# Continental TSIO-550-A

- Type: Engine model (FAA registry)
- Registry code: 17244
- Manufacturer (registry): CONT MOTOR
- Model: TSIO-550-A
- Engine type: Reciprocating
- Power: 360 hp
- Data sheet: [TCDS E5SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/E5SO) (OpenAirDocs)
- Holder: Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.
- Installed in: 1 registered aircraft
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-550-a

Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs)

Matched to this engine model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- [AD 2023-09-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-09-09): Exhaust Turbine System (Recip) · Aerostar PA-60-600 (Aerostar 600), PA-60-601 (Aerostar 601), PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P) and 292 more. Effective Jul 17, 2023
- [AD 2023-05-16](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-05-16): Reciprocating Engine Power Section · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H and 147 more. Effective Mar 15, 2023
- [AD 2023-02-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-02-12): Engine Air Intake System · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 127 more. Effective Feb 17, 2023
- [AD 2020-16-11](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2020-16-11): SUMMARY: Reciprocating Cylinder Section · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H and 23 more. Effective Sep 21, 2020
- [AD 2016-16-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2016-16-12): Cylinder assemblies · Continental Motors LTSIO-520-AE, TSIO-520-A, TSIO-520-AE and 89 more. Effective Sep 15, 2016
- [AD 2012-03-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-03-06): Fuel servo diaphragm · Continental Motors 6-260-A, 6-285-A, 6-285-B and 482 more. Effective Feb 24, 2012
- [AD 2010-11-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-11-04): Hydraulic lifters · Continental Motors FSO-470-A, GIO-470-A, GTSIO-520-C and 190 more. Effective Jun 16, 2010
- [AD 2007-16-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2007-16-10): Kelly Aerospace Power Systems turbochargers · Turbonormalizing system (Engine Technologies STC SE10589SC or SA10588SC). Effective Aug 23, 2007
- [AD 2004-08-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2004-08-10): Serial-numbered (SN) cylinders · Modify Teledyne Continental TSIO-520-NB engine (RAM Aircraft Limited Partnership STC SE09104SC or 4 others). Effective May 5, 2004
- [AD 2000-23-21](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2000-23-21): Crankshaft · Continental Motors IO-360-A, IO-360-AB, IO-360-B and 164 more. Effective Dec 12, 2000
- [AD 99-19-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-19-01): No. 2 and No. 5 Crankshaft Inspections · Continental Motors GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 127 more. Effective Sep 30, 1999
- [AD 96-12-22](https://openairdocs.org/ad/96-12-22): Full Flow Engine Oil Adapter · Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, 120, 140 and 361 more. Effective Jul 31, 1996
- [AD 93-10-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-10-02): Missing Cylinder Valve Retainer Key · Continental Motors GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 180 more. Effective Aug 12, 1993

Historical (superseded or no longer in force):

- [AD 2023-04-08](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-04-08) (historical): Reciprocating Engine Power Section · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H and 141 more. Effective Feb 23, 2023
- [AD 2009-24-52](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2009-24-52) (historical): Hydraulic lifters · Continental Motors FSO-470-A, GIO-470-A, GTSIO-520-C and 192 more
- [AD 2000-08-51](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2000-08-51) (historical): Crankshaft · Teledyne Continental Motors IO-360-A, IO-360-AB, IO-360-B and 158 more
- [AD 99-09-17](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-09-17) (historical): Crankshaft · Teledyne Continental Motors IO-470-A, IO-470-C, IO-470-D and 114 more

## Information bulletins (advisory) (8)

- [SAIB NE-20-05](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-20-05): POWERPLANT - Engine Camshaft Gear Tooth Fracture. Issued Apr 6, 2020
- [SAIB NE-18-16](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-18-16): POWERPLANT  Alternator Drive Coupling. Issued Jun 20, 2018
- [SAIB NE-17-11](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-17-11): POWERPLANT  Engine damage as a result of kickback. Issued May 10, 2017
- [SAIB NE-16-13](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-16-13): Powerplant - Prohibited use of sealant. Issued Mar 8, 2016
- [SAIB NE-13-15](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-13-15): Engine Controls: Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Throttle and Mixture Control Levers. Issued Feb 8, 2013
- [SAIB NE-13-04](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-13-04): Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Connecting Rod Piston Pin Bushing Inspection. Issued Oct 31, 2012
- [SAIB NE-10-09](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-10-09): Reciprocating Engine Power Section: Hydraulic Valve Lifters. Issued Nov 20, 2009
- [SAIB NE-09-08](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-09-08): Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section. Issued Jan 30, 2009

