Spot-welded V-band Couplings Cause Accidents; FAA Final Rule issued
On June 12, 2023, the FAA published an Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-09-09 for turbocharged, reciprocating engine-powered airplanes and helicopters and turbocharged, reciprocating engines with a spot-welded, multi-segment v-band coupling installed at the tailpipe to the turbocharger exhaust housing flange. This AD only applies to spot-welded, multi-segment v-band couplings installed at the tailpipe to the turbocharger exhaust housing flange (it does not apply to riveted couplings). This AD establishes a 500 hour life limit of the v-band coupling and requires repetitive inspections. The AD contains an optional inspection in paragraph (i)(2) for only the first 2 years after AD publication so