[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 240 (Friday, December 13, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76702-76704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31396]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 76702]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-50-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Fuel Injected 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to 
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), 98-18-12, 
applicable to certain Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines with 
certain Crane/Lear Romec ``AN'' rotary fuel pumps installed. That AD 
currently requires initial and follow-up torque check inspections of 
pump relief valve attaching screws. This proposal would require the 
same initial and follow-up torque check inspections of relief valve 
attaching screws, and add as a terminating action, replacement of the 
affected fuel pump at or before the overhaul interval, with a fuel pump 
having a new design valve housing. This proposal is prompted by the 
introduction of a new design pump relief valve housing and associated 
parts that provide enhanced resistance to fuel leakage, and the need 
for clarification of the requirements of the current AD. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent rotary fuel pump 
leaks, which could result in an engine failure, engine fire, and damage 
to or loss of aircraft.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 11, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-50-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; 
telephone; (717) 327-7080, fax; (717) 327-7100. This information may be 
examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norm 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 in triplicate 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 97-ANE-50-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. 97-ANE-50-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On September 1, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-18-12, Amendment 39-
10728 (63 FR 48571, September 11, 1998), applicable to certain Textron 
Lycoming reciprocating engines with Crane/Lear Romec ``AN'' rotary fuel 
pump series RG9080, RG9570, and RG17980 installed. That AD requires 
initial and follow-up torque check inspections of pump relief valve 
attaching hardware screws, to prevent fuel leakage. That condition, if 
not corrected, could result in an engine failure, engine fire, and 
damage to or loss of aircraft.
    Since AD 98-18-12 was issued, the manufacturer of the fuel pump has 
introduced a new design pump relief valve housing and associated parts, 
that provides enhanced resistance to fuel leakage on Crane/Lear Romec 
``AN'' rotary fuel pumps, series RG9080, RG9570, and RG17980. The 
proposed AD would also address two concerns with the current AD:
    [sbull] Initial and follow-up torque checks of affected pumps used 
as replacement pumps; and
    [sbull] Compliance time for follow-up torque checks.
The current AD does not address installing affected pumps as 
replacement pumps. The proposed AD would allow installation of 
replacement pumps not modified with a newly designed valve, and require 
the same initial and follow-up torque checks to be performed to all 
replacement pumps until a pump with a ``/M'' after the part number is 
installed.
    Additionally, the current AD does not specify an exact time by when 
follow-up torque checks must be performed. The current AD requires, and 
the proposal would require, that operators perform those follow-up 
torque checks after waiting a minimum time, either 50 hours TIS or 6 
months, in order to allow the gasket to seat. Follow-up torque checks 
performed too soon after the

[[Page 76703]]

initial torque is set, would not reveal potential loosening that could 
lead to the fuel leaks. The FAA expected that operators would perform 
follow-up checks at the next opportunity after that minimum period had 
elapsed to ensure that the gasket had fully seated and that fuel leaks 
were no longer likely to develop. Therefore, this proposal would 
require follow-up torque checks at periodic intervals, and when no 
retorquing is required, visual inspections at periodic intervals.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 529B, dated June 10, 2002, that 
describes procedures for initial and follow-up torque check inspections 
of affected pump relief valve attaching screws.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines with 
Crane/Lear Romec ``AN'' rotary fuel pump series RG9080, RG9570, and 
RG17980 installed, the proposed AD would supersede AD 98-18-12, 
maintaining the same requirement for initial and follow-up torque check 
inspections of relief valve attaching screws, and add as a terminating 
action, replacement of the fuel pump with one having a newly designed 
valve housing. The actions must be done in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are about 16,000 engines with Crane/Lear Romec ``AN'' rotary 
fuel pumps of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 9,600 pumps installed on aircraft of U.S. registry would 
be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would 
take approximately 3 work hours per pump to perform the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $300 per pump. Based on these figures, 
the total cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$4,608,000.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule 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 proposed rule.
    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 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 39-10728 (63 FR 
48571, September 11, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness 
directive, to read as follows:

