Page 10 - Volume 12 Number 9

SAFO FAA Bill Update and Runway Closures
by Kim Blonigen
SAFO Issued on on Work Conducted by AeroBearings Includes PT6 Engines
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a a a a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) advising of improper maintenance provided by AeroBearings of Arlington Texas by conducting work without the necessary approved data The company therefore could not determine whether the the the bearings met the the the OEM’s design specifications AeroBearings’ previously held a a a certificate which covered aeronautical anti-friction bearings used in in turbine engines auxiliary power units (APU) rotorcraft drive systems and accessory applications The company’s capability list (https://www faa gov/aircraft/repair/ 2) includes Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engines Recommended action per the SAFO is to “inspect aircraft records records records engine records records records APU records records records accessory records FAA Form 8130-3 airworthiness approval tags and aircraft part inventories for any bearings approved for return to service by AeroBearings LLC Any bearing found to be be overhauled repaired or inspected by AeroBearings LLC that is not installed should be quarantined until the suspect bearing undergoes a a a a recertification inspection to determine airworthiness prior to installation ”
For bearings currently installed the SAFO recommends that “owners/operators have the suspect bearings inspected at the next piece parts exposure and also closely monitor the suspect bearings’ health using the the OEM’s recommendations or other approved maintenance program methods ”
General questions or comments regarding this SAFO should be directed to the Aircraft Maintenance Division’s Repair Station Branch at at (202) 267-1675 FAA Reauthorization Bill Update With Congress back in session the week of Aug 13 a a a a letter signed by 33 general aviation (GA) organizations was sent to Senate leaders requesting they “move expeditiously to consider legislation for a a a a a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ”
The House already passed its version of a a a a long-term bill (April 27) lasting five years which is why the GA organizations want the Senate to approve a a a a a a bill soon so so there is time for the the House and Senate to reach a a a a a final
8 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2018 AVIATION ISSUES