Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23171 · Coolant servicing
Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Engines
This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH (Continental) Model TAE 125-02-125 engines.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH (Continental) Model TAE 125-02- 125 engines. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks in the cylinder heads, which can cause engine coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the engine coolant for contamination and, depending on the inspection results, replacement of the coolant and replacement of the cylinder heads. This AD also prohibits installing a cylinder head on any engine unless it is a serviceable part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For the purpose of this AD, a “serviceable part” is a cylinder head which is new (never installed), or a cylinder head which was not removed in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Inspect (sampling and analysis) the engine coolant for contamination in accordance with Appendix B: Instruction to take coolant sample, of Continental Service Bulletin CG 125-1030 P1, Revision 4, dated January 10, 2025 (SB CG 125-1030 P1, Rev 4), at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD:
(i) For engines that have accumulated 50 flight hours (FH) or more since the last engine coolant replacement or 50 FH or more since new if the coolant has never been replaced, as of the effective date of this AD, within 5 FH after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) For engines that have accumulated less than 50 FH since the last engine coolant replacement or less than 50 FH since new if the coolant has never been replaced, as of the effective date of this AD, within 5 FH after accumulating 50 FH.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the coolant sample contains aluminum or fluoride that exceeds the acceptable range as specified in Table 1: Limit values for G48 coolant type or Table 2: Limit values for G40 coolant type, as applicable, in Appendix A: Material, Methods and Limits, of SB CG 125-1030 P1, Rev 4, before further flight, remove the cylinder head and replace it with a serviceable part, flush the engine cooling system, and refill the cooling system with new coolant.
(3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the coolant sample exceeds any acceptable range, except for the aluminum or fluoride ranges, as specified in Table 1: Limit values for G48 coolant type or Table 2: Limit values for G40 coolant type, as applicable, in Appendix A: Material, Methods and Limits, of SB CG 125-1030 P1, Rev 4, before further flight, drain and flush the engine cooling system and refill the cooling system with new coolant.
After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any engine a cylinder head that is not a “serviceable part,” as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