Textron Lycoming: Docket No. 97-ANE-50. Supersedes AD 98-18-12, 
Amendment 39-10728.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Textron 
Lycoming IO-320, LIO-320, IO-360, HIO-360, TIO-360, LTIO-360, GO-
435, GO-480, IGO-480-A1B6, IO-540, IGO-540, AEIO-540, HIO-540, TIO-
540, LTIO-540, TIGO-541, IO-720, and TIO-720 reciprocating engines, 
with Crane/Lear Romec RG9080, RG9570, and RG17980 series ``AN'' 
rotary fuel pumps listed in Table 1 installed. Table 1 follows:

                                 Table 1.--Applicable Pump Cross Reference List
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Lear/Romec series                                Textron Lycoming part number (P/N)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RG9080F2...................................  68262, 68262-85
RG9080J4A..................................  LW-13909, LW-13909-85
RG9080J6A..................................  LW-14444, LW-14444-85
RG9080J7A..................................  LW-13920, LW-13920-85
RG9080J8A..................................  LW-15740, LW-15740-85
RG9570K1...................................  62E22288
RG9570P/P1.................................  LW-19012
RG17980....................................  74547, 74547-85
RG17980A...................................  76188, 76188-85
RG17980D...................................  76486, 76486-85
RG17980E...................................  77443, 77443-85
RG17980J...................................  78993, 78993-85
RG17980K...................................  LW-11166, LW-11166-85
RG17980P...................................  LW-12534, LW-12534-85
RG17980U...................................  62D21153, 62D21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to fuel 
injected, reciprocating engine-powered aircraft manufactured by 
Cessna, The New Piper, Inc., Mooney, Raytheon (Beech), Bellanca, 
Champion, Partenavia, Rockwell, Schweizer, Enstrom, Aerospatiale 
(SOCATA), Maule, Aero Commander, Helio, Hiller, and Pacific 
Aerospace Corp.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area

[[Page 76704]]

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 (e) 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 rotary fuel pump leaks, which could result in an 
engine failure, engine fire, and damage to or loss of the aircraft, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) If the Lear/Romec part number (P/N) on rotary fuel pumps, 
series RG9080, RG9570, or RG17980 has an ``/M'' suffix, the pump has 
been modified, and no further action is required.
    (b) If the P/N does not have an ``/M'' suffix, perform initial 
and follow-up torque check inspections of pump relief valve 
attaching screws in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 529B, dated June 10, 2002, as 
follows:
    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), or 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform the 
initial torque check inspection. If the torque does not meet the 
specifications in Lycoming SB No. 529B, dated June 10, 2002, tighten 
screws to the required torque in accordance with that SB.
    (2) Perform follow-up torque check inspections at 50 hour 
intervals TIS, or 6 months since the previous torque check 
inspection, whichever occurs first. If the torque does not meet the 
specification in Lycoming SB No. 529B, dated June 10, 2002, during 
this follow-up inspection, tighten screws to the required torque in 
accordance with that SB.
    (3) Continue the follow-up torque check inspections required by 
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD until:
    (i) The accumulation of 100 hours TIS since the inspection with 
the torque remaining within the SB specification; or
    (ii) The torque meets the SB specification during the initial 
inspection and a subsequent inspection taking place after 
accumulating an additional 50 hours TIS also meets the SB 
specification.
    (4) After the accumulation of 100 hours TIS since the inspection 
with the torque remaining within the SB specification; visually 
inspect the pump at 50-hour intervals until the pump is replaced 
with a modified pump (with the ``/M'' after the part number).
    (c) Replacement of a rotary fuel pump series RG9080, RG9570, or 
RG17980, with an unmodified pump (without the ``/M'' after the part 
number) requires repeating the initial and follow-up inspections in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (d) Replacement of a rotary fuel pump series RG9080, RG9570, or 
RG17980, with a modified pump (with the ``/M'' after the part 
number) constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4) of this 
AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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 2: 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

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 done.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 5, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-31396 Filed 12-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P