In recent months, Lycoming reminds us that it has dedicated its resources to resolving issues related to certain crankshafts and crankshaft gear bolts. Following is an update on the significant progress that has been made on these issues.

Lycoming tells us, "All issues related to the Service Bulletins and crankshaft manufacturing have been addressed and solutions are in full swing. We have made tremendous progress and engines are being returned to customers."

Crankshaft recall

Manufacturing of crankshafts for the affected engines has been fully approved by the FAA and is underway. To date, more than 1100 crankshafts have been forged using a new, more rigorous manufacturing process and have passed all the newly-developed tests.

These shafts are moving through the rest of the production process and are being installed in engines. More than 285 engines of the 912 affected by Service Bulletin 552 have been returned to their owners.

Engines affected by Service Bulletin 553 required testing to determine if the crankshafts were defective. Of the 742 affected engines, 548 have been tested so far and 381 of those have been determined safe and returned to service. Testing continues on these shafts at a rate of more than 50 per week.

The company plans to complete the return of all engines to service by early in the second quarter of 2003.

Bolt recall

To date, more than 5200 bolt replacement kits have been sent to customers. Lycoming has additional kits available in stock if customers have not yet completed the repair. The cost of the repairs was covered by Lycoming. The manufacturing issue with the bolts occurred and was rectified between 1996 and 1998.

Customer Care Program

Lycoming's Customer Care Program for those affected by the crankshaft recall continues to help alleviate the inconvenience caused by the recalls. There had been some concern surrounding the company's requirement that customers sign a General Release to participate in the program. Lycoming says, "Due to this concern and some confusion around the release language, we are reassuring customers that accepting our Customer Care Program with its general release will not adversely affect future claims for coverage such as engine warranty, the cost of replacing the crankshafts, future claims arising from the engines unrelated to the grounding, and their insurers' subrogation rights for unreleased claims."

The company's press release continued, "We have earmarked more than $35 million to cover the costs of the repair and customer care programs and continue to feel this number is sufficient to complete the tasks.

"As safety is our top priority, with support and guidance from the FAA, we are confident in the steps we have taken to ensure quality in our manufacturing and testing processes. In addition, our customer service organization has worked diligently to move customers through the recall process as quickly as possible.

FMI: www.lycoming.textron.com