[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 197 (Friday, October 10, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52942-52944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26797]



[[Page 52942]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-39-AD; Amendment 39-10155, AD 97-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors E-165, E-
185, E-225, O-470 and IO-470 Series Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Teledyne Continental Motors E-165, E-185, E-225, O-470 
and IO-470 series reciprocating engines. This action supersedes 
priority letter AD 97-15-01 that currently requires removal from 
service of affected cylinders, and reassembly with serviceable parts. 
This action adds the latest revision to applicable Critical Service 
Bulletin (CSB), corrects references to Parts of that CSB, and lists a 
new contact telephone number to obtain the CSB from the manufacturer. 
This amendment is prompted by the availability of the new CSB revision 
and the need to correct the CSB references. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent extreme side loading of the piston, and 
consequent failure of the piston and engine.

DATES: Effective October 27, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 27, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 9, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-39-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Teledyne Continental Motors, PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone 
toll free (888) 826-5874. 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, 
Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Ave., Suite 2-160, College Park, GA 
30337-2748; telephone (404) 305-7371, fax (404) 305-7348.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 17, 1997, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 97-15-01, applicable to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) new and 
rebuilt Model O-470 and IO-470 series engines with serial numbers (S/
Ns) listed in Table 1 of TCM Critical Service Bulletin (CSB) No. CSB97-
10, dated June 19, 1997; and TCM Model E-165, E-185, E-225, O-470 and 
IO-470 series engines, regardless of S/N, which have cylinder(s) with 
part number and purchase date as shown in Table 2 of TCM CSB No. CSB97-
10, dated June 19, 1997. The priority letter AD requires removal from 
service of affected cylinders, and reassembly with serviceable parts.
    That action was prompted by a report from TCM of an engine equipped 
with factory new cylinders with approximately 28 hours time in service 
(TIS) that was discovered to have high aluminum particulates during an 
oil analysis. Further investigation revealed the piston pin plug was 
experiencing increased wear, which was, in turn, traced to the 
roughness of the cylinder bore. A stock sweep at the factory revealed 
10 additional cylinders with this condition. The cylinder bore surface 
finish on some cylinders is rougher than specified. This condition was 
caused during a manganese phosphate coating process on the cylinder 
barrel bore. The cylinders are exposed to the phosphate process in 
batches of 10 cylinders. The manganese phosphate coating provides 
resistance to corrosion during the first hours of operation. The 
problem occurred because of extended exposure of the cylinder bore to 
the manganese phosphate treatment which results in the surface finish 
being rougher than specified, although the piston pin plug will wear 
first; it will, in turn, wear a groove in the cylinder wall which will 
cause massive oil consumption in the near future. This will result in 
accelerated piston pin plug wear, as the piston pin plug is made of 
aluminum while the cylinder barrel is made of nitrided steel. The FAA 
has determined that one side of the piston pin could disconnect from 
the piston if the wear of the pin plug becomes excessive. This 
condition, if not corrected, can result in extreme side loading of the 
piston, and consequent failure of the piston and engine.
    Since issuance of the priority letter AD, the FAA has determined 
that the references to Parts 2A and 2B, and Appendix A of the CSB are 
in error, and should reference Parts 2-1(a) and 2-2. In addition, this 
superseding AD lists a new, toll-free contact telephone number to 
obtain the CSB from the manufacturer.
    Also, the FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
the latest revision, TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997, that 
provides a list of S/Ns of new and rebuilt model O-470 and IO-470 
engines with affected cylinders installed, and a list of cylinders with 
part number and purchase date that may be installed on E-165, E-185, E-
225, O-470 and IO-470 series engines, regardless of serial number. This 
CSB describes procedures for removal and shipment to the factory of 
affected cylinders, and procedures for reassembly with serviceable 
parts.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes priority letter AD 97-15-01 to add reference to the latest 
revision of the applicable CSB, correct incorrect references to parts 
of the applicable CSB, and list a new contact telephone number to 
obtain the CSB from the manufacturer. Operators that have removed 
affected cylinders in accordance with priority letter AD 97-15-01 or 
the original version of the CSB are in compliance with this AD and no 
further action is required. The actions are required to be accomplished 
in accordance with the CSB described previously.
    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.

