What Pilots Need to Know
WHY FAA Certification Is So Important for Aircraft Cylinder Overhauls
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is crucial (and required) when it comes to aircraft cylinder overhauls – not only for ensuring that an aircraft cylinder overhaul is completed properly, but to ensure its reliability and ultimate safety of pilots and their passengers.
FAA regulations are put into place to safeguard the optimal operation and airworthiness of aircraft components, including aircraft cylinders. A properly maintained aircraft with FAA-certified aircraft cylinder overhauls is indisputably a safer one.
Failure to properly maintain aircraft cylinders can result in any number of unwelcome circumstances – some dire. Aircraft cylinders are one of the hottest parts of the engine. That said, an aircraft cylinder operating at higher than normal temperatures or with leaky exhaust ports can greatly increase the probability of cracks and other damage, likely leading to some serious engine issues.
Additionally, cylinder valves operating in extreme conditions may result in the wear of the actual valves, valve seats, springs or lifters. Faulty cylinder valves can reduce your compression and, ultimately, the power of your aircraft. Plus, when a valve actually breaks apart, those broken pieces of metal can bang around your cylinder and into the piston – definitely something you don’t want.
Head and barrel separation is another serious potential aircraft cylinder issue, and when that required precise fit becomes less than precise, the risk of a forced landing is exponentially increased.
WHAT Is Required by the FAA for Aircraft Cylinder Overhauls
All aircraft cylinder overhauls must be completed in accordance with FAA-approved work, limits and tolerance standards. This includes inspection, disassembly, cleaning and repairing as needed, as well as reassembly and testing. This applies to all airworthy certified United States aircraft including cylinders and all types of overhauls (i.e.: top overhauls and complete overhauls).
More specifically, per FAA requirements, each aircraft cylinder overhaul must restore said aircraft cylinder to the same condition as a new part and having followed manufacturer specifications to the letter as per tolerances and limits.
Moreover, aircraft cylinder overhaul testing must be completed to the approved and current standards of the FAA including technical data also required by the FAA.
The FAA also requires all aircraft cylinder overhauls to meet manufacturer overhaul specifications and requirements.
Aircraft cylinder overhaul recordkeeping is also monitored closely by the FAA, which requires that every aircraft cylinder overhaul be documented within its aircraft maintenance logbook with date and methods (which must also be acceptable to the FAA) used indicated and the signature of the certified mechanic who performed the aircraft cylinder overhaul included.
The FAA also mandates that certain aircraft engines also require references for maintenance and airworthiness.
WHO Should Conduct Your Aircraft Cylinder Overhaul
Although the FAA allows pilots to perform certain aircraft maintenance, aircraft cylinder overhauls is not one of the tasks that the FAA allows pilots to conduct. According to FAA regulations, aircraft cylinder overhauls – including overhaul work and assembly – can only be performed by a properly certified mechanic or aircraft cylinder overhaul facility.
When it comes to adhering to FAA regulations, your safety and keeping your aircraft operating at peak performance, the importance of utilizing a highly specialized, skilled and properly qualified repair station with an innate knowledge of everything from the most general, to the most minor details of FAA regulation compliance is critical. You need an aircraft maintenance team on your side that you can trust to get the job done right and finding the right professional aircraft cylinder overhaul technician is key.
Moore Performance Products is an FAA-certified repair station and also FAA-certified in welding. Proud to have served the aviation industry for over 30 years and to have provided a variety of overhaul services nationwide and overseas for the aircraft and aerospace industries, the experienced aircraft mechanics at Moore Performance Products specialize in aircraft cylinder overhauls and repairs. Moore Performance Products is also family owned and operated and what that means to its customers is an unsurpassed commitment to high quality products, service and customer satisfaction.
WHERE to Find a Trusted, FAA-Certified Aircraft Cylinder Overhaul Expert
Moore Performance Products is conveniently located at 132 W. Park Avenue, Building 1 in Edgewater Florida and can be reached by phone by calling 386-409-7501 or 888-409-7555 anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.