The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued mandatory directives to address safety concerns related to oil filter adapter gaskets in specific Continental engine models. These directives are aimed at preventing in-flight power loss due to oil starvation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the installation requirements, compliance timelines, and technical specifications for F&M oil filter adapters, based solely on the official documentation from the FAA and related service bulletins.
Introduction
The FAA has issued two airworthiness directives (ADs) related to the replacement of fiber gaskets with copper or stainless steel PTFE gaskets in oil filter adapters used on certain Continental reciprocating engines. These directives were prompted by reports of accidents resulting from power loss due to oil starvation. The updated AD (2023–17–04) replaces the earlier AD (2022–04–04) and expands the list of affected engine models while refining the compliance requirements.
The replacement of the fiber gasket with a copper or stainless steel PTFE gasket is critical for maintaining the integrity of the oil filtration system and ensuring safe aircraft operation. The directives apply to engines equipped with oil filter adapters manufactured by F&M Enterprises, Inc. or Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, and installed under specific Supplemental Type Certificates.
Affected Engine Models and Adapter Types
The FAA directives apply to a range of Continental reciprocating engine models, including both the C-series and IO-series engines. These engines are equipped with oil filter adapters from F&M Enterprises, Inc. or Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, which are installed under Supplemental Type Certificates SE8409SW, SE09356SC, or SE10348SC. The affected engines include:
C-125-1, C-125-2, C145-2, C145-2H, IO-360-C, IO-360-D, IO-360-DB, IO-360-H, IO-360-HB, IO-360-K, IO-360-KB, IO-470-E, IO-470-S, IO-550-B, IO-550-G, O-300-B, O-300-C, O-300-D, O-300-E, O-470-A, O-470-B, O-470-G, O-470-J, O-470-K, O-470-L, O-470-M, O-470-N, O-470-R, O-470-S, O-470-U, O-470-11, O-470-15, TSIO-360-E, TSIO-360-EB, TSIO-360-F, TSIO-360-FB, TSIO-360-GB, TSIO-360-LB, TSIO-360-MB, TSIO-360-SB, TSIO-520-C, TSIO-520-CE, TSIO-520-E, and TSIO-520-UB models.
Continental Motors IO-520-A, IO-520-B, IO-520-BA, IO-520-BB, IO-520-C, IO-520-D, IO-520-J, and IO-520-L models.
These directives were prompted by reports of two accidents caused by power loss due to oil starvation. The FAA is issuing these directives to address the unsafe condition and prevent potential engine failures.
Required Compliance and Installation Actions
The FAA mandates that the fiber gaskets in F&M or Stratus oil filter adapters be replaced with copper or stainless steel PTFE gaskets. The replacement must be performed within 50 flight hours after the effective date of the AD or at the next scheduled oil change, whichever occurs first.
The replacement procedure is outlined in Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. The relevant instructions can be found in Paragraph 6, Pages 6 through 10, including Figures 5 through 16, which provide detailed guidance on the removal and installation process.
The following part numbers are specified for the replacement gaskets:
- Copper gasket: Part Number (P/N) AN900–28 or AN900–29
- Stainless steel PTFE gasket: Part Number (P/N) ST07
The installation must be performed in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the service bulletin to ensure proper fit and function. The FAA explicitly prohibits the installation or reuse of fiber gaskets in any F&M or Stratus oil filter adapter after the effective date of the AD.
Special Flight Permit and Compliance Options
To facilitate compliance with the AD, the FAA allows for the issuance of Special Flight Permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199. These permits may be used to conduct a one-time, non-revenue ferry flight to transport the aircraft to a location where the required maintenance can be performed. However, such flights are subject to specific conditions, including:
- The engine oil pressure and temperature must be within allowable ranges.
- There must be no noticeable increase in engine noise.
- The flight must be conducted with no passengers on board.
In addition to the standard compliance options, the FAA allows for the submission of Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs). These can be requested using the procedures outlined in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs. Requests should be submitted to the appropriate principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as required.
Before using any approved AMOC, users must notify their principal inspector or, in the absence of a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office.
Timeline and Effective Dates
The original AD (2022–04–04) became effective on March 29, 2022, while the updated AD (2023–17–04) became effective on October 26, 2023. The updated AD includes revised applicability to account for additional engine models and corrects an inadvertent inclusion of certain model engines with permold type crankcases in the previous notice.
The compliance period for the replacement of fiber gaskets is either 50 flight hours or the next scheduled oil change, whichever occurs first. This ensures that aircraft operators can plan and execute the required maintenance in a timely manner.
Service Information and Contact Details
The FAA has incorporated by reference the Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–001 Rev C, which provides the detailed instructions for the replacement procedure. This document is essential for ensuring proper installation of the copper or stainless steel PTFE gasket and must be followed precisely.
For additional information regarding the AD, operators may contact George Hanlin, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO, FAA, at the following:
- Address: 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337
- Phone: (404) 474-5584
- Fax: (404) 474-5605
- Email: [email protected]
For service information related to the Stratus Tool Technologies gasket replacement, contact:
- Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC
- Address: 2208 Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 27215
- Phone: (800) 822-3200
- Website: https://www.tempestplus.com
Technical Considerations and Safety Implications
The replacement of fiber gaskets with copper or stainless steel PTFE gaskets is not a routine maintenance task but a critical safety measure. The fiber gaskets have been identified as a potential source of failure due to their susceptibility to degradation and leakage. The use of copper or stainless steel PTFE gaskets provides a more reliable seal, reducing the risk of oil starvation and subsequent engine failure.
The FAA has emphasized the importance of following the detailed instructions in the Stratus service bulletin to ensure proper installation. Any deviation from the specified procedures could compromise the integrity of the oil filtration system and increase the risk of in-flight shutdown.
Operators are also advised to monitor engine performance closely following the installation of the new gaskets. Any unusual engine noise, oil pressure fluctuations, or temperature variations should be investigated immediately to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Conclusion
The FAA has issued two airworthiness directives to address the potential safety risk associated with fiber gaskets in F&M and Stratus oil filter adapters on certain Continental reciprocating engines. These directives require the replacement of fiber gaskets with copper or stainless steel PTFE gaskets to prevent power loss due to oil starvation. The replacement must be performed within 50 flight hours or at the next scheduled oil change, whichever occurs first.
Operators are encouraged to review the relevant service bulletins and follow the detailed installation instructions to ensure compliance. The use of special flight permits and alternative methods of compliance is available for operators who need additional time or flexibility to complete the required maintenance.
By adhering to these directives, aircraft operators can ensure the continued safety and reliability of their engines and contribute to the overall airworthiness of their aircraft.