## Registered aircraft (1)

- [N413AJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N413AJ): [Smith Leigh](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SMITH%20LEIGH), [Knox, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Knox), built 2008, S/N LIV-595

## NTSB investigations

None matched to aircraft with this engine model.

## FAA accident and incident reports

None matched to aircraft with this engine model.

## Service difficulty reports (17)

As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report.

- [SDR 2016FA0000456](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2016FA0000456), Sep 26, 2016: EXHAUST HEADER. CRACKED. RIGHT TURBOCHARGER TRANSITION ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND CRACKED FRONT AND BACK DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION OF AIRCRAFT. PILOT REPORTED CO DETECTOR CHIRPING ON TRIP TO ANN
- [SDR 2016FA0000252](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2016FA0000252), May 19, 2016: GPS. FAILED. FAILURE OF G1000 NAVIGATION & MAPPING SYS IN FLIGHT. FAILURE OF FMS TO ALLOW LOADING & CHANGE OF FLIGHT PLAN. FAILURE OF MFD TO ALLOW DISPLAY OF ASSOCIATED CHAR
- [SDR ENEA20131112001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/ENEA20131112001), Nov 12, 2013: THROTTLE CABLE. BROKEN. ON THE LAST FLIGHT, AT APPROX 5:02 PM, THROTTLE CABLE BROKE DURING APPROACH TO LANDING. THREE MILES OUT AT 1000 FT, THE ACFT WAS CONFIG WITH 10 DEG FLAPS, L5OO 
- [SDR 2012FA0000594](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2012FA0000594), Aug 10, 2012: POINTS. BROKEN. IN FLIGHT, ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN POORLY. ON LANDING AND FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LT MAGNETO WAS INOPERATIVE. THE MAGNETO WAS REMOVED, DISASS
- [SDR 2012FA0000355](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2012FA0000355), Jun 2, 2012: CHECK VALVE. OBSTRUCTED. DURING SCHEDULED ANNUAL INSPECTION, OIL COOLER REMOVED TO PERFORM A WELD REPAIR TO A CRACKED MOUNTING FLANGE. AFTER REINSTALLATION AND COMPLETION OF THE ANNUAL,
- [SDR 2011FA0000312](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2011FA0000312), Mar 24, 2011: ANTENNA. NOISY. DIGITAL DATA NOISE IN HEADSETS. ACFT MODE S TRANSPONDER SYS. CURRENT ANTENNA LOCATION IS TOO CLOSE TO CABIN ENVIRONMENT.
- [SDR 2011FA0000184](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2011FA0000184), Mar 18, 2011: TORQUE TUBE. CORRODED. ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE HAS INTERNAL CORROSION INSIDE TORQUE TUBE WITH RUST CONCENTRATION AROUND WELDED AREAS. AMM CHAP 27-30-00, PAGE 3 ITEM 2(C)(3) STATES TO INS
- [SDR FCPR20110003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FCPR20110003), Feb 3, 2011: PRESSURE SENSOR. FAILED. LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING IN FLIGHT. READ ZERO. OIL PRESSURE SENSOR FOUND INOPERATIVE.
- [SDR 2010FA0001221](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2010FA0001221), Nov 4, 2010: SUPPORT. BROKEN. WITH ENGINES RUNNING, PILOT NOTICED PIECES COMING OUT OF SPINNER. DURING INSP, DISCOVERED THAT THE LT SPINNER SUPPORT WAS COMING APART. AND SEVERAL PIECES FELL 
- [SDR T9ZR725YWO4459](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/T9ZR725YWO4459), Feb 26, 2010: STARTER. OUT OF TOLERANCE. DURING REMOVAL OF THE STARTER AND THE O/H OF THE STARTER DRIVE ADAPTER IT WAS FOUND THAT THE NEWLY INSTALLED STARTER IS .015 SMALLER AT THE HOUSING FLANGE THAN 
- [SDR MDR40120009004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/MDR40120009004), Apr 1, 2009: TUBE. CHAFED. THE OIL FILLER TUBES ARE BEING CHAFED BEYOND MFG LIMIT OF .010 DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE CYLINDER BAFFLING BETWEEN CYLINDERS NR 2 AND 4. SHOULD THE TUBE CHAFE COM
- [SDR 2009FA0000016](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2009FA0000016), Dec 17, 2008: PAN. CRACKED. OIL LEAK CAME FROM CRACK IN OIL PAN. CAUSE UNKNOWN. ENG TSMOH 95 HRS. CRACK/ FITTING WITH HOSE ATTACHED FOR REMOTE OIL DRAIN. (K)
- [SDR 2008FA0000211](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2008FA0000211), Mar 12, 2008: DUCT. CRACKED. RT TURBO TRANSITION DUCT CRACKED. (NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE SEEN THIS)
- [SDR 2007FA0000877](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2007FA0000877), Aug 7, 2007: ALTERNATOR. FAILED. A FLIGHT TEST WAS BEING CONDUCTED ON 07/30/07 ON A REWORKED THERMAL SYSTEMS (KATS) EVADE SYSTEM, WHEN THE SYSTEM WENT UNSTABLE CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO GO OFF 
- [SDR 2005FA0000839](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2005FA0000839), May 17, 2005: FRAME. CRACKED. BULKHEAD FRAME ASSY AT STA 272. CRACKED AT TOP PORTION LT AND RT IN BEND RADIUS, APPROX CRACK TO BE ABOUT .5 INCH ON LT AND 1 INCH ON RT. (K)
- [SDR 98ZZZX3683](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX3683), Aug 20, 1998: LINE. CRACKED. CRACKED COOLANT LINE CAUSED LOSS OF COOLANT AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN. LOG BOOKS NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME OF THIS REPORT.
- [SDR 99ZZZX595](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX595), Jul 7, 1998: PISTON. CRACKED. DURING FLIGHT, THE RIGHT ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND LOST OIL PRESSURE. THE PILOT SECURED THE ENGINE AND MADE A SAFE SINGLE-ENGINE LANDING. AN INVESTIGATION R

