Rotax has released an Alert Service Bulletin regarding potential cracks at the end of the crankshaft on a small number of 912 and 914 engines.
To get the scoop on this we, contacted a representative:
Q: How many engines does the ASB effect?
A: From the serial range given, only a very small number of crankshafts are involved with this inspection. The engines produced in the last few months of 2010 are the only ones involved and even then it is not every crankshaft that needs inspection. The maintenance provider needs to check the serial listing carefully to see if the engine is affected by the ASB. Be careful to check using the correct serial groupings, there is a different release for the certified engines, with the red serial tags. The UL versions, experimental engines, have a different range and separate bulletin with the letters “UL” in it. In our records check there are only some 11 engines in the USA sold from the distributor and an additional 3 in Brazil. All the affected OEM customers have been informed. (Note: this does not take into account engines that have been imported into the country from overseas.
Q: So how does the whole notification process work?
A: For SLSA, Special Light Sport, the OEM will provide notice directly to the customer as is required under the rules. The customer needs to contact their point of sale for the aircraft to verify anything they may not understand. If a customer finds they have an engine in the inspection they will need to make an arrangement with an authorized service provider who has at least a “Maintenance” rating under the iRMT status (independent Rotax Maintenance Technician) from a Rotax approved training class. In addition the technician will need to understand the correct method of NDT, non-distructive testing, that is to be done. Under SLSA the responsible person for compliance is the OEM. The OEM has to provide the guidance to remove the prop, remove any other parts from the plane and carry out the work needed. The OEM has to do this by law.
Click here for the Alert Service Bulletin for non-certified aircraft and click here for the Alert Service Bulletin for certificated aircraft.
