[Federal Register: January 2, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 1)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 87-90]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02ja08-21]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines, Fuel Injected
Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for certain fuel injected reciprocating engines
manufactured by Lycoming Engines. That AD currently requires
inspection, and replacement if necessary, of externally mounted fuel
injector fuel lines. This proposed AD would require the same actions
but would add additional engine models, would clarify certain
compliance time wording, and would exempt engines that have a
Maintenance and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness Limitations
Section that requires inspection, and replacement if necessary, of
externally mounted fuel injector lines. This proposed AD results from
Lycoming Engines revising their Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) to add
new engine models requiring inspection, and from the need to clarify a
repetitive inspection compliance time. We are proposing this AD to
prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines that would allow fuel
to spray into the engine compartment, resulting in an engine fire.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 3,
2008.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Contact Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA
17701, or go to http://www.lycoming.textron.com, for the service
information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; e-
mail: Norman.perenson@faa.gov; telephone (516) 228-7337; fax (516) 794-
5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate
Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD
in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any
of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who
sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65
FR 19477-78).
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
Discussion
The FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 2002-26-
01, Amendment 39-12986 (67 FR 78965, December 27, 2002). That AD
requires inspection, and replacement if necessary, of externally
mounted fuel injector fuel lines. That AD was the result of the need to
ensure that the additional Textron Lycoming fuel injected engine series
listed in that final rule, receive the same inspections as series
covered by the two previous ADs that were superseded by AD 2002-26-01.
That condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the fuel
injector fuel lines allowing fuel to spray into the engine compartment,
resulting in an engine fire.
Actions Since AD 2002-26-01 Was Issued
Since AD 2002-26-01 was issued, Lycoming Engines has added new
engine models to the list of engines requiring inspection, and
replacement if necessary, of externally mounted fuel injector fuel
lines. They have also added other new engines that are exempt from this
AD, because they have a Maintenance and Overhaul Manual with an
Airworthiness Limitations Section that requires inspection, and
replacement if necessary, of externally mounted fuel injector lines.
These engines are not listed in the revised Lycoming Engines MSB. Also,
since AD 2002-26-01 was issued, we found that we need to clarify the
repetitive inspection compliance time from ``at each 100-hour
inspection'' to ``at intervals of 100 hours time-in-service (not to
exceed 110 hours)'', to include engines that are not subject to 100-
hour inspections.
[[Page 88]]
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Lycoming
Engines MSB No. 342E, dated May 18, 2004, which describes procedures
for inspecting, and if necessary replacing the fuel injector fuel
lines. That MSB supersedes Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, MSB No. 342C,
MSB No. 342B, Supplement No. 1 to MSB 342B, MSB 342A, and MSB 342.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. For that reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would supersede AD 2002-26-01 to add additional Lycoming Engines
engine models to the applicability of the AD, and to clarify the
repetitive inspect compliance time. The proposed AD would require that
you do the inspections using the service information described
previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that 17,740 engines installed on aircraft of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
about 1 work-hour to inspect and replace all lines on a four-cylinder
engine, 1.5 work-hours to inspect and replace all lines on a six-
cylinder engine, and 2 work-hours to inspect and replace all lines on
an eight-cylinder engine, and that the average labor rate is $80 per
work hour. Required parts would cost about $484 for a four-cylinder
engine, $726 for a six-cylinder engine, and $968 for an eight-cylinder
engine. Based on these figures, the total cost per airplane of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated as follows:
$564 for a four-cylinder engine.
$846 for a six-cylinder engine.
$1,128 for an eight-cylinder engine.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Docket Number Change
We are transferring the docket for this AD to the Federal Docket
Management System as part of our on-going docket management
consolidation efforts. The new Docket No. is FAA-2007-0218. The old
Docket No. became the Directorate Identifier, which is 92-ANE-56-AD.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-12986 (67 FR
78965, December 27, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO
Corporation): Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate Identifier 92-
ANE-56-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 3,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-26-01, Amendment 39-12986.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to fuel injected reciprocating engines
manufactured by Lycoming Engines, that incorporate externally
mounted fuel injection lines (engines with an ``I'' in the prefix of
the engine model designation) as listed in the following Table 1:
Table 1.--Engine Models Affected
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Engine Model
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AEIO-320............................ -D1B, -D2B, -E1B, -E2B
