[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 249 (Friday, December 27, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78965-78968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-32339]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD; Amendment 39-12986; AD 2002-26-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness 
directives (AD's), that are applicable to certain Textron Lycoming fuel 
injected reciprocating engines. These AD's currently require 
inspection, and replacement if necessary, of externally mounted fuel 
injector fuel lines. These amendments require adding engine series to 
the applicability that 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. This amendment is 
prompted by the need to ensure that the additional Textron Lycoming 
fuel injected engine series listed in this final rule receive the same 
inspections as series covered by the current AD's. The actions 
specified by this 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: Effective January 31, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of January 31, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 
17701, telephone (570) 323-6181; fax (570) 327-7101. This information 
may be examined, by appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 93-02-05, 
Amendment 39-8487 (58 FR 26056, April 30, 1993), which is applicable to 
certain Textron Lycoming fuel injected reciprocating engines that 
currently require inspection, and replacement if necessary, of 
externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines, was published in the 
Federal Register on March 11, 2002 (67 FR 10859). Because of the 
requests of two commenters, this AD has been expanded and will also 
supersede AD 93-05-22, Amendment 39-8525, (58 FR 19768, April 16, 
1993), which is only applicable to Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD. This dual 
supersedure will eliminate duplication and provide proper inspection 
and replacement instructions for the TIO-540-S1AD engines. The NPRM 
supersedure proposed to require that additional engine series that have 
been identified with the potential for the same problem, be included in 
the list of Textron Lycoming fuel injected reciprocating engine series 
listed in the AD applicability, in accordance with Textron Lycoming 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

AD Not Necessary and Duplicates another AD

    Two commenters point out that the current AD does not apply to the 
TIO-540-S1AD engines and the same unsafe condition in those engines is 
covered by a separate action, AD 93-05-22, Amendment 39-8525. The 
commenters request that either this action also supersede AD 93-05-22 
or that this action not apply to the TIO-540-S1AD engines.
    The FAA agrees. AD 93-05-22, Amendment 39-8525, is also superseded 
by this AD, and the TIO-540-S1AD engines have been included in the 
Applicability.

Clamps Installed On Factory Shipped Engines

    One commenter states that engines shipped from the factory have all 
of the fuel line clamps installed, and no action is required until a 
maintenance action is performed in the field that disturbs the 
clamping. The commenter states that exempting engines shipped from the 
factory would avoid an unnecessary inspection after an engine has been 
delivered after purchase or overhaul.
    The FAA disagrees. The current AD and this superseding AD already 
account for new and newly overhauled engines by allowing those engines 
50 hours after the effective date before an initial inspection is 
required, as opposed to 10 hours for engines that have been maintained 
since new or since overhaul. The FAA has determined that inspections 
are necessary even before maintenance is performed to ensure that the 
fuel injector lines remain properly clamped. Therefore, the FAA made no 
changes to the rule with respect to this request. Engines shipped from 
the factory (new or overhauled) will have passed one or more 
inspections that will satisfy the requirements of this AD.

Engines That Have Been Previously Inspected

    One commenter states that Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. 342D should also be included in the proposal's 
paragraph (a) listing after MSB No. 342C under the section titled 
``Engines That Have Been Previously Inspected''. The commenter states 
there will be engines that have already been inspected to Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342D. This would allow an operator to take credit for 
a previously completed inspection.
    The FAA agrees. Reference to Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D has been 
added to paragraph (a) in the final rule.

[[Page 78966]]

Engines That Have Not Been Inspected

    One commenter states that Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D should also 
be included in the proposal's paragraph (b) listing after MSB No. 342C 
under the section titled ``Engines That Have Not Been Inspected''. The 
commenter states that there will be engines that have not been 
inspected to Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D. This addition would allow a 
reference to the latest Service Bulletin.
    The FAA agrees. Reference to Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D has been 
added to paragraph (b) of the final rule.

Distances for Clamping Locations

    One commenter states that since vibration seems to be a concern, 
there should be a distance provided from the engine case to the clamp 
on the push rod tube that would give maximum line vibration reduction 
to reduce the effects of engine vibration.
    The FAA disagrees. While the FAA understands that vibration is a 
concern, the FAA does not agree that a change is required to the AD. 
The information to dampen the vibrations is contained in Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342D. No change has been made to this final rule.

Additional Items Installed on the Clamp

    One commenter requests guidance relative to whether other items can 
be installed on the clamp around the push rod tube, and if not, a 
statement added that the clamp around the push rod tube must ``stand 
alone'' and only be used for the fuel line.
    The FAA does not agree. Proper clamping procedures are contained in 
MSB No. 342D. No change has been made to the rule.

Service Bulletin Issue Dates Added

    Service Bulletin (SB) issue dates were omitted in NPRM Docket No. 
92-ANE-56-AD in the paragraphs entitled ``Engines That Have Been 
Previously Inspected'' and ``Engines That Have Not Been Inspected''. 
The SB issue dates are added to this AD in the paragraphs referenced 
above.

Difference Between Service Bulletin and AD Compliance Time

    Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D Time of Compliance statement states, 
``Check every 100 hours,'' * * * This AD states, ``* * * at each 100-
hour inspection * * *''. The 100-hour inspections may be extended to 
110 hours provided the next inspection is performed at 90 hours. The 
requirements of this AD has precedence over Textron Lycoming MSB No. 
342D.
    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 with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 4,160 Textron Lycoming engines of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 2,496 
engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD, that it will take approximately 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 will cost approximately 
$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 this AD on U.S. operators is estimated as 
follows:
    [sbull] $500.00 for a four-cylinder engine.
    [sbull] $750.00 for a six-cylinder engine.
    [sbull] $1000.00 for an eight-cylinder engine.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    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 the 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 
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, 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 39-8487 (58 FR 
26056, April 30, 1993) and Amendment 39-8525 (58 FR 19768, April 16, 
1993) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-12986, 
to read as follows:

2002-26-01 Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation: Amendment 
39-12986. Docket No. 92-ANE-56-AD. Supersedes AD 93-02-05, Amendment 
39-8487 and AD 93-05-22, Amendment 39-8525.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Textron Lycoming fuel injected reciprocating engines 
incorporating externally mounted fuel injection lines as listed in 
the following Table 1:

                                        Table 1.--Engine Models Affected.
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                       Engine                                                   Model
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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

[[Page 78967]]

 
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 airplanes.

    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 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: Compliance with this AD is 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, dated 
March 24, 1972; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26, 1992 
Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342B, dated October 22, 1993; Supplement 
No. 1 to MSB No. 342B, dated April 27, 1999; Textron Lycoming MSB 
No. 342C, dated April 28, 2000; and Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, 
dated July 10, 2001, 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, dated March 
24, 1972; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26, 1992; Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342B, dated October 22, 1993; Supplement No. 1 to 
MSB No. 342B, dated April 27, 1999; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, 
dated April 28, 2000; or Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 
10, 2001, 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 new or 
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 any clamp (or clamps) on a fuel 
injector line (or lines) has 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 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference

    (f) The clamp inspection and installations must be done in 
accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001. 
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 Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, 
Williamsport, PA 17701, telephone (570) 323-6181. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 31, 2003.


[[Page 78968]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 16, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-32339 Filed 12-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P