Teeth Could Shed Metal Fragments

Aero-News received late word Friday night of a new service bulletin for certain Rotax 912 and 914 powerplants.

The SB applies to specific 912/914 series engines, gear boxes and gearset serial number ranges. The SB requires the replacement of the gear box gear set on affected engines, due to slight irregularities in material inclusions during manufacture of the gear boxes.

In particular, Rotax states metal fragments may break off from gear teeth, and in some cases become trapped between rotating gearsets, further damaging the gearboxes.

Owners and operators of aircraft equipped with the Rotax powerplants are required to immediately determine whether their planes are among those affected by the SB. A full list of affected serial numbers is available at the FMI link below.

When checking their engines, owners should note the determining factor is the serial number on the gearbox, and not the engine's S/N (see figure below.)

Rotax notes failure to comply with the mandatory SB could result in severe damage to the engine, loss of warranty, and possible injury or even death.

FMI: www.rotax-owner.com