Proposed AD: Rotax Crankcase Inspection

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Proposed AD would require Rotax crankcase inspection

By AOPA ePublishing staff

The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive (AD) for certain aircraft equipped with Rotax 912 A series engines that would require the inspection of crankcases for cracks and replacement of the crankcase if cracks are found.

The proposed AD results from a similar directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) because of reports of cracks in the engine crankcase. The FAA estimates it would affect 60 products of U.S. registry. It would apply to all versions of Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 A, 912 F, and 912 S series engines; see the AD for a list of affected aircraft.

The AD is intended to prevent a sudden loss of power that could lead to a hazardous situation in a low-altitude phase of flight, the proposal states. Operators would be required to follow instructions laid out in Rotax Aircraft Engines Service Bulletin SB-912-029 R3.

Pilots may comment on the proposed AD online under Docket No. FAA-2010-0522.