[[Page 52943]]

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 97-ANE-39-AD.'' 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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

AD 97-21-02 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-10155. Docket 
No. 97-ANE-39-AD. Supersedes AD 97-15-01.

    Applicability: Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) new and rebuilt 
Model O-470 and IO-470 series reciprocating engines with serial 
numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 1 of TCM Critical Service Bulletin 
(CSB) No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997; and TCM Model E-165, E-
185, E-225, O-470 and IO-470 series reciprocating engines, 
regardless of S/N, which have cylinder(s) with part number and 
purchase date as shown in Table 2 of TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated 
July 15, 1997. These engines are installed on but not limited to the 
following aircraft: Bellanca Models 14-19-2 and 14-19-3; Cessna 
Models 180, 180A through K, 182, 182A through R, 185, 185A through 
E, 188, 188A, 188B, 210, 210A through C, 210-5 (205), 210-5A (205A), 
305A, 305C, 305D, 305F, 310, 310A through Q, E310H, E310J, 310J-1; 
Frontier-Aerospace, Inc. (Fletcher) Models FU-24 and FU-24A; 
Luscombe Aircraft Corporation Model 11A; Navion models Navion, 
Navion A, and Navion D through G; Prop-Jets, Inc. Models 200, 200A 
through C; Raytheon (formerly Beech) Models 35, A35 through P35, 
35R, 35-33, 35-A355, 35-B33, 35-C33, E33, F33, 45 (YT-34), A45 (T-
34A, B-45), D45 (T-34B), 95-55, 95-55A, 95-B55, 95-B55A and 95-B55B; 
Reims models F182P and F182Q; and Twin Commander Aircraft, Inc. 
Model 500-A.

    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 request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent extreme side loading of the piston, and consequent 
failure of the piston and engine, accomplish the following:
    (a) Operators that have removed affected cylinders in accordance 
with priority letter AD 97-15-01 and TCM CSB No. CSB97-10, dated 
June 19, 1997, are in compliance with this AD and no further action 
is required
    (b) For the TCM O-470 and IO-470 series engines listed by S/N in 
Table 1 of TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997, within 10 
hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Remove from service the cylinders, six each, and the piston 
pins, six each, in accordance with the Inspection Instructions, Part 
2-1(a), of TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997.
    (2) Obtain serviceable replacement parts and reassemble the 
engine in accordance with the Inspection Instructions, Part 2-2, of 
TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997.
    (c) For the E-165, E-185, E-225, series engines and those O-470 
and IO-470 series engines not listed by S/N in Table 1 of TCM CSB 
No. CSB97-10A dated July 15, 1997, within 10 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Determine from engine log books or maintenance records if a 
cylinder has been replaced with a cylinder purchased in the time 
frames shown in Table 2 of TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 
1997.
    (2) If a cylinder was not replaced with a cylinder purchased 
during those time frames listed in the CSB, or if a cylinder is 
identified with the letter ``M'' or ``P'' steel stamped after the 
cylinder position number, as cylinders marked with ``M'' or ``P'' 
have a surface finish that has been found to be within 
specification, no further action is required. The cylinder position 
number is located at the 12 o'clock position on the cylinder 
mounting flange.
    (3) If a cylinder has been replaced with a cylinder purchased 
during those time frames listed in the CSB, remove from service the 
affected cylinders and piston pins in accordance with the Inspection 
Instructions, Part 2-1(a) of TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 
1997.
    (4) Obtain serviceable replacement parts and reassemble the 
engine in accordance with the Inspection Instructions, Part 2-2, of 
TCM CSB No. CSB97-10A, dated July 15, 1997.
    (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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,

[[Page 52944]]

if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following TCM CSB:

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            Document No.              Pages              Date           
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CSB97-10A..........................     1-11  July 15, 1997.            
Total pages: 11.                                                        
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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, PO 
Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone toll free (888) 826-5874. 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 supersedes priority letter AD 97-15-01, 
issued July 17, 1997.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1997.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 30, 1997.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-26797 Filed 10-9-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P