Parts Manufacturer Disputes FAA’s Proposed AD

Engine Components Inc. , of San Antonio, Texas, said last week it is in “complete disagreement” with a proposed Airworthiness Directive published by the FAA earlier this month that would affect some ECi connecting rods used in GA aircraft engines. The FAA’s concern began with an in-flight failure of the engine in a Cessna 172 in October 2003. ECi said it has been working with the FAA since then. “We strongly feel that no safety of flight concerns exist and in addition to all the testing performed, the fact is that outside of the initial accident, where oil starvation occurred, no single failure has been reported,” ECi said. ECi also said it had been corresponding with the FAA about plans for further testing, and was expecting further response to its proposals when the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published. “Therefore, the issuance of the NPRM was a complete surprise,” ECi said. The NPRM is open for comment until Dec. 5. To add a comment or read the comments filed so far on this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov, click on “Simple Search,” and enter docket number 21331. ECi has a web page where it has compiled information in support of its case.