[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]


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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.

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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                                                          
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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 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