[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 76 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21049-21053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8877]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-NE-07-AD; Amendment 39-13579; AD 2004-08-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Components Incorporated (ECi)
Reciprocating Engine Cylinders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) models 520 and 550 series engines
with certain ECi cylinders installed. This AD requires replacing
certain serial-numbered (SN) cylinders supplied by ECi before further
flight. This AD results from reports of 34 failures of cylinder heads
marketed by ECi. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power
due to cracks in the cylinder head and possible engine failure caused
by separation of a cylinder head.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 5, 2004.
We must receive any comments on this AD by June 21, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 2004-NE-07-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: [email protected].
You can get the service information referenced in this AD from
Engine Components, Inc., 9503 Middlex, San Antonio, TX 78217; Phone
(210) 820-8100; fax (210) 820-3103.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Stellar, Branch Manager, Special
Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76193; telephone (817) 222-5199; fax (817) 222-5785.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 1, 2003, we received a report of
an ECi cylinder head, part number (P/N) AEC65385, that separated from
the barrel at the head-to-barrel junction. Since that report, we have
received reports of 27 additional ECi cylinder heads that had the same
condition. We also received reports of six cylinder heads that had a
crack between the 9th and 10th head fin from the head-to-barrel
junction. All of the reported separations and cracks were located
between the ninth and tenth head fin from the head-to-barrel junction.
All of the cracks started on the exhaust side of the head. The ECi
cylinder head, P/N AEC65385, is part of ECi cylinder, P/N AEC631397.
RAM Series III, IV, and VII reciprocating engines are the primary users
of these cylinders. The RAM series engines are TCM TSIO-520-NB, -VB,
and -WB engines that are modified by supplemental type certificate
(STC) SE4327SW, STC SE09104SC, or STC SE09261SC for operation at 325 HP
or greater. In addition, we approved the engine cylinders, ECi P/N
AEC631397 for use on TCM models 520 and 550 series reciprocating
engines under a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). The Airmotive Engine
Division of ECi holds the PMA. ECi markets the parts as ECi parts.
Results of Manufacturer's Investigation
An investigation by ECi revealed that cylinder heads, P/N AEC65385,
manufactured between September 1, 2002, and May 12, 2003, SNs 1044
through 7708, are susceptible to an over-hardened condition, which
reduces the fatigue strength of the cylinder. It also increases the
chance that the cylinder will crack.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the technical contents of RAM Aircraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) MSB2003-02, dated August 8, 2003, and
ECi MSB S.I. No. 04-1, Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004, that describe
procedures for identifying, inspecting, and replacing affected
cylinders.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
RAM Aircraft MSB MSB2003-02, dated August 8, 2003, requires
replacing only the No. 6 cylinder, ECi P/N AEC631397, on RAM Series
III, IV, and VII engines. ECi MSB S.I. No. 04-1, Revision 1, dated
March 11, 2004, requires identifying the suspect cylinders on TCM
models 520 and 550 engines and inspecting them for cracks. This AD
requires replacing all cylinders, ECi P/N AEC631397, on all RAM Series
III, IV, and VII engines; a\nd all TCM model 520, and 550 series
engines.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other RAM Series III, IV, and VII engines; and TCM model
520, and 550 series engines of the same type design. We are issuing
this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder
head and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder
head. This AD requires:
Performing a check to identify cylinders, ECi P/
N AEC631397, S/Ns 1044 through 7708, within 50 hours time-in-service
after the effective date of this AD. and
If a cylinder has an affected P/N and SN,
replacing the cylinder before further flight if it was not inspected at
ECi.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-07-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket
[[Page 21050]]
number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back
to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us verbally, and that
contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of
those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-07-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-08-10 Engine Components Incorporated (ECi): Amendment 39-13579.
