Parker Hannifin/Airborne Vacuum Pump

[SteveG]

Yet another in a long line of CYA actions from Parker. They have made it very clear that they want no part of the aviation liability environment. First by casting "no overhaul" into their pump bodies then by ceasing production althogether followed by a series of warning letters stating that any aviator so fool hardy as to venture into IMC with one vacuum pump would certainly come to grief and demanding that all single engine operators have a backup source of attitude. Preferably by electric gyro or at least electric standby pump or manifold vacuum diversion. Now a service letter demanding that all pump bodies "must" be retired. For every pump that they can get out of the system there is one less opportunity to be sued. I believe that it was the Carnahan accident that was the last straw. For Part 91 if it's not an AD it's not "mandatory" any more than Cessna's long list of "mandatory" service bulletins. For us, I feel that keeping dry pumps on a staggered replacement cycle, monitoring vane wear and replacing on condition, using rate based autopilots and staying partial panel proficient provides an adequate level of safety at the most economical cost.