[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]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Document No.                Page             Date          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Textron Lycoming MSB No. 522.........      1-2  November 1, 1994.       
    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 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