MANDATORY SERVICE BULLETIN - Lycoming
Robinson R44 Raven II · Service Bulletins
Overview
This Service Bulletin No. 656, issued on February 13, 2024, addresses an important safety issue regarding the 6-Cylinder Electronic Ignition System (EIS) used in Robinson R44 helicopters. The bulletin outlines the necessary steps for replacing the EIS units in affected engines, specifically the O-540-F1B5 and IO-540-AE1A5 models equipped with EIS. It highlights the compliance timelines based on the hours of operation on the EIS and provides warranty instructions for the replacement parts. Pilots and maintenance personnel are advised to follow the guidelines closely to ensure safety and compliance with FAA regulations.
- Affected engines: O-540-F1B5 and IO-540-AE1A5 with EIS in Robinson R44.
- Compliance required before further flight for engines with over 100 hours on the EIS.
- Engines with 50-100 hours must comply within the next 10 hours of operation.
- Warranty claims require return of removed EIS unit within 30 days.
- Contact Lycoming Technical Support for assistance with replacement and warranty.
Document
Source
Originally published by www.lycoming.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Service Bulletins
- Year
- 2024
- Pages
- 2
- File size
- 149 KB
- Publisher
- www.lycoming.com
Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Robinson R44 Raven II.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Robinson R44 Raven II for sale now
Free — save the R44 Raven II to your watchlist and track it in one place.
More Robinson R44 Raven IImanuals & documents
See all 45 →- U.S. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVESAirworthiness Directives
- Emergency Checklist R44 RII – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09Checklist
- R44 SERVICE BULLETIN SB-117Service Bulletins
- ROBINSON MAINTENANCE MANUAL R44 SERIESWiring Diagram
- V-Speeds Reference for the Robinson R44 Raven IIV Speeds Reference
- Advisory Circular: Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsTraining Manual
- ROBINSON MODEL R44 SECTION 5 PERFORMANCEPerformance Data
- Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company HelicoptersAirworthiness Directives
- Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44, VH-OCLOther Documents
- PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK AND FAA APPROVED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUALPilot's Operating Handbook
- Clutch actuator lower bearing seizure and collision with terrain involving Robinson Helicopter Company R44, VH-KOV near Nathan River Station, Northern Territory on 16 May 2022Other Documents
- ATSB Transport Safety Report: Aviation Occurrence Investigation (Systemic) AO-2022-009Other Documents
If you fly the Robinson R44 Raven II, you may also be researching these.
In this document
Subject
The bulletin addresses the replacement of the 6-Cylinder Electronic Ignition System (EIS) due to identified internal wear issues that can lead to engine power fluctuations.
Models Affected
The bulletin specifically applies to O-540-F1B5 and IO-540-AE1A5 engines equipped with EIS used in Robinson R44 helicopters.
Time of Compliance
Engines with the original EIS must comply before further flight if they have more than 100 hours Time-In-Service. For engines with 50 to 100 hours, compliance is required within the next 10 hours of operation. Engines with a replacement EIS must comply within 50 hours Time-In-Service.
Warranty Instructions
To qualify for warranty, the removed EIS unit and drive cushions must be returned to Lycoming within 30 days of receiving the replacement. Detailed steps for contacting technical support, ordering parts, and filing warranty claims are provided.
Contact Information
For assistance, contact Lycoming Technical Support via phone or email, providing necessary information such as engine serial number and hours at replacement.
Safety notes
- Failure to comply with the replacement schedule may lead to engine power fluctuations.
- Incomplete review of the bulletin can result in errors during compliance.
Full document text
ISSUED REVISED PAGE NO. REVISION MO DAY YEAR MO DAY YEAR 1 of 2 - 02 13 24 -- -- -- MANDATORY 652 Oliver Street Williamsport, PA 17701 U.S.A. Telephone +1 (877) 839-7878 (U.S. and Canada) Telephone +1 (570) 327-7222 (International) Fax +1 (570) 327-7101 Email Technicalsupport@lycoming.com DATE: February 13, 2024 Service Bulletin No. 656 Engineering Aspects are FAA Approved SUBJECT: Replacement of 6-Cylinder Electronic Ignition System (EIS) MODELS AFFECTED: O-540-F1B5 and IO-540-AE1A5 engines equipped with EIS used in Robinson R44 applications. TIME OF COMPLIANCE: For Engines with the Original EIS: Before further flight for engines with more than 100 hours Time-In-Service on the EIS. For Engines with more than 50 hours, but less than 100 hours Time-In-Service on the EIS: Within the next 10 hours of operation. For Engines with a replacement EIS: Not to exceed 50 hours Time-In-Service on the EIS. NOTICE: Incomplete review of all the information in this document can cause errors. Read the entire Service Bulletin to make sure you have a complete understanding of the requirements. Lycoming has identified an internal wear issue with some EIS units used on 6-cylinder engines in rotary wing applications. This internal wear progresses over time and can lead to engine power fluctuations. This bulletin requires the replacement of EIS units in Robinson R44 model helicopters. For O-540-F1B5 engines equipped with EIS P/N 66K6D3SN-02 and IO-540-AE1A5 engines equipped with EIS P/N 66K6D3SN-01, remove and replace the EIS units and Magneto Drive Cushions P/N 68H22624 (Qty.2) at 50-hour intervals in accordance with the latest revision of Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1569. Terminating action to the repetitive EIS replacement will be installing a Revision R (or later) EIS unit anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2024. Using the phone numbers or email address listed in this bulletin, please contact Lycoming Engines Technical Support, and provide the following information. This information will be used to assist in tracking and future customer assistance. • Engine Serial Number • EIS Serial Number • Engine/EIS hours at replacement. • Aircraft Tail Number • Aircraft Serial Number ©2024 Avco Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Lycoming Engines is a division of Avco Corporation. SERVICE BULLETIN Warranty Instructions and Replacement Parts for Engines/Parts Affected by Service Bulletin No. 656 NOTICE: To qualify for warranty, the removed EIS unit and drive cushions must be returned to Lycoming no later than 30 Days after receipt of the replacement EIS unit. 1. Contact Lycoming Technical Support with the information from Page 1 to be assigned a Service Record Number (SR). 2. Contact an Authorized Lycoming Distributor to order a replacement EIS unit and replacement drive cushions (reference the assigned SR Number). 3. Upon receipt, complete the installation procedure in accordance with the latest revision of Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1569. 4. Through the same Authorized Lycoming Distributor, file a warranty claim for: A. Reimbursement of the replacement parts. B. Associated Standard, Non-Expedited Freight. C. Removal and Reinstallation Labor in accordance with the current applicable Lycoming Warranty Policy and latest revision of Lycoming’s SSP-875 Removal and Installation Labor Allowance Guidebook. D. Reference assigned SR Number in warranty claim. 5. Return the removed EIS and drive cushions directly to Lycoming Engines at the address below: Lycoming Engines 652 Oliver Street Williamsport, PA 17701 Attn: SB 656 EIS Returns If you have any questions, contact Lycoming Technical Support by phone at 570-327-7222 or 877-839-7878 or by email to Technicalsupport@lycoming.com. ISSUED REVISED PAGE NO. REVISION S.B. 656 MO DAY YEAR MO DAY YEAR 2 of 2 - 02 13 24 -- -- --
775 Robinson R44 Raven II parts for sale
See all →





Parts listed for sale by vetted eBay sellers — confirmed on eBay at checkout.










