NTSB Recommends Mandatory Airworthiness Directive for Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engines

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued recommendation CEN16FA171, designated as A-17-033, directed to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation calls for the issuance of an airworthiness directive that would mandate compliance by all owners and operators of helicopters equipped with Rolls-Royce 250-series engines. The directive would require these entities to adhere to specific Rolls-Royce Commercial Engine Bulletins, including numbers 318, 1402, 73-2076, and 73-4057. These bulletins stipulate the replacement of power turbine governors with units that meet the standards outlined in Honeywell Service Bulletin GT-73-344. The recommendation aims to address safety concerns associated with these engine components by enforcing standardized maintenance procedures across the affected fleet.