[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
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Textron Lycoming Part Number
Lear/Romec Series (P/N)
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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
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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