Airworthiness Directive 2016-18708
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Continental Motors, Inc. Reciprocating Engines
What this AD requires
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Motors, Inc., (CMI) San Antonio (formerly known as Airmotive Engineering Corp. (AEC)), replacement parts manufacturer approval (PMA) cylinder assemblies marketed by Engine Components International Division (ECi). On July 17, 2015, AEC was purchased by CMI and is now operating as "Continental Motors--San Antonio." These cylinder assemblies are used on all CMI model -520 and -550 reciprocating engines, and on all other CMI engine models approved for the use of model -520 and -550 cylinder assemblies, such as the CMI model -470 when modified by supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cylinder head-to-barrel separations and cracked and leaking aluminum cylinder heads. This AD requires removal of the affected cylinder assemblies, including overhauled cylinder assemblies, according to a phased removal schedule. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the cylinder assemblies, which could lead to failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.
Which aircraft AD 2016-18708 applies to
Applies to all CMI -520 and -550 series engines, and other CMI engine models (such as -470) approved for -520/-550 cylinder assemblies when modified by STC, with Continental Motors Inc., San Antonio (formerly Airmotive Engineering Corp./ECi) PMA cylinder assembly P/N AEC 631397, ECi Class 71 or Class 76, serial number 1 through 61176, installed.
Whether AD 2016-18708 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.