Lycoming Working With FAA on Maintenance Allegations
By Russ Niles
Lycoming says it’s working with the FAA after the agency announced it wants to fine the engine maker $60,000 for allegedly faulty maintenance on four TEO-540-C1A engines, one of its most advanced designs used in the Tecnam P2012 twin. The company pledged to cooperate fully with the agency after the proposed sanction was posted on the FAA website last Friday. “Lycoming is working closely with the FAA on this matter and will fully support the agency throughout its review,” Lycoming said in a statement to AvBrief. “Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot provide further comment at this time. Safety and regulatory compliance remain core pillars of Lycoming’s business, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of our operations.“
The FAA said it wants to fine the company for “allegedly violating aircraft maintenance regulations.” The FAA announcement is as follows:
“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $60,000 civil penalty against Lycoming Engines of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for allegedly violating aircraft maintenance regulations. The FAA alleges that the aircraft repair station in September 2024 failed to follow the manufacturer’s manual while performing maintenance on four Lycoming TEO-540-CIA engines. The company released the engines for return to service without replacing the Exhaust Bypass Valve Assembly as required. Lycoming has 30 days to respond to FAA’s enforcement letter.“
Although the alleged infraction occurred two years ago, the company recently issued a service bulletin (copied below) that says the springs in the bypass valves manufactured by Hartzell Engine Tech from May 26, 2024 to March 13, 2026 might not meet specifications and can cause the exhaust pressure to fluctuate. The fix is to replace the assembly.
