EASA SIB SAIB-2025-07: Reciprocating Engine Supercharger

What to do

Owners of the affected Bellanca 17-30A and specified Cessna models listed in the bulletin should either remove the improperly approved supercharger modifications or obtain proper FAA major type design change approval through an STC. No specific compliance deadlines are stated, but timely action is recommended to ensure regulatory compliance and airworthiness.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: 2025-07 addresses airworthiness concerns related to the installation of the Belt-Driven Vortech V-1S supercharger assembly on certain Bellanca Model 17-30A and Cessna aircraft models, including 180K, 210-5(205), 210-5A(205A), A185F, P206B, TU206G, and U206B. The bulletin highlights issues with Supplemental Type Certificates SE10233SC and SA10232SC, which approve these modifications on specific Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 engine models and Cessna 182 variants. It is an informational bulletin and does not mandate regulatory action at this time.

What changed

This bulletin informs that some installations of STCs SE10233SC and SA10232SC have been improperly approved using the FAA's Major Repair and Alteration field approval process instead of proper Supplemental Type Certificate procedures. It clarifies that applying these supercharger modifications to aircraft or engine models not covered by the original STCs constitutes a major change in type design requiring proper FAA approval. The bulletin does not introduce new regulations but raises awareness of this compliance issue.

Why it matters

This matters because aircraft modified with these superchargers without proper FAA STC approval are in an improperly approved configuration, which could affect airworthiness compliance and safety oversight. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams need to ensure modifications are properly certified to avoid regulatory and safety risks. Understanding the correct approval process helps maintain regulatory compliance and supports safe continued operation of affected aircraft.