94-590. Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 Series Magnetos  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-590]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: February 1, 1994]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 93-ANE-44; Amendment 39-8785; AD 94-01-03]
    
     
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly 
    Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 Series Magnetos
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) 
    S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series magnetos, that currently requires 
    replacement of certain Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets that 
    have accumulated 2000 or more hours time in service (TIS). This 
    amendment requires replacing Bendix ignition coils and rotating 
    magnets, regardless of total TIS, with improved TCM ignition coils, 
    rotating magnets and marking magnetos to indicate compliance with this 
    AD, except for the S-1200 series magnetos on which the AD requires 
    replacing only the ignition coils as that series magneto already 
    incorporates rotating magnetos with the improved TCM design. This 
    amendment is prompted by recent reports of accidents caused by failures 
    of magnetos incorporating older Bendix components that had not been 
    replaced in accordance with the current AD. The actions specified by 
    this AD are intended to prevent magneto failure and subsequent engine 
    failure.
    
    DATES: Effective March 3, 1994.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of March 3, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from Teledyne Continental Motors, P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 
    36601; telephone (205) 438-3411. This information may be examined at 
    the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office 
    of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
    Burlington, MA 01803-5299; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
    800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Robinette, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
    1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone (404) 
    991-3810, fax (404) 991-3606.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations by superseding AD 73-07-04, Amendment 39-1731 (38 
    FR 27600, October 5, 1973), which is applicable to Teledyne Continental 
    Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series 
    magnetos, was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 1993 (58 FR 
    39476). That action proposed to require replacing certain Bendix 
    ignition coils and rotating magnets, regardless of time in service 
    (TIS), with improved serviceable TCM ignition coils and rotating 
    magnets at either the next 100 hour inspection, the next annual 
    inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100 hours TIS 
    after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. For S-1200 
    series magnetos, the AD proposed to require replacing only the ignition 
    coils as the rotating magnets on that series magneto already 
    incorporates the improved TCM design. Additionally, the proposed AD 
    would require remarking magnetos to indicate compliance with this AD. 
    The inspection, replacement, if necessary, and remarking would be 
    accomplished in accordance with TCM Service Bulletin (SB) No. 637, 
    dated December 1992.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the comments received.
        One commenter concurs with the rule as proposed.
        One commenter, the manufacturer, states that the AD should be 
    listed under both ``Bendix'' and ``Teledyne Continental Motors'' 
    headings within the Appliance Section of the Airworthiness Directives 
    listing Small Aircraft and Rotorcraft, Federal Aviation Regulations, 
    part 39. Operators may miss an AD listed only under TCM. The FAA 
    concurs. When the next complete revision of the listing is published, 
    all current Bendix AD's will be cross-referenced under TCM.
        In addition, the manufacturer also comments that the Applicability 
    section of the AD is possibly misleading. Up to the end of 1969, Bendix 
    used a sequential serial numbering system with no letter prefix for all 
    new service magnetos (those with black or red data plates); for 
    example: 234561 and 1040136. Early in 1970, Bendix added the ``A'' 
    prefix and started with a low serial number; for example: A00100. This 
    numbering convention continued up to at least serial number A297043 for 
    all new service magnetos manufactured by Bendix in Sidney, New York. 
    When Bendix moved to Jacksonville, Florida, a ``B'' prefix was added 
    and the serial numbers again started from a low value; for example: 
    B00249. Currently TCM uses the letters ``A'' through ``L'' to prefix 
    the serial numbers of their products. Therefore, the wording of the 
    Applicability section in the proposed rule is incorrect. The FAA 
    concurs and the Applicability section has been revised in this final 
    rule.
        Finally, the manufacturer's comment states that the use of the word 
    ``all'' in several places in the proposed rule can easily be 
    misinterpreted to mean every Bendix coil and rotating magnet ever made 
    must be replaced, while the AD applies only to some coils. The FAA 
    concurs. Bendix supplied acceptable as well as unacceptable coils and 
    rotating magnets. This AD is applicable only to the magnetos identified 
    by serial number in the Applicability section. The word ``all'' has 
    been deleted from this final rule.
        In addition, the FAA has determined that operators that have 
    complied with AD 73-07-04 by replacing rotating magnets and coils in 
    accordance with TCM SB No. 637, dated December 1992, are considered to 
    be in compliance with this AD, and no further action is required.
        After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
    noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
    interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
    previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
    increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
    the AD.
        The FAA estimates that 20,000 magnetos installed on aircraft of 
    U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
    approximately 1 work hour per magneto to accomplish the required 
    actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required 
    parts will cost approximately $700 per magneto. Based on these figures, 
    the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $15,100,000.
        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.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
    significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
    number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
    Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 14 CFR part 
    39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
    
    PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
    
        1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
    106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-1731 (38 FR 
    27600, October 5, 1973) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
    Amendment 39-8785, to read as follows:
    
    94-01-03  Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-8785. Docket 93-
    ANE-44. Supersedes AD 73-07-04, Amendment 39-1731.
    
        Applicability: Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) (formerly 
    Bendix) S-20, S-200, and S-600 series magnetos with red or black 
    Bendix (not TCM) data plates having serial numbers without any 
    letter prefix, or serial numbers lower than A16058 having the letter 
    ``A'' prefix; S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series magnetos with 
    blue Bendix (not TCM) data plates having serial number 901001 and 
    lower; and S-1200 series magnetos with red Bendix (not TCM) data 
    plates having serial numbers without any letter prefix, or serial 
    numbers lower than A132844 having the letter ``A'' prefix. These 
    magnetos are installed on but not limited to reciprocating engine 
    powered aircraft manufactured by Beech, Cessna, Maule, Mooney, and 
    Piper.
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent magneto failure and subsequent engine failure, 
    accomplish the following:
        (a) For TCM (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, and S-600 series 
    magnetos, replace Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets 
    identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM Service Bulletin (SB) 
    No. 637, dated December 1992, with appropriate serviceable ignition 
    coils and rotating magnets at the next 100 hour inspection, the next 
    annual inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100 
    hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, 
    whichever occurs first.
        (b) For TCM (formerly Bendix) S-1200 series magnetos, replace 
    Bendix ignition coils identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM 
    SB No. 637, dated December 1992, with appropriate serviceable 
    ignition coils at the next 100 hour inspection, the next annual 
    inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100 hours 
    TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    
        Note: The rotating magnets on the S-1200 series magnetos already 
    incorporate the improved TCM design.
    
        (c) After compliance with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this AD, as 
    applicable, and prior to further flight, mark the magneto in 
    accordance with the Identification Instructions of TCM SB No. 637, 
    dated December 1992.
        (d) 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
    Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
    Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
    it to the Manager, Atlanta 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 Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
    Office.
    
        (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 
    21.197 and 21.199 to operate the aircraft to a location where the 
    requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (f) The replacement shall be done in accordance with the 
    following service bulletin: 
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document No.              Pages     Revision         Date    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TCM SB No. 637....................      1-2  Original....  Dec. 1992.   
    Total pages: 2                                                          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        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 Teledyne Continental Motors, 
    P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone (205) 438-3411. 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.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 3, 1994.
    
        Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1993.
    Jay J. Pardee,
    Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
    Certification Service.
    [FR Doc. 94-590 Filed 1-31-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/3/1994
Published:
02/01/1994
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
94-590
Dates:
Effective March 3, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: February 1, 1994, Docket No. 93-ANE-44, Amendment 39-8785, AD 94-01-03
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13