[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1335-1337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-70]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-16; Amendment 39-10270; AD 98-01-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Precision Airmotive Corporation 
Carburetors

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to Precision Airmotive Corporation carburetors, that 
currently requires the inspection of those carburetors equipped with a 
two-piece venturi at each annual inspection to determine if the primary 
venturi is loose or missing, and requires the replacement of a two-
piece venturi with a one-piece venturi within 48 months after the 
effective date of the existing AD. This amendment eliminates the 
requirement to install a one-piece venturi, and allows the installation 
of a one-piece venturi on affected carburetors as an optional 
terminating action; or, requires repetitive inspections of a two-piece 
venturi on affected carburetors. This AD also adds an additional 
carburetor model, and requires the installation of a new fuel nozzle on 
certain carburetors when a one-piece venturi is installed. This 
amendment is prompted by service difficulty reports describing engines 
that fail to attain rated power, run rough, or experience power loss 
after installation of a one-piece venturi in accordance with the 
existing AD, and by incidents of forced landings of aircraft powered by 
engines modified to comply with the existing AD. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent disruption of fuel flow to the 
engine resulting in failure to attain rated power, power loss in 
flight, and forced landings.

DATES: Effective February 13, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 13, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Precision Airmotive Corporation, 3220 100th Street SW., 
Building E, Everett, WA 98204; telephone (206) 353-8181, fax (206) 348-
3545. 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: Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW, Renton, WA 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 227-2597, fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding airworthiness 
directive (AD) 93-18-03, Amendment 39-8688

[[Page 1336]]

(58 FR 50843, September 29, 1993), which is applicable to Precision 
Airmotive Corporation (formerly Facet Aerospace Products Corporation 
and Marvel-Schebler Corporation) Model MA-3A, MA-3PA, MA-3SPA, and MA-
4SPA carburetors equipped with two-piece venturis, was published in the 
Federal Register on August 1, 1997 (62 FR 41321). That action proposed 
to require repetitive inspections of two-piece venturis, and to allow 
installation of one-piece venturis as an optional terminating action 
for those repetitive inspections provided certain conditions are met.
    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 (the manufacturer) states that the AD should not 
allow indefinite repetitive inspections, with no end date for 
accomplishment of the terminating action (i.e. installation of a one-
piece venturi), since the terminating action is necessary and there has 
been no sound technical basis established for abandonment of the 
required date for compliance. The FAA does not concur. The FAA has 
determined that the terminating action should be optional, based upon 
the engines reported running rough with the one-piece venturi. 
Continued repetitive inspections of the two-piece venturi or 
replacement with a one-piece venturi will provide an acceptable level 
of safety.
    The commenter also states that by allowing the reinstallation of 
two-piece venturis, non-serviceable parts might be used, particularly 
since the manufacture of these parts was discontinued in the late 
1980s. If reinstallation of a two-piece venturi must be allowed, the 
commenter believes that this option should be viewed as an Alternative 
Method of Compliance (AMOC) and not as an option within the AD itself. 
The FAA does not concur. The FAA has determined that the risk of 
installing non-serviceable two-piece venturis is no greater than 
installing any other non-serviceable parts. Obviously, if there are no 
serviceable two-piece venturis available, the operator must continue 
operation of the one-piece venturi and install a new fuel nozzle in 
accordance with paragraphs (c), (d), or (e), as applicable, of this AD. 
Since the options of installing a two-piece venturi and maintaining 
continuing inspections, or installing a new fuel nozzle on carburetors 
with one-piece venturis when engines run rough or do not obtain rated 
power both result in equivalent levels of safety, the FAA has 
determined that both options should be presented in the AD instead of 
relegating the installation of a two-piece venturi to an AMOC.
    Two commenters concur with the AD as proposed.
    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 as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 30,000 carburetors installed on aircraft of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 2 work hours per engine to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost approximately $75 per carburetor. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $5,850,000.
    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 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 removing Amendment 39-8688 (58 FR 
50843, September 29, 1993) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-10270, to read as follows:

98-01-06 Precision Airmotive Corporation: Amendment 39-10270. 
Supersedes airworthiness directive (AD) 93-18-03, Amendment 39-8688.

    Applicability: Precision Airmotive Corporation (formerly Facet 
Aerospace Products Corporation and Marvel-Schebler Corporation) 
Model MA-3, MA-3A, MA-3PA, MA-3SPA, MA-4SPA carburetors installed on 
but not limited to Textron Lycoming O-235, O-290, and O-320 series 
engines, and Teledyne Continental Motors A-65, A-75, C-75, C-85, C-
90, C-115, C-125, C-145, O-200, and O-300 series engines. These 
engines are installed on, but not limited to, normally aspirated 
reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Cessna, Piper, 
Raytheon, and Mooney.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each carburetor 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 carburetors 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 (f) 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 disruption of fuel flow to the engine resulting in 
failure to attain rated power, power loss in flight, and forced 
landings, accomplish the following, accomplish the following:
    (a) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3A, A-3PA, MA-
3SPA, and MA4-SPA carburetors:
    (1) If not previously accomplished, prior to further flight, 
inspect the carburetor to determine if a two-piece venturi is 
installed. Carburetors that have the letter ``V'' stamped or etched 
on the lower portion of the data plate, or that have a black, 
yellow, or blue data plate showing the Precision Airmotive 
Corporation name and logo, or that have a black Facet Aerospace 
Products data plate with a serial number beginning with 750, are 
already equipped with a one-piece venturi and no further action is 
necessary provided the engine does not subsequently run rough or 
experience power loss.
    (2) If a two-piece venturi is installed, inspect the carburetor 
at each annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection, to determine if 
the primary venturi is loose or missing. If either of these 
conditions is found, prior to

[[Page 1337]]

further flight, repair the carburetor by installing a serviceable 
two-piece venturi or by installing a one-piece venturi in accordance 
with Precision Airmotive Service Bulletin (SB) No. MSA-2, Revision 
1, dated November 11, 1991, Revision 2, dated December 28, 1993, or 
Revision 3, dated October 10, 1995. Installing a one-piece venturi 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection 
requirements of this paragraph.
    (3) If a one-piece venturi is already installed, or installed in 
accordance with sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph, and the engine 
subsequently runs rough or experiences power loss, accomplish either 
of the following:
    (i) Modify the carburetor in accordance with paragraphs (c), (d) 
or (e) of this AD, as applicable; or
    (ii) Install a carburetor containing a two-piece venturi and 
resume the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(2) of 
this AD.
    (b) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3 series 
carburetors: at the next annual, 100-hour, or progressive 
inspection, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the carburetor to determine if the primary venturi is 
loose or missing. If either of these conditions are found, prior to 
further flight, repair the carburetor by installing a serviceable 
two-piece venturi, or replace the entire carburetor with a 
serviceable carburetor. Repeat this inspection at each annual, 100-
hour, or progressive inspection.
    (c) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series 
carburetors with part numbers (P/N) 10-4894 or 10-4115-1, installed 
on Teledyne Continental Model O-200A series engines modified on or 
after the effective date of this AD by installing a one-piece 
venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in accordance with Precision 
Airmotive SB MSA-7, dated September 30, 1994, at the time of 
installation of the one-piece venturi.
    (d) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series 
carburetors with P/Ns 10-4895, 10-4439, or 10-3237, installed on 
Teledyne Continental Model O-300 or C-145 series engines modified on 
or after the effective date of this AD by installing a one-piece 
venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in accordance with Precision 
Airmotive SB No. MSA-8, dated July 10, 1995, at the time of 
installation of the one-piece venturi.
    (e) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series 
carburetors with P/Ns 10-4240, 10-4252, 10-4252-1, or 10-4457, 
installed on Teledyne Continental Model C-75, C-85, or C-90 series 
engines modified on or after the effective date of this AD by 
installing a one-piece venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in 
accordance with Precision Airmotive SB No. MSA-9, dated October 10, 
1995, at the time of installation of the one-piece venturi.
    (f) 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, Seattle 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, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (g) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (h) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following Precision Airmotive Corporation SBs:

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           Document No.                Pages              Revision                           Date               
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MSA-2.............................          1-3  1                           November 11, 1991.                 
    Total Pages: 3.                                                                                             
MSA-2.............................          1-3  2                           December 28, 1993.                 
    Total Pages: 3.                                                                                             
MSA-2.............................          1-4  3                           October 10, 1995.                  
    Total Pages: 4.                                                                                             
MSA-7.............................          1-3  Original                    September 30, 1994.                
    Total Pages: 3.                                                                                             
MSA-8.............................          1-3  Original                    July 10, 1995.                     
    Total Pages: 3.                                                                                             
MSA-9.............................          1-3  Original                    October 10, 1995.                  
    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 Precision Airmotive 
Corporation, 3220 100th Street SW., Building E, Everett, WA 98204; 
telephone (206) 353-8181, fax (206) 348-3545. 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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 1998.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 23, 1997.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-70 Filed 1-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U