Docket No. 2004-NE-07-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 5,
2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) TSIO-
520-NB, -VB, and -WB engines that are modified by supplemental type
certificate (STC) SE4327SW, STC SE09104SC, or STC SE09261SC for
operation at 325 HP or greater, (the so-called RAM TSIO-520-NB, -VB,
or -WB Series III, IV, and VII reciprocating engines; and Teledyne
Continental Motors (TCM) model 520 and 550 series reciprocating
engines with certain ECi reciprocating engine cylinders, part number
(P/N) AEC631397, installed. These engines are installed on, but not
limited to the airplanes listed in the following Table 1:
Table 1.--List of Airplanes That Use the Affected Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane manufacturer and model Engine model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AERFER/AERMECCHI AM, 3................. GTSIO-520-C
AERO COMMANDER:
200D................................. IO-520-A
500A COLEMILL CONVERSION............. IO-520-E
685.................................. GTSIO-520-K
AISA: F20, PEGASO...................... IO-520-K
AMBROSIN MF-151........................ IO-520-F
AVIONES PIHAO.......................... IO-520-D
BEAGLE (U.K.): B206S................... GTSIO-520-C
BEECHCRAFT BARON:
C55.................................. IO-520-CB, -C
D55.................................. IO-520-CB, -C
E55.................................. IO-520-CB, -C
58................................... IO-520-CB
58P.................................. TSIO-520-LB
58P.................................. TSIO-520-L
58P.................................. TSIO-520-WB
58TC................................. TSIO-520-LB
58TC................................. TSIO-520-L
58TC................................. TSIO-520-WB
BEECHCRAFT BONANZA:
A36.................................. IO-550-B
E33A................................. IO-520-BA
E33A................................. IO-520-BB
E33B................................. IO-520-B
F33.................................. IO-520-BB
F33A................................. IO-520-B
F33A................................. IO-520-BA
F33A................................. IO-520-BB
S35.................................. IO-520-B
ST35................................. TSIO-520-D
V35.................................. IO-520-BB
V35A................................. IO-520-B
V35A-TC.............................. TSIO-520-D
V35B................................. IO-520-B
V35B................................. IO-520-BA
V35B................................. IO-520-BB
A36.................................. IO-520-B
A36.................................. IO-520-BA
A36.................................. IO-520-BB
A36-TC............................... TSIO-520-UB
BEECHCRAFT DEBONAIR: C33A.............. IO-520-B
VIKING 300............................. IO-520-A
IO-520-D
IO-520-K
BONNAIRE 185........................... IO-520-D
BONNAIRE 188 CONVERSION................ IO-520-D
BURNS BA42............................. IO-520-D
CESSNA:
SUPER SKYLANE A, B, C, D, E.......... IO-520-A
TURBO SUPER SKYLANE.................. TSIO-520-C
SKYWAGON A185 E,F.................... IO-520-D
SKYWAGON A185FII..................... IO-520-D
AG SPRAYER 188-300................... IO-520-D
A188-230............................. IO-520-D
AG TRUCK (A 188B) -300............... IO-520-D
AG HUSKEY (A 188C) -310.............. TSIO-520-T
AG WAGON (A 188B).................... IO-520-D
SUPER SKYWAGON U206, A............... IO-520-A
U206B, C, D, E, F.................... IO-520-F
TURBO SKYWAGON TU206 A............... IO-520-C
TU206B, C, D, E, F................... TSIO-520-C
STATIONAIR U206...................... IO-520-F
TU206................................ TIOS-520-C
U206FII-300.......................... IO-520-F
U206G-300............................ IO-520-F
U206GII-300.......................... IO-520-L
TU206G-310........................... TSIO-520-M
SUPER SKYLANE P206A.................. IO-520-A
P206B, C, D, E....................... IO-520-A
TURBO P 206 A, B, C, D, E............ TSIO-520-C
SKYWAGON 207......................... IO-520-F
TURBO 207............................ TSIO-520-G
STATIONAIR 207A, 207AII.............. IO-520-F
STATIONAIR 8, 811.................... IO-520-F
T-STATIONAIR 811..................... TSIO-520-M
[[Page 21051]]
