Superior Air Parts is working to develop an Alternative Method of Compliance in light of the FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) on some of the crankshaft assemblies used in Superior Air Parts and Lycoming 360-series aircraft engines.
When approved by the FAA, the Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) would allow aircraft owners impacted by the crankshaft AD to comply “at a significantly lower cost without impacting the engine’s or aircraft’s safety,” according to company officials.
The AD, which goes into effect Jan. 15, 2021, was prompted by three crankshaft assembly failures that resulted in the loss of engine power and immediate or emergency landings. The AD requires the removal from service of all affected crankshaft assemblies.
The crankshaft assemblies were originally installed in new Superior Air Parts XP-Series Model O-360 and IO-360 engines and as replacement parts under Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) on certain Lycoming Model AEIO-360, IO-360, and O-360 engines.
A list of the affected crankshaft serial numbers can be found on the Federal Register, Docket No. FAA-2018-1077-AD2020-25-12.
A Superior Air Parts spokesperson said that the company has assembled a team including engineers, metallurgists, representatives of the FAA, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to develop the AMOC.
He added that the company is “very confident that the FAA will approve the proposed AMOC prior to the AD’s assigned active date of Jan. 15, 2021.”