Boeing SPECTROLAB SX-16 Service Bulletin

SX-16 and SX-5
Gimbal Arm Service Life
Safety and Service Bulletin # SL 0899-01
Amendment #1 Date: 02/03/14
WARNING: TO AVOID A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD
CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE, ENSURE THAT THE GIMBAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE LIFE
IS NOT EXCEEDED.
Subject: Gimbal Arm Service Life
Affected Products:
®
All SX-16 Nightsun and SX-5 Starburst Searchlight Gimbal Arms with rivet fasteners. The
Gimbal Arm is the portion of the Searchlight system which is the (U-shaped) mechanical yoke
between the Searchlight and aircraft mount. If the Gimbal Arm assembly does not have rivet
fasteners, this bulletin does not apply and the Gimbal Arm does not have a defined service life.
®
Dear Nightsun and/or Starburst Searchlight Product User:
This amendment #1 supersedes past revisions of SL 0899-01 and is intended to clearly define the
Gimbal Arm service life to begin on the date of shipment from Spectrolab.
Under certain environmental conditions, the area around the rivets of the Gimbal Arm Assembly may
be subjected to structural integrity weakening.
Weakened Gimbal assemblies may eventually fracture or break, causing a separation between the
Gimbal Arm and the doubler plate. This situation would leave the Searchlight and/or Gimbal assembly
suspended by the safety cables.
The service life of the Gimbal Arm is limited and the recommended replacement period shall not be
exceeded.
SL0899-01 Amend1.doc
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