Montgomery, AL (January 30, 2018) — Keith Bagley, president of Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET), announced today that the company has received FAA approval for a global Alternate Method of Compliance (AMOC) covering AD 2017-06-03 on South Wind 8000-series cabin heaters.

The AD requires that owner/operators of South Wind (formerly Meggitt/Stewart-Warner) heaters comply within the next 10-hours of heater operating time or next scheduled maintenance activity, whichever occurs first and then repeat compliance every two years or 250 hours.

“The AD will require a Pressure Decay Test (PDT) on the South Wind heater’s combustion tube. For the tube to pass, it cannot have any leaks,” Bagley explained. “The FAA estimates that 90-percent of these heaters will fail the PDT. And, according to the AD, any tubes that fail must be replaced. The AD does not allow for any repairs to the combustion tube.”

“In addition, areas of the new Janitrol Aero tube that are exposed to extreme temperatures are treated with Durakoat™ heat-resistant coating, which further enhances the unit’s reliability and longevity,” Bagley said.

Bagley also explained that by following the combustion chamber replacement procedures outlined in the AMOC (or through a complete replacement of the South Wind heater with a new Janitrol Aero cabin heater), the owner/operator is relieved of the ongoing two-year/250 hour compliance requirements outlined in the AD.

Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (formerly Stewart Warner Corp., South Wind Division) AD 2017-06-03 Hits The Streets Effective May 5, 2017

Applies to all South Wind Heaters installed in certificated aircraft.

6/06/2017: FAA approves A.M.O.C. for pressure decay testing 900 Series Stewart-Warner South Wind combustion aircraft heaters.