Intel
I mx reg log I Blackhawk Mods Get EASA Approval on Caravan Engine Upgrade
The XP42A system provides increased performance for the Cessna Caravan 208B.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved Blackhawk’s XP42A Performance Upgrade for the Cessna 208B Caravan. “The entire Blackhawk team is exceptionally proud of the XP42A package, and we are pleased to begin improving the worldwide Caravan fleet,” said Jim Allmon, Blackhawk CEO. The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for theXP42A program in June 2011. The XP42A system includes a factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 shaft horsepower continuous, exchanged for the Caravan’s existing engine, with a 1,000-hour, no calendar limit engine warranty from Pratt & Whitney. The original PT6-114 was rated at 675 SHP. The package also features a factory-new, wide-chord, 100-inch diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller, a new autoclave-cured carbon-fiber composite cowling and high efficiency inlet duct, produced by Blackhawk Composites, a new 40 percent larger oil cooler, a four-point engine mount ring assembly and all new engine mount isolators,
a new engine hose kit, new Blackhawk Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges and new dual Frakes exhaust stacks. Blackhawk says the shorter new propeller will offer the added benefit of picking up less debris on unimproved landing strips. The system offers a doubled rate of climb with less fuel consumption, a four percent increase in takeoff weight, better takeoff performance and safety margins and a 15 percent increase in cruise speed. It also reduces operating costs and increases revenue potential. In addition, the package provides a 3,600-hour TBO or 5,000-hour TBO (for qualified operators) with a qualified trend monitoring program. Documentation includes a flight manual supplement with full flight test certified performance and maintenance and repair manuals.
1. FAA To Slam Sharp Practices The chorus of airline complaints about sharp practices in the aftermarket is getting regulators’ attention. In response to actions by some design approval holders (DAHs) to restrict the availability, distribution and use of instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) through contractual agreements or restrictive language in the ICA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to issue a policy clarification letter early next year.
The draft policy statement—available at
www.faa.gov/ aircraft/draft_docs/media/airPS_AIR21_50_01.pdf--classes the following four activities as unacceptable:
• Requiring the use (installation) of only DAH-produced or authorized replacement parts, articles, appliances, or materials.
• Requiring that alterations or repairs must be provided or otherwise authorized by the DAH.
• Requiring the use of only repair stations or other persons authorized by the DAH to implement the ICA.
• Establishing, or attempting to establish, any restriction on the right of the owner/operator to disclose or provide the ICA to persons authorized by the FAA to implement the ICA.
2. PMA Clarifications
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also is revising the PMA Order (FAA Order 8110.42), according to a posting at the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) Web site, http://pmaparts.wordpress. com/2011/11/04/faa-working-on-pma-policy/.
Among the expected changes will be the placement of the applicant guidelines in an advisory circular (AC), MARPA says. A separate AC will clarify the responsibilities of PMA applicants and the FAA.
3. One Task Less for Part 135 Maintainers?
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would allow Part 135 pilots to update newer air traffic control (ATC) navigation databases without the aid of certified mechanics or repair stations. The proposed amendment to maintenance regulations would allow pilots to perform this task on “self-contained, front-panel or pedestal-mounted navigation equipment,” where no disassembly is required, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says. The intent of the proposal is to “ensure that pilots using specified navigation equipment have the most current and accurate navigational data and thereby increase aviation safety,” the agency says. Comments are due by Dec. 19, 2011. The Oct. 19, 2011, NPRM targets newer, so-called “nav-systems” that pilots without special training can easily update.
16 Aviation Maintenance |
avm-mag.com | December 2011 / January 2012 Download your free iPhone/iPad app via
www.avm-mag.com/iPad
4. AD: B737 Fuselage Inspections The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Nov. 1 issued an airworthiness directive (AD) regarding fuselage inspections of certain Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes for cracking of the approximately 1-inch-diameter wire penetration holes and corrective actions. The new AD, effective Nov. 16, 2011, reduces the compliance times called for by the AD it supersedes. FAA estimates that the 605 U.S.-registered airplanes will be affected.
The new AD “was prompted by reports of cracking in the frame, or in the frame and frame reinforcement, common to the…penetration hole intended for wire routing; and recent reports of multiple adjacent frame cracking found before the compliance time required by the existing AD,” FAA says. “Such cracking could reduce the structural capability of the frames to sustain limit loads, and result in cracking in the fuselage skin and subsequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.”
5. AD: Rolls-Royce AE3007 Compressors
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A1E, AE 3007A1P, and AE 3007A3 turbofan engines. Effective on Nov. 17, 2011, the AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI), for cracks, of certain 6th-through-13th stage compressor wheel knife edge seals, and initial and repetitive ECIs of the compressor wheel outer circumference, the agency says.
The AD was prompted by reports of low-cycle fatigue cracks found during shop visits,
in the 6th-through-13th stage
compressor wheels with chrome-carbide coated or uncoated knife-edge seals. FAA says the AD is intended to prevent uncontained failure of the 6th-through-13th stage compressor wheel, leading to damage to the airplane.
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