[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 625-627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-272]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-63; Amendment 39-9458; AD 95-03-10]
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming O-235 Series
Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule, request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 95-03-10 that was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators of Textron Lycoming O-235 series
reciprocating engines by individual letters. This AD requires a one-
time inspection within the next 5 hours time in service to determine
the part number (P/N) and revision letter of the push rod installed on
the engine. All push rods with P/N 73806 and revision letters ``V'' or
``W'' must be replaced with serviceable parts. This amendment is
prompted by reports of several failures of push rods. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent engine roughness and power
loss, which could result in loss of the aircraft.
DATES: Effective January 24, 1996, to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 95-03-
10, issued on February 7, 1995, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 24, 1996.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 11, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-63, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
The applicable service information may be obtained from Textron
Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717)
327-7278, fax (717) 327-7022. This information may be examined at the
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Minniti, Aerospace Engineer, New
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Valley Stream, NY 11581; telephone (516)
256-7510, fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 7, 1995, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive
(AD) 95-03-10, applicable to Textron Lycoming O-235 series
reciprocating engines, which requires a one-time inspection within the
next 5 hours time in service to determine the part number (P/N) and
revision letter of the push rod installed on the engine. All push rods
with P/N 73806 and revision letters ``V'' or ``W'' must be replaced
with serviceable parts. That action was prompted by reports of several
failures of push rods, P/N 73806, installed in Textron Lycoming O-235
series reciprocating engines. The manufacturer's investigation has
determined that the failures initiated from scoring on the inner
diameter (I.D.) of the push rod tube. The scoring was introduced during
the extrusion of the tube at the supplier. These push rods were
installed in engines shipped from the factory between February 22,
1993, and September 2, 1994, or were installed as serviceable parts on
or after February 22, 1993. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in engine roughness and power loss, which could result in loss
of the aircraft.
Since publication of the priority letter AD, the FAA has received
reports of confusion regarding whether a previous AD, 80-25-02 R2, also
applicable to pushrod P/N 73806, remains in effect. This final rule AD
clarifies in a note that compliance with AD 80-25-02 R2 is still
mandatory.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 552, dated November 1, 1994,
that lists by serial number engines shipped from the factory between
February 22, 1993, and September 2, 1994, and describes procedures for
inspection of push rods to determine if they require replacement.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority
letter AD 95-03-10 to prevent engine roughness and power loss, which
could result in loss of the
[[Page 626]]
aircraft. The AD requires a one-time inspection within the next 5 hours
time in service to determine the P/N and revision letter of the push
rod installed on the engine. All push rods with P/N 73806 and revision
letters ``V'' or ``W'' must be replaced with serviceable parts. Textron
Lycoming has determined that it is not possible to visually inspect the
push rod tube for I.D. scoring that can cause the part to fail. The
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service
bulletin described previously.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on February 7, 1995, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating engines. These conditions
still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as
an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 94-ANE-63.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-03-10 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-9458 Docket 94-ANE-63.
Applicability: Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating
engines, shipped from the factory between February 22, 1993, and
September 2, 1994, and identified by serial number in Textron
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 522, dated November 1,
1994; and all Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating engines
that have had push rods, part number (P/N) 73806, installed as
service parts on or after February 22, 1993. These engines are
installed on but not limited to the following aircraft: Piper PA-11,
-12, -18, -22, -28, -38; Cessna 152, A152; Beech 77; Taylorcraft F-
21; and Gulfstream American AA1 series aircraft.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the
authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address
either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe
condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any
modification, alteration, or repair remove any engine from the
applicability of this AD.
Note 2: This amendment does not supersede AD 80-25-02 R2, which
also applies to pushrod P/N 73806. AD 80-25-02 R2 continues in
effect and must be complied with.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent engine roughness and power loss, which could result
in loss of the aircraft, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 5 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, inspect push rods for P/N and revision letter. All
push rods with P/N 73806 and revision letter ``V'' or ``W'' must be
replaced with serviceable parts in accordance with Textron Lycoming
MSB No. 522, dated November 1, 1994.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification
Office.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the inspection required by this AD can be accomplished.
[[Page 627]]
(d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following MSB:
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Document No. Page Date
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Textron Lycoming MSB No. 522......... 1-2 November 1, 1994.
Total pages: 2.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver
Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7278, fax (717)
327-7022. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive
Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective January 24, 1996, to all
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by priority letter AD 95-03-10, issued February 7, 1995,
which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 8, 1995.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-272 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
