Boeing SPECTROLAB SX-16 Nightsun Reference manual

SL0899-01 Amend1.doc Page 1 of 2
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 Page 2 of 2
What you should do:
The Gimbal Arm service life begins on the shipment date from Spectrolab. It is recommended that this
date is recorded for traceability purposes. Regardless if the Gimbal is installed on the aircraft or in
storage, the maximum service life of Aluminum Gimbal Arms is seven (7) years and the maximum
service life of a Steel Gimbal Arm is ten (10) years.
If the Gimbal Arm has any signs of corrosion, cracking, loose rivets, or separation between the
Gimbal Arm and the doubler, the Arm must be replaced.
AFFECTED GIMBAL ASSEMBLIES AND SERVICE LIFE:
SX-16 Aluminum Gimbals (P/N 019059 with rivets and P/N 021716) have a 7 year service life.
SX-16 Steel Gimbals (P/N 022955) have a 10 year service life.
SX-5 Gimbals (P/N 030040 with rivets) have a 7 year service life.
Removal and replacement of the Gimbal Arm can be performed at Spectrolab, any authorized service
center or approved MRO facility. Instructions for this procedure are detailed in the appropriate
Searchlight Maintenance Manual.
When the Gimbal Arm is replaced, it is important to affix a new identification tag to ensure traceability
of the hardware. Have the serial number and Gimbal part number ready when ordering replacement
parts and ask the Customer Service representative to include the identification tag with your order.
For questions on this Service Bulletin, please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-936-4888
for instructions and/or a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number.
Emilio Quezada
Director of ILS Operations
Spectrolab, Inc. (A Boeing Company)