210 CENTURION D, E, F, G, H.......... IO-520-A
210 CENTURION J...................... IO-520-J
210 CENTURION K, L, M, N, R.......... IO-520-L
210 CENTURION TURBO.................. TSIO-520-C
210 CENTURION TURBO.................. TSIO-520-H
210 CENTURION TURBO K, L............. TSIO-520-H
TURBO 210 J, K, L.................... TSIO-520-H
TURBO 210 MII, NII................... TSIO-520-R
TURBO 210R........................... TSIO-520-R
PRESSURIZED CENTURION P210N.......... TSIO-520-P
PRESSURIZED CENTURION P210NII........ TSIO-520-AF
PRESSURIZED CENTURION P210R.......... TSIO-520-CE
T303 CRUSADER........................ TSIO-520-AE
T303 CRUSADER........................ LTSIO-520-AE
310R................................. IO-520-MB
310R................................. IO-520-M
TURBO 310 P, Q....................... TSIO-520-B
TURBO 310 R.......................... TSIO-520-BB
TURBO 310 R.......................... TSIO-520-B
EXECUTIVE SKYNIGHT D, E, F........... TSIO-520-B
335.................................. TSIO-520-EB
340.................................. TSIO-520-K
340A................................. TSIO-520-NB, -N
401 A, 401 B......................... TSIO-520-E
402 A, 402 B......................... TSIO-520-E
402C................................. TSIO-520-VB
404 TITAN............................ GTSIO-520-M
411, 411A............................ GTSIO-520-C
414.................................. TSIO-520-J
414, 414 A........................... TSIO-520-NB, -N
421A................................. GTSIO-520-D
421B................................. GTSIO-520-H
421C................................. GTSIO-520-L
421C................................. GTSIO-520-N
JANOX JAVILON.......................... IO-520-B
NAVION:
RANGEMASTER MODEL H.................. IO-520-B
RANGEMASTER MODEL H.................. IO-520-BA
PIPER: MALIBU.......................... TSIO-520-BE
PRINAIR:
DE HAVILLAND HERON................... IO-520-E
WINDECKER EAGLE...................... IO-520-C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of 34 failures of ECi cylinder
head. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to
cracks in the cylinder head and possible engine failure caused by
separation of a cylinder head.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Identifying Suspect Cylinders
(f) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, identify, and if necessary replace cylinders, ECi
P/N AEC631397 as follows:
(1) Identify the cylinder serial number (SN) as follows:
(i) Determine the SN of the cylinder by looking in the engine
records or by inspecting the cylinder for a SN on the intake port
boss (see Figure 1) or on the flat area next to the head to barrel
junction (see Figure 2). Disregard any dash numbers that might
follow the four digit SN.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20AP04.002
[[Page 21052]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20AP04.003
(ii) If the SN is 1043 or lower, or if it is 7709 or higher, no
further action is required.
(2) If the cylinder SN is 1044 through 7708, do the following:
(i) Remove the rocker box cover from the cylinder.
(ii) Look at the left-front cylinder casting.
(iii) If the casting has AEC65385, and an ``O'' under the ECi
logo, the cylinder is P/N AEC631397. See Figure 3.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20AP04.004
(iv) If the cylinder is not ECi P/N AEC631397, no further action
is required.
(3) If the cylinder is ECi P/N AEC631397, do the following:
(i) Look at the flange of the rocker box.
[[Page 21053]]
(ii) If there is a letter ``A,'' ``B,'' or ``X'' stamped on the
flange of the rocker box, no further action is required. See Figure
4.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20AP04.005
(iii) If there is no letter ``A,'' ``B,'' or ``X'' stamped on
the flange of the rocker box, replace the cylinder before further
flight.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) The Manager, Special Certification Office, has the authority
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) None.
Related Information
(i) ECi Mandatory Service Bulletin S.I. No. 04-1, revision 1,
dated March 11, 2004, also pertains to this subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2004.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8877 Filed 4-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P