Airworthiness Directives; Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Assemblies

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) models 320, 360, and 540 series, "Parallel Valve" reciprocating engines, with certain Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) cylinder assemblies, part number (P/N) AEL65102 series "Titan", installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections and compression tests to detect cracks at the head- to-barrel interface, replacement of cylinder assemblies found cracked, and replacement of certain cylinder assemblies, at new reduced times- in-service. This AD results from reports of 45 failures with head separations of ECi cylinder assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks at the head-to-barrel interface in the cylinder assemblies and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft.