[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20413]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 22, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-ANE-44; Amendment 39-9006; AD 94-17-11]

 

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; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises 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 
replacing Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets, regardless of 
total time in service (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 magnets with the improved TCM design. This 
amendment limits the number of magnetos requiring replacement. This 
amendment is prompted by a report from the manufacturer that there is 
an error in the serial number listing of affected magnetos. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent magneto failure and 
subsequent engine failure.

DATES: Effective September 6, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 6, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 21, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-ANE-44, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    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 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: 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: On December 29, 1993, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 94-01-03, 
Amendment 39-8785 (59 FR 4555, February 1, 1994), to require replacing 
certain Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets, regardless of time 
in service (TIS), with improved serviceable Teledyne Continental Motors 
(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 requires 
replacing only the ignition coils as the rotating magnets on that 
series magneto already incorporates the improved TCM design. 
Additionally, the AD requires remarking magnetos to indicate compliance 
with the AD. That action was prompted by recent reports of accidents 
caused by failures of magnetos incorporating older Bendix components 
that had not been replaced in accordance with superseded AD 73-07-04, 
Amendment 39-1731 (38 FR 27600, October 5, 1973). That condition, if 
not corrected, could result in magneto failure and subsequent engine 
failure.
    Since the issuance of that AD, TCM has informed the FAA that an 
error in the serial number listing in TCM Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
637, dated December 1992, resulted in too many affected magnetos 
requiring AD compliance. The AD should apply only to certain magnetos 
manufactured by Bendix in Sidney, New York, and not to any Bendix 
magnetos built in either Jacksonville, Florida, or Atlanta, Georgia. In 
addition, the S-600 series magnetos require replacement of only the 
rotating magnets and not the ignition coils. Finally, the FAA received 
reports that there is some confusion as to how the S-20, S-200, S-600, 
and S-1200 series magnetos are referenced in the TCM SB and the AD. TCM 
has issued a revised SB that corrects these errors.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of TCM 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. MSB644, dated April 4, 1994, that 
describes procedures for replacing certain Bendix ignition coils and 
rotating magnets with improved serviceable TCM ignition coils and 
rotating magnets and marking magnetos to indicate compliance with this 
MSB.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, this AD 
revises AD 94-01-03 to require replacement of certain Bendix ignition 
coils and rotating magnets with improved serviceable TCM ignition coils 
and rotating magnets. For the S-600 series magnetos, this AD requires 
replacing only the rotating magnets as there is no replacement for the 
ignition coils. For the S-1200 series magnetos, this AD requires 
replacing only the ignition coils as the rotating magnets on that 
series magnetos already incorporate the improved TCM/Bendix design. 
Finally, this AD requires marking magnetos to indicate compliance with 
this AD. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 
the SB described previously.
    The errors in the SB have caused an undue economic burden to those 
operators that were mandated to replace the specified components of 
magnetos. This AD action will therefore relieve operators of 
unnecessary expense, and the FAA is issuing this AD as a final rule 
without prior comment. Since a situation exists that requires the 
immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

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 93-ANE-44.'' 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. 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 39-8785 (59 FR 
4555, February 1, 1994) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-9006, to read as follows:

94-17-11 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-9006. Docket 93-
ANE-44. Revises AD 94-01-03, Amendment 39-8785.

    Applicability: Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM), formerly 
Bendix magnetos:
    S-20, S-200, and S-600 series magnetos with red or black Bendix 
(not TCM) data plates having serial numbers (S/N's): Lower than 
2000000 without any letter prefix; or S/N's lower than A16058 having 
the letter ``A'' prefix.
    S-20, S-200, and S-600 series magnetos with blue Bendix (not 
TCM) data plates marked ``REMANUFACTURED'' having S/N's lower than 
901001.
    S-1200 series magnetos with red Bendix (not TCM) data plates 
having S/N's: lower than 2000000 without any letter prefix; or S/N's 
lower than A132844 having the letter ``A'' prefix.
    S-1200 series magnetos with blue Bendix (not TCM) data plates 
marked ``REMANUFACTURED'' having S/N's lower than 901001.
    These magnetos are installed on but not limited to reciprocating 
engine powered aircraft manufactured by Beech, Cessna, Maule, 
Mooney, and Piper.

    Note 1: Yellow Bendix or TCM service spare data plates may have 
been installed during a field overhaul; use model and S/N to 
determine applicability.

    Note 2: No action is required for those magnetos in compliance 
with AD 94-01-03.

    Note 3: Magnetos built by Bendix in Jacksonville, Florida, and 
Magnetos built by TCM in Atlanta, Georgia, as indicated on the data 
plate, are not affected by this AD.

    Note 4: The paint on some early data plates may have been 
obliterated and the data plate will appear silver in color; use 
model and serial number to determine applicability.

    Note 5: The FAA has received reports of some confusion as to 
what is meant by S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series magnetos as 
referenced in TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. MSB644, dated 
April 4, 1994, and this AD. A typical example is S6RN-25, where the 
S designates single type ignition unit, the 6 designates the number 
of engine cylinders, the R designates right hand rotation, the N is 
the manufacturer designator (this did not change when TCM purchased 
the Bendix magneto product line), and the number after the dash 
indicates the series (a -25 is a S-20 series magneto, while a -1225 
is a S-1200 series magneto).

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent magneto failure and subsequent engine failure, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) For Bendix S-20 and S-200 series magnetos, replace Bendix 
ignition coils and rotating magnets identified in the Detailed 
Instructions of TCM MSB No. MSB644, dated April 4, 1994, 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 the Bendix S-600 series magnetos, replace Bendix 
rotating magnets identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB 
No. MSB644, dated April 4, 1994, with appropriate serviceable 
rotating magnets 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 ignition coils on the S-600 series magnetos already 
incorporate the improved design.

    (c) For the Bendix S-1200 series magneto, replace Bendix 
ignition coils identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB 
No. MSB644, dated April 4, 1994, 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 design.

    (d) After compliance with paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this 
AD, as applicable, and prior to further flight, mark the magneto in 
accordance with the Identification Instructions of TCM SB No. 
MSB644, dated April 4, 1994.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial 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 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 AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

    (f) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) The replacement and identification shall be done in 
accordance with the following service document: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Document No.                  Pages           Date        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCM SB No. MSB644........................      1-3  Apr. 4, 1994.       
Total pages: 3                                                          
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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.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 6, 1994.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 11, 1994.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-20413 Filed 8-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-03-P