[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14350-14351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6998]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 89-ANE-10-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming, Direct-Drive 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to 
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
Textron Lycoming, direct-drive reciprocating engines (except O-145, O-
320H, O-360E, LO-360E, LTO-360E, O-435, and TIO-541 series engines). 
That AD currently requires inspection of the crankshaft gear 
installation and rework or replacement of the gears where necessary 
after a propeller strike, sudden stoppage, at overhaul, or whenever 
gear train repair is required. This proposal would revise the 
definitions for sudden stoppage and propeller strike. This proposal is 
prompted by a change to the definition of a propeller strike or sudden 
stoppage. The actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent loosening or failure of the crankshaft gear retaining bolt, 
which may cause sudden engine failure.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 27, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 89-ANE-10-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, U.S.A. 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: 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 89-ANE-10-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. 89-ANE-10-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On July 12, 1991, the FAA issued AD 91-14-22, Amendment 39-6916 (56 
FR 33205, July 19, 1991), to require inspection of the crankshaft gear 
installation and rework or replacement of the gears where necessary 
during overhaul, after a propeller strike, sudden stoppage, or whenever 
gear train repair is required. That action was prompted by reports of 
loosening and disengagement of the gear retaining bolt which could 
result in loss of the main camshaft drive train and critical engine 
accessories. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
loosening or failure of the crankshaft gear retaining bolt, which may 
cause sudden engine failure.
    Since AD 91-14-22 was issued, Textron Lycoming has issued mandatory 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 475C, dated January 30, 2003, and the 
definition of a propeller strike has been expanded to include:
    [sbull] Any incident, whether or not the engine is operating, that 
requires repair to the propeller beyond minor dressing of the blades.
    [sbull] A sudden drop in engine revolutions per minute (RPM) while 
impacting water, tall grass, or similar yielding medium where propeller 
damage is not normally incurred.
    Textron Lycoming has also included instructions in the maintenance 
manuals for inspections at overhaul and whenever repair of the gear 
train is required.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron 
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 475C, dated January 30, 
2003, that describes procedures for inspection and repair of the 
crankshaft and gear assembly.

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

[[Page 14351]]

direct-drive reciprocating engines of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 91-14-22 to revise the definitions of a 
propeller strike and sudden engine stoppage. The actions must be done 
in accordance with the service information described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 175,000 Textron Lycoming, direct-drive 
reciprocating engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. 
The FAA estimates that 125,000 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates 
that it would take approximately 7 work hours per engine to accomplish 
the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost approximately $420 per engine. Based on 
these figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $52,500,000.

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 39-6916 (56 FR 
33205, July 19, 1991), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to 
read as follows:

    Textron Lycoming: Docket No. 89-ANE-10-AD. Supersedes AD 91-14-
22, Amendment 39-6916.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to all Textron Lycoming direct-drive reciprocating engines except O-
145, O-320H, O-360E, LO-360E, LTO-360E, TO-360E, O-435, and TIO-541 
series engines.

    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 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 
before further flight if the engine has experienced a propeller 
strike as defined in paragraph (b) of this AD, unless already done.
    To prevent loosening or failure of the crankshaft gear retaining 
bolt, which may cause sudden engine failure, do the following:
    (a) Inspect, and if necessary repair, the crankshaft 
counterbored recess, the alignment dowel, the retaining bolt and 
lock plate, the bolt hole threads, and the crankshaft gear for wear, 
galling, corrosion, and fretting in accordance with steps 1 through 
7 of Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 475C, dated 
January 30, 2003.

Definition of Propeller Strike

    (b) For the purposes of this AD, a propeller strike is defined 
as follows:
    (1) Any incident, whether or not the engine is operating, that 
requires repair to the propeller other than minor dressing of the 
blades.
    (2) Any incident during engine operation in which the propeller 
impacts a solid object that causes a drop in revolutions per minute 
(RPM) and also requires structural repair of the propeller 
(incidents requiring only paint touch-up are not included). This is 
not restricted to propeller strikes against the ground.
    (3) A sudden RPM drop while impacting water, tall grass, or 
similar yielding medium, where propeller damage is not normally 
incurred.
    (c) The preceding definitions include situations where an 
aircraft is stationary and the landing gear collapses causing one or 
more blades to be substantially bent, or where a hanger door (or 
other object) strikes the propeller blade. These cases should be 
handled as sudden stoppages because of potentially severe side 
loading on the crankshaft flange, front bearing, and seal.

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 (NYACO). Operators must submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, NYACO.

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

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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 17, 2003.
Robert G. Mann,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6998 Filed 3-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P