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (10)

Approved for this engine model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has.

- [STC SE03309CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE03309CH): Installation of Engine Preheat Kit, p/n TSP6CYL-2927-115 for 115 volt application. Hartzell Propeller Inc
- [STC SE04577CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE04577CH): Install an electronic engine ignition system. Electroair Acquisition Corp
- [STC SE01966WI](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE01966WI): Use of GAMI G100UL High Octane Unleaded Avgas in spark ignition piston aircraft engines. General Aviation Modifications Inc
- [STC SE8776SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE8776SW): Installation of coated cylinders and piston rings. Continental Motors, Inc
- [STC SE09846SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09846SC): Installation of S539800M30 starter adapter springs. Aircraft Specialties Services Inc
- [STC SE01628NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE01628NY): Modification of starter adapter by substitution or rework of accessory drive parts. Canadian Aero Manufacturing
- [STC SE09513SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09513SC): Installation and usage of Exxon 20W50 Multigrade aircraft engine oil conforming to Exxon Oil Formulation WS-3013. Exxon Company USA
- [STC SE09559SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09559SC): Installation of US Airparts roller rocker arm assemblies P/N US92E exhaust and US92I intake. US Airparts, Inc
- [STC SE09319SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09319SC): Modify oil pan adding a new oil sump drain. Texas Skyways Inc. Lists TSIO-550 Series
- [STC SE00350SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE00350SE): Installation of sump mounted chip detector. Aviation Development Corporation

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