AIO-320............................. -A1B, -BIB, -C1B
IO-320.............................. -B1A, -B1C, -C1A, -D1A, -D1B, -E1A, -E1B, -E2A, -E2B
LIO-320............................. -B1A, -C1A
AEIO-360............................ -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1D, -A1E, -A1E6, -B1F, -B2F, -B1G6, -B1H, -B4A, -H1A,
-H1B
AIO-360............................. -A1A, -A1B, -B1B
HIO-360............................. -A1A, -A1B, -B1A, -C1A, -C1B, -D1A, -E1AD, -E1BD, -F1AD, -G1A
[[Page 89]]
IO-360.............................. -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1B6D, -A1C, -A1D, -A1D6, -A2A, -A2B, -A3B6, -A3B6D, -
B1B, -B1D, -B1E, -B1F, -B1G6, -B2F, -B2F6, -B4A, -C1A, -C1B, -C1C, -C1C6,
-C1D6, -C1E6, -C1F, -C1G6, -C2G6, -F1A, -J1A6D, -M1B, -L2A, -M1A
IVO-360............................. -A1A
LIO-360............................. -C1E6
TIO-360............................. -A1B, -C1A6D
IGO-480............................. -A1B6
AEIO-540............................ -D4A5, -D4B5, -D4D5, -L1B5, -L1B5D, -L1D5
IGO-540............................. -B1A, -B1C
IO-540.............................. -A1A5, -AA1A5, -AA1B5, -AB1A5, -AC1A5, -AE1A5, -B1A5, -B1C5, -C1B5, -C4B5,
-C4D5D, -D4A5, -E1A5, -E1B5, -G1A5, -G1B5, -G1C5, -G1D5, -G1E5, -G1F5, -
J4A5, -V4A5D, -K1A5, -K1A5D, -K1B5, -K1C5, -K1D5, -K1E5, -K1E5D, -K1F5,
K1H5, -K1J5, -K1F5D, -K1G5, -K1G5D, -K1H5, -K1J5D, -K1K5, -K1E5, -K1E5D,
K1F5, -K1J5, -L1C5, -M1A5, -M1B5D, -M1C5, -N1A5, -P1A5, -R1A5, -S1A5, -
T4A5D, -T4B5, -T4B5D, -T4C5D, -V4A5, -V4A5D, -W1A5, -W1A5D, -W3A5D
IVO-540............................. -A1A
LTIO-540............................ -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD, -R2AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A
TIO-540............................. -A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -A2C, AE1A5, -AE2A, -AH1A, -AA1AD, -AF1A, -AF1B, -
AG1A, -AB1AD, -AB1BD, -AH1A, -AJ1A, -AK1A, -C1A, -E1A, -G1A, -F2BD, -J2B,
-J2BD, -N2BD, -R2AD, -S1AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A
TIVO-540............................ -A2A
IO-720.............................. -A1A, -A1B, -D1B, -D1BD, -D1C, -D1CD, -B1B, -B1BD, -C1B
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Engine models in Table 1 are installed on, but not limited to Piper
PA-24 Comanche, PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche, PA-28 Arrow, and PA-
23 Aztec; Beech 23 Musketeer; Mooney 20, and Cessna 177 Cardinal
airplanes.
(d) This AD is not applicable to engines having internally
mounted fuel injection lines, which are not accessible.
(e) This AD is not applicable to engines that have a Maintenance
and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness Limitations Section that
requires inspection, and replacement if necessary, of externally
mounted fuel injector lines.
Unsafe Condition
(f) This AD results from Lycoming Engines revising their
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) to add new engine models requiring
inspection, and from the need to clarify a repetitive inspection
compliance time. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
fuel injector fuel lines that would allow fuel to spray into the
engine compartment, resulting in an engine fire.
Compliance
(g) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Engines That Have Had Initial Inspections
(h) For engines that have had initial inspections in accordance
with Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342,
dated March 24, 1972; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26,
1992 Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342B, dated October 22, 1993;
Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 342B, dated April 27, 1999; Textron
Lycoming MSB No. 342C, dated April 28, 2000; Textron Lycoming MSB
No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001, and Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342E,
dated May 18, 2004, inspect in accordance with paragraph (j) of this
AD.
Engines That Have Not Had Initial Inspections
(i) For engines that have not had initial inspections previously
done in accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342, dated March
24, 1972; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26, 1992; Textron
Lycoming MSB No. 342B, dated October 22, 1993; Supplement No. 1 to
MSB No. 342B, dated April 27, 1999; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C,
dated April 28, 2000; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10,
2001; or Lycoming Engines MSD No. 342E, dated May 18, 2004, inspect
as follows:
(1) For engines that have not yet had any fuel line maintenance
done, or have not had any fuel line maintenance done since new or
since the last overhaul, inspect in accordance with paragraph (k) of
this AD within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) For all other engines, inspect in accordance with paragraph
(k) of this AD within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD.
Repetitive Inspections
(j) Thereafter, inspect at intervals of 100 hours TIS (not to
exceed 110 hours), at each engine overhaul, and after any
maintenance has been done on the engine where any clamp (or clamps)
on a fuel injector line (or lines) has been disconnected, moved, or
loosened, inspect in accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD.
Inspection Criteria
(k) Inspect the fuel injector fuel lines and clamps between the
fuel manifold and the fuel injector nozzles and replace as necessary
any fuel injector fuel line and clamp that does not meet all
conditions specified in Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342E, dated May 18,
2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for
this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(m) FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. NE-07-49,
dated September 20, 2007, is not mandatory, but has additional
information on this subject.
(n) Contact Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; e-mail:
Norman.perenson@faa.gov; telephone (516)
[[Page 90]]
228-7337; fax (516) 794-5531, for more information about this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 21, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-25456 Filed 12-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P