GA Industry Rallies to Oppose Cylinder NPRM

SAN ANTONIO, TX. August 22, 2013 — The General Aviation community has mobilized to oppose a proposed AD on TITAN® brand 520/550 series cylinders produced between 2002 and 2009. Aircraft owners, mechanics, engine shops, and several GA organizations worked feverishly to spread the word about the consequences that would be felt in their respective businesses. Diminished aircraft value, potential safety hazards of mid-time cylinder replacement, reduced flight hours, and most prominently, the 83,000,000 dollar price tag, were among the comments posted to the NPRM docket.

Many proposed AD’s receive fewer than a dozen comments to their docket. This one has already garnered over 45 in just a few days. Most all of the comments express serious concern over the consequences of the proposal, and also address the fact that the FAA has not presented a root cause nor any technical data in support of its proposal. News organizations across the country have picked up the story and spread it amongst their subscribers. General Aviation’s most important trade organizations, like Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Cessna Pilots Association, Cessna Flyer Association, and General Aviation News posted it to their websites. Parts distributors and OEMs posted on their websites their opinions on the far-reaching consequences of this action, and reinforced the significance of the NPRM to the general aviation industry. Direct links to these articles and comments can be found at www.eci.aero/NPRM, as well as at www.pistonpower.org, a website dedicated to regulatory issues affecting general aviation.

“I am encouraged by the number of comments being posted not only to the comment section of the NPRM, but also throughout all of the General Aviation community,” said Danbury AeroSpace President, Ty Stoller. “It is important that the FAA understand the safety and economic consequences of this unnecessary action.” Stoller encouraged everyone to go to the ECi website (www.eci.aero/NPRM) and read all the test results and reports, then post their comments on the NPRM docket (http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2012-0002). The Comment period remains open until October 11, 2013.

Engine Components International

ECi® is an international distributor of piston engine parts, and powerplants. Since 1943, ECi has been a leader in engine component repair, parts design engineering, and manufacturing. www.eci.aero.