TBO extensions
Hi folks. In the past six weeks or so, I have tried to get full clarification from the CAA over this issue.
OK,OK. You can stop rolling around the floor now.
As you can all see from what has been posted above, there is more clarity here than within the corridors of the Belgrano.
My own surveyor, a very senior surveyor and GA experienced man, has done his best to assist me in this muddy issue.
Two things have rocked the boat at the CAA. The first was an aircraft that had an engine still installed after 46 years. Now, you and I would consider that a testament to the designer for getting it pretty right, the owners/operators for looking after it properly, and the engineers for maintaining it correctly. The CAA have looked at it rather differently.
The second issue is AD's. There is a rumour that an overhauler has whined to the CAA about AD's that are due at overhaul. We concentious engineers have been certifying engines on TBO extension, aware that when the engine finally gets overhauled that the relevant AD's due at overhaul will be done at that time.
Crunch time. The CAA legal beagles have advised the CAA that, in order to ensure that the CAA is not found wanting (i.e. exposed in a 'sue- everybody' world) that the manufacturers recommendation of TBO is to be used to decide when an AD due at overhaul is to be complied with.
What this means is that EVERYBODY with an engine running on TBO extension in accordance with GR 24 that is subject to AD's due at overhaul, will be GROUNDED until the AD's are complied with, once the CAA publish the ruling. It will not matter if your engine is on calendar or hours extension.
By my loosest reckoning, this will affect around 2000 aircraft. Picture the scene - 1500+ owners queing at the overhaulers and deciding if it is worth one visit for the AD compliance followed a relatively short time later for an overhaul.
In this age of supply and demand, I suspect that overhauler rates will rise to welcome this desperate influx of work.
If it is true that an overhauler has indeed rocked the boat over this issue, then the cinic in me believes that this is not a safety issue, but purely greed. You decide.