

Maintenance Regulatory Updates

• Proposed FAA Inspection Rating for Mechanics:

  A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would replace the traditional Inspection Authorization (IA) renewal process with an inspection rating on the A&P mechanic certificate. It eliminates the odd-numbered year March expiration and renewal cycle, replacing it with recent experience and continuing training requirements.

Featured EAA Webinars & Learning Resources

• AI in Maintenance: Mike Busch explores how AI tools like Savvy's Shadow Account Manager (SAM) assist human mechanics by tracking tickets and flagging maintenance items.
• EFB Planning: Walter Boyd introduces how to leverage tools like iFly EFB for seamless route planning and cockpit workload reduction.
• Historical Insights: Features discussions celebrating legendary test pilot and astronaut General Joe Engle's aerospace legacy.