28 Nov 2024
The LAA has issued Alert A-02-2024 (link below) to highlight the recent Lycoming Airworthiness Directive regarding connecting rod bushings and connecting rod assemblies.
The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for models of Lycoming engines that have an affected part installed and are assembled within the ship date range, as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this Airworthiness Directive (AD 2024-21-02).
The AD comes into effect on 5th December 2024.
This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns.
The AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates at each oil change, and if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. The first oil inspection must take at the next oil change or within 4 months after the AD becomes effective i.e. 5th April 2025, whichever occurs first. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation.