[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 47 (Monday, March 11, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10859-10862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5691]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO 
Corporation Fuel Injected Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Textron Lycoming 
fuel injected reciprocating engines, that currently requires 
inspection, and replacement if necessary, of externally mounted fuel 
injector fuel lines. Since the issuance of the existing AD, additional 
engine series have been identified with the potential for the same 
problem and necessitate being included in the list of Textron Lycoming 
fuel injected reciprocating engine series, to the AD's applicability. 
This proposal is prompted by the need to ensure that the additional 
Textron Lycoming fuel injected engine series listed in this proposed 
rule receive the same inspections as series covered by the current AD. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the fuel injector fuel lines allowing fuel to spray into the 
engine compartment, resulting in an engine fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules

[[Page 10860]]

Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: ``[email protected]''. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. Comments 
may be inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The service information 
referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 
652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, telephone: (570) 323-6181. 
This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd floor, Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200; 
telephone: (516) 256-7537, fax: (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted to the address specified above. All communications 
received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, 
will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The 
proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the 
comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 92-ANE-56-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On June 5, 1992, the FAA issued a priority letter AD 92-12-10, 
applicable only to Textron Lycoming Series TIO-540-S1AD engines, which 
requires inspecting, and if necessary, replacing the externally mounted 
fuel injector fuel lines. The FAA subsequently determined that similar 
externally mounted fuel injector fuel line configurations existed on 
other Textron Lycoming fuel injected engines. Since an unsafe condition 
was identified that was likely to exist or develop on other Textron 
Lycoming engines of the same type design, the FAA issued AD 93-02-05, 
Amendment 39-8487 (58 FR 26056, dated April 30, 1993), to require 
inspecting, and if necessary replacing, the fuel injector fuel lines. 
That action was prompted by reports of failures of fuel injector fuel 
lines that were missing support clamps. The requirements of that AD 
were intended to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines 
allowing fuel to spray into the engine compartment, resulting in an 
engine fire.
    Since that AD was issued, the FAA has identified models AEIO-320, 
AIO-320, IO-320, LIO-320, AEIO-360, AIO-360, HIO-360, IO-360, IVO-360, 
LIO-360, TIO-360, IGO-480, AEIO-540, IGO-540, IO-540, IVO-540, LTIO-
540, TIO-540, TIVO-540, and IO-720 series engines that require 
inspecting, and if necessary replacing externally mounted fuel lines.

Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron 
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342D, dated July 10, 
2001, that describes procedures for inspecting, and if necessary 
replacing the fuel injector fuel lines. Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D 
supersedes Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, MSB No. 342B, Supplement No. 
1 to MSB 342B, MSB 342A, and MSB 342.

Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Textron Lycoming engines of this same type 
design, the proposed AD would supersede AD 93-02-05 to add additional 
Textron Lycoming engine models to the applicability of the AD. The 
actions would be required to be done in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are about 4,160 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 2,496 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take about 1 work hour to inspect and replace all lines on a 
four-cylinder engine, 1.5 work hours to inspect and replace all lines 
on a six-cylinder engine, and 2 hours to inspect and replace all lines 
on an eight-cylinder engine, and that the average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost about $440.00 for a four-cylinder 
engine, $660.00 for a six-cylinder engine, and $880.00 for an eight-
cylinder engine. Based on these figures, the total cost per airplane of 
the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated as follows:
     $500.00 for a four-cylinder engine.
     $750.00 for a six-cylinder engine.
     $1000.00 for an eight-cylinder engine.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposal does not have federalism implications, as defined in 
Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this proposal.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation

[[Page 10861]]

Administration proposes to amend 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 39-8487 (58 
26056, April 30, 1993), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to 
read as follows:

Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD. 
Supersedes AD 93-02-05, Amendment 39-8487.

Applicability

    Textron Lycoming fuel injected reciprocating engines 
incorporating externally mounted fuel injection lines as listed in 
the following Table 1:

                    Table 1.--Engine Models Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Engine                                Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-320..................................  -D1B, -D2B, -E1B, -E2B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIO-320...................................  -A1B, -BIB, -C1B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-320....................................  -B1A, -B1C, -C1A, -D1A, -
                                             D1B, -E1A, -E1B, -E2A, -E2B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIO-320...................................  -B1A, -C1A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360..................................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1D, -
                                             A1E, -A1E6, -B1F, -B2F, -
                                             B1G6, -B4A, -H1A, -H1B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIO-360 -A1A, -A1B, -B1B..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIO-360...................................  -A1A, -A1B, -B1A, -C1A, -
                                             C1B, -D1A, -E1AD, E1BD, -
                                             F1AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360....................................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1B6D, -
                                             A1C, -A1D, -A1D6, -A2A, -
                                             A2B, -A3B6, -A3B6D, -B1B, -
                                             B1D, -B1E, -B1F, -B1G6, -
                                             B2F, -B2F6, -B4A, -C1A, -
                                             C1B, -C1C, -C1C6, -C1D6, -
                                             C1E6, -C1F, -C1G6, -C2G6, -
                                             J1A6D, -L2A, -M1A,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IVO-360...................................  -A1A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIO-360...................................  -C1E6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIO-360...................................  -A1B, -C1A6D
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IGO-480...................................  -A1B6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-540..................................  -D4A5, -D4B5, -D4D5, -L1B5,
                                             L1B5D, -L1D5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IGO-540...................................  -B1A, -B1C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-540....................................  -A1A5, -AA1A5, -AA1B5, -
                                             AB1A5, -AC1A5, -B1A5, -
                                             B1C5, -C1B5, -C4B5, -C4D5D,
                                             -D4A5, -E1A5, -E1B5, -G1A5,
                                             -G1B5, -G1C5, -G1D5, -G1E5,
                                             -G1F5, -J4A5, -V4A5D, -
                                             K1A5, -KIA5D, -KIB5, -KIC5,
                                             -KID5, -K1E5, -K1E5D, -
                                             KIF5, -K1J5, -KIF5D, -K1G5,
                                             -K1G5D, -K1H5, -K1J5D, -
                                             K1K5, -K1E5, -K1E5D, -K1F5,
                                             -K1J5, -L1C5, -M1A5, -
                                             M1B5D, -N1A5, -P1A5, -R1A5,
                                             -S1A5, -T4A5D, -T4B5, -
                                             T4B5D, -T4C5D, -V4A5, -
                                             V4A5D, -W1A5D, -W3A5D
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IVO-540...................................  -A1A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LTIO-540..................................  -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD, -
                                             R2AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIO-540...................................  -A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -
                                             A2C, -AE2A, -AH1A, -AA1AD,
                                             AF1A, -AF1B, -AG1A, -AB1AD,
                                             -AB1BD, -AH1A, -AJ1A, -
                                             AK1A, -C1A, -E1A, -G1A, -
                                             F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD, -
                                             R2AD, -S1AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -
                                             W2A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIVO-540..................................  -A2A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-720....................................  -A1A, -A1B, -D1B, -D1BD, -
                                             D1C, -D1CD, -B1B, -B1BD, -
                                             C1B
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Engine models in Table 1 are installed on, but not limited to 
Piper PA-24 Comanche, PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche, PA-28 Arrow, 
and PA-23 Aztec; Beech 23 Musketeer; Mooney 20, and Cessna 177 
Cardinal aircraft.

    Note 1:
    This AD is applicable to engines with an ``I'' in the prefix of 
the model designation that have externally mounted fuel injection 
lines. This AD is not applicable to engines having internally 
mounted fuel injection lines, which are not accessible.


    Note 2:
    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 already done.
    To prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines allowing fuel 
to spray into the engine compartment, resulting in an engine fire, 
do the following:

Engines That Have Been Previously Inspected

    (a) For engines that have been inspected in accordance with 
Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342, Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342A, Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342B, Supplement No. 
1 to MSB No. 342B, and Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, inspect in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.

Engines That Have Not Been Inspected

    (b) For engines that have not had initial inspections previously 
done in accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342, Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342A, Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342B, Supplement No. 
1 to MSB No. 342B, and Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, inspect in 
accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001 
as follows:
    (1) For engines that have not yet had any fuel line maintenance 
done, or have not had any fuel line maintenance done since the last 
overhaul, inspect within 50 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD, and replace as necessary, the fuel 
injector fuel lines and clamps between the fuel manifold and the 
fuel injector nozzles that do not meet all conditions specified in 
Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001.
    (2) For all other engines, inspect within 10 hours time-in-
service after the effective date of this AD, and replace as 
necessary, the fuel injector fuel lines and clamps between the fuel 
manifold and the fuel injector nozzles that do not meet all 
conditions specified in Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 
10, 2001.

Repetitive Inspections

    (c) Thereafter, at each annual inspection, at each 100-hour 
inspection, at each engine overhaul, and after any maintenance has 
been done on the engine where the fuel injector fuel lines have been 
disconnected, moved, or loosened, inspect the fuel injector fuel 
lines and clamps and replace as necessary any fuel injector fuel 
line and clamp that does not meet all conditions specified in 
Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). Operators must submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, New York ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197

[[Page 10862]]

and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be done.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 1, 2002.
Mark C. Fulmer,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-5691 Filed 3-8-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U