[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29641-29642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14870]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-30; Amendment 39-9646; AD 96-12-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts, Inc. Pistons
Installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 Series Reciprocating
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer
Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470
series reciprocating engines, that requires removal from service of
certain pistons. This amendment is prompted by piston failures. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent piston failure,
which can result in engine power loss, engine failure and loss of the
aircraft.
DATES: Effective August 12, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Karanian, Aerospace Engineer,
Special Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137-4298; telephone (817) 222-5195, fax (817)
222-5959.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts
Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental
Motors O-470 series reciprocating engines was published in the Federal
Register on February 22, 1995 (60 FR 9800). That action proposed to
require removal from service of Superior Air Parts, Inc. pistons, Part
Number (P/N) SA626992, at the next access to the piston, top overhaul,
or major overhaul. The affected pistons can be identified by either a
stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a
raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses on
the underside of the piston.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed.
The manufacturer has informed the FAA that 5,585 pistons were
shipped between December 1976 and June 1981 and will be affected by
this AD. The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 2 work hours
per piston to accomplish the required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$156 per piston. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,541,460.
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
[[Page 29642]]
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, 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), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-12-04 Superior Air Parts, Inc.: Amendment 39-9646. Docket 94-ANE-
30.
Applicability: Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer
Approval (PMA) pistons, Part Numbers (P/N's) SA626992 and
SA626992P15, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors Model O-470-K,
-L, -R reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on but not
limited to Cessna 182 series aircraft.
Note: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each piston
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 pistons 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 piston from the
applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent piston failure, which can result in engine power
loss, engine failure and loss of the aircraft, accomplish the
following:
(a) At the next access to the piston, top overhaul, or major
overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, remove pistons, P/N SA626992, from service and replace with a
serviceable part.
Note: The affected pistons can be identified by either a
stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a
raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses
on the underside of the piston.
(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, Fort Worth Special Certification
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Special 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1996.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1996.
Robert E. Guyotte,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14870 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
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