FAA Orders Fix on Three of Lycoming's Most-Flown Engines

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive covering the Lycoming O-235, O-540, and IO-540, citing a defect in the piston pins inside those engines. All three power plants are long-standing fixtures in general aviation, found in a wide range of piston singles and twins that owners often keep in the hangar alongside larger equipment. An airworthiness directive is not a recommendation; compliance is mandatory under FAA rule, which puts the burden on owners and their maintenance shops to address the affected components. The order applies wherever these three engines are installed, regardless of airframe.

With reporting from Flying.