[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41055-41056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17019]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-50-AD; Amendment 39-13222; AD 2003-14-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Fuel Injected 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), that is 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 amendment 
requires the same initial and follow-up torque check inspections of 
relief valve attaching screws, and adds 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 
amendment 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 this 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: Effective August 14, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of August 14, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 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 98-18-12, 
Amendment 39-10728 (63 FR 48571, September 11, 1998, which is 
applicable to certain Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines with 
certain Crane/Lear Romec ``AN'' rotary fuel pumps installed was 
published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2002 (67 FR 76702). 
That action proposed to 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 in accordance with Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 529B, 
dated June 10, 2002.

Comments

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

Request for Additional Alternative Methods of Compliance

    One commenter requests that the installation of fuel pumps that 
were FAA-approved by a supplemental type certificate (STC) issued in 
October 2002 should be considered as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) to this AD. The commenter believes these fuel pumps 
are a direct replacement for the Crane/Lear Romec fuel pumps affected 
by this AD.
    The FAA does not agree. The fuel pumps that were approved by the 
STC have a different part number than the the Crane/Lear Romec fuel 
pumps in this AD. Accordingly, the fuel pumps installed under the STC 
are not subject to the inspections required by this AD and may be 
installed without an AMOC. Therefore, no changes will be made to the 
AD.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

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

0
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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 41056]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10728 (63 FR 
48571, September 11, 1998) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-13222, to read as follows:

2003-14-03 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-13222. Docket No. 97-ANE-
50-AD. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Textron Lycoming Part Number
            Lear/Romec Series                          (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 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 requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (g) The actions must be done in accordance with Lycoming Service 
Bulletin No. 529B, dated June 10, 2002. 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 Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; 
telephone (717) 327-7080; fax (717) 327-7100. 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

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on August 14, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 30, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17019 Filed 7-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P