SAIB NE-09-31

FAA Aircraft Certification Service

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: NE-09-31 SUBJ: Turbocharging: Rebuilt by Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems Date: May 27, 2009 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, owners and operators of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 60, 60A and 60B (Duke), equipped with a Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 engine, of a potential discrepancy with a rebuilt Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems (KAES) T1879 model turbocharger, part number, 407540-9003; serial number, JAR00401A. This rebuilt turbocharger was shipped from KAES to Aviall (a distributor) on December 19, 2006. At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant an airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

Incoming inspections of new KAES turbocharger backplates by a distributor revealed a production run of backplates that were machined without an oil galley, adjacent to a thrust bearing. All affected backplates which were individually distributed have been located and all but one turbocharger assembled with an affected backplate has been located. While the FAA is unaware of any safety related issues with the turbocharger in question, functional and durability issues with the assembly might exist. These issues include, but are not limited to, the inability to achieve rated critical altitude or engine performance, inability to achieve reliable and repeatable manifold pressure settings, sluggish and or unstable turbocharger operation, and the inability to meet expected component life.

Recommendations

We recommend that owners and operators of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 60, 60A and 60B (Duke), equipped with a Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 engine determine if turbocharger, part number, 407540-9003; serial number, JAR00401A, is installed. If the subject turbocharger is installed, we recommend that the turbocharger be replaced as soon as possible with a serviceable assembly.

For Further Information Contact

Gary Wechsler, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone (770) 703-6086; fax (770) 703- 6055; e-mail: gary.wechsler@faa.gov.

For Related Service Information Contact

Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems, LLC; 2900 Selma Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36108; telephone (877) 359-5355 or (334) 386-5400.