TBO on Rotax 914... CAA regulations?

[jtresfon]

As I understand things Rotax originally recommended an overhaul on their engines at specific hours for various engines (mine being 1200 hours). This was a recommendation only but not a mandatory requirement. The SA CAA adopted these recommendations and made them mandatory for all SA Rotax engines.

I am aware that some engines can have this interval extended (up to 2000 hours) by implementing all the correct and current Rotax service bulletins.

Now here's the thing... I recently heard that the CAA is dropping the mandatory requirement and that Rotax owners can have their engines tested when they reach the TBO limit and if the engine passes all testing then they can continue to operate for a further number of hours as allowed by the AP having conducted the testing. This is hearsay only at this point and I am looking for confirmation... anyone else heard or know anything about this?

Rgds
Jean

[braam hechter]

Good Morning Jean.

Thank you for the question. There are a few places in the regulations discussing this.

Below is a piece that I have cut and pasted for some clarity. If there is any unclarity, the CAA investigates on a case-by-case basis to assist. This is why it is vitally important to keep the logbook updated and to ensure that all the SB's, SI's etc is incorporated.

The CAA works on the Manafacturers recommendations and will support those.

Part 44 Overhaul, repair and substitution of major components.
44.01.16 (1) Overhaul of a Class I or Class II product and repairs to the primary structure of an aircraft, its engine(s) or propeller(s) shall be signed out by an appropriately rated approved AMO, AMEor approved person, in terms of Subpart 4 of Part 66.
(2) The procedure for the reissuing of a proving flight authority or authority to fly which is deemed to have been suspended when an aircraft is involved in an accident that renders one or more Class I products defective, is prescribed in Document SA-CATS 44.
(3) Where the manufacturer’s instruction or recommendation has not been complied with, such components or equipment must be overhauled as and when their condition shows that it is necessary to keep the aircraft serviceable.
(4)(a) In the case of an aircraft operated in terms of Part 94, a component or part may be fitted to an aircraft for which traceable records are not available.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the appropriately rated approved AMO, AME or approved person, in terms of Subpart 4 of Part 66, to ensure that the component or part is acceptable in fit, form and function.
(5) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-regulation (2), non-type certificated aircraft operated under Part 96 or Part 14 1where the Director or the organisation designated for the purpose in terms of Part 149, as the case may be, has approved a time between overhauls that differs from that recommended or specified by the manufacturer, such time between overhauls shall be specified in the aircraft’s accepted maintenance schedule, referred to in regulation
44.03.1.
(b) Furthermore, where a manufacturer has not recommended or specified the overhaul of an item at certain times but where the Director or the organisation designated for the purpose in terms of Part 149, as the case may be, considers its overhaul at certain intervals necessary in the interest of safety, he or she may prescribe a time between overhauls for such item in the aircraft’s accepted maintenance schedule.
(c) The requirements for the substitution of products, components and parts with new or overhauled items are those prescribed in Document SA-CATS 24.
(d) No part may be fitted to an aircraft for which traceable records are not available. The appropriately rated approved AMO, AME or approved person, in terms of Subpart 4 of Part 66, is responsible for ensuring that any part received comes from a reliable source and is serviceable, and that the storage limitations have not been exceeded. Substitutions must be certified by the holder of an appropriately rated licence or authorisation.

I trust this will help a little. Just remember, a baseline is formed with the documentation set as submitted to the CAA with the completion of the Proving Flight period. This is then used to plot the way forward in the event of questions.

PM me with specifics, if I can be of assistance.

Greetings and have a safe flying weekend.

Braam Hechter

[Karman]

http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 81&start=0

[jtresfon]

Thanks very much Braam & Karman, that is exactly what i was looking for...

Rgds
Jean.

[marrylawson]

Hi everyone ... that's good and nice post ... thanks for 4 reply