Lycoming 360-Series Engines Affected

We knew it was coming... and it looks like it's here: a massive new Airworthiness Directive, affecting nearly 300 Lycoming 360-series engines, installed on a variety of single-and-twin-engine aircraft.

The AD, which requires owners to install new crankshafts in the affected engines, comes after a crankshaft failure was reported on a Lycoming LO–360. The directive, issued Thursday, also affects owners of AEIO–360, IO–360, O–360, and LIO–360 series reciprocating engines -- in all, an estimated 282 engines.

The FAA estimates each engine will need approximately 85 hours of labor to replace -- which, including parts and factoring labor costs of $65 per hour, amounts to total costs of about $15,300 per engine.

The FAA says it will cost US flyers more than $5.8 million to comply with the new AD.

Some better news, though -- the FAA also states Lycoming has said it intends to supply the new parts at no charge -- and will reimburse labor costs for engine removal and reinstallation "when authorized."

That should save pilots some lot of money -- and we certainly hope so, as this may be just the first in a series of new ADs affecting Lycoming owners.

Earlier this month, Aero-News reported on SB 569, a service bulletin issued on over 5,000 Lycoming crankshafts in engines ranging from the 360 series through IO-720s. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots association has urged Lycoming to cover all costs to owners affected by the bulletin... especially if, as seems likely, the bulletin becomes an Airworthiness Directive.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/, www.textron.lycoming.com