[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 27, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76431-76433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-7815]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 27, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 76431]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-23269; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-50-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron 
Lycoming) AEIO-360, IO-360, O-360, LIO-360, and LO-360 Series 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) AEIO-360, IO-
360, O-360, LIO-360, and LO-360 series reciprocating engines. This 
proposed AD would require replacing certain crankshafts. This proposed 
AD results from a report of a crankshaft failure in a Lycoming LO-360-
A1H6 reciprocating engine. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure 
of the crankshaft, which could result in total engine power loss, in-
flight engine failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by January 26, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone 
(570) 323-6181; fax (570) 327-7101, or on the Internet at http://www.Lycoming.Textron.com.
    You may examine the comments of this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7337; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-23269; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-50-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the 
DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments 
received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives 
them.

Discussion

    On September 9, 2005, we issued AD 2005-19-11, Amendment 39-14276 
(70 FR 54618) applicable to Textron Lycoming AEIO-360, IO-360, O-360, 
LIO-360, LO-360, AEIO-540, IO-540, O-540, and TIO-540 series 
reciprocating engines rated at 300 horsepower (HP) or lower. That AD 
requires replacing certain crankshafts within 50 hours time-in-service 
or 6 months after the effective date of the AD, whichever is earlier. 
Airworthiness directive 2005-19-11 resulted from 12 reports of 
crankshaft failures on engines rated at 300 HP or lower. Our 
investigation into the crankshaft failures found that the failures 
result from subsurface metallurgical flaws, caused by lack of 
crankshaft process control. While this proposed AD would affect 
different crankshafts than those affected by AD 2005-19-11, the 
crankshafts have the same possible unsafe condition. This proposed AD 
results from a report of a crankshaft failure in a Lycoming LO-360-A1H6 
engine. This proposed AD would require replacing certain crankshafts 
installed in engines manufactured new or rebuilt, overhauled, or that 
had a crankshaft replaced after March 1, 1999. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in crankshaft failure, which could result in 
total engine power loss, in-flight engine failure, and possible loss of 
the aircraft. The engines and crankshafts affected by this proposed AD 
are listed by serial number (SN) in Table 1 and Table 2 of Lycoming 
Engines Supplement No.1 to Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 566. 
These engine and crankshaft SNs are different from the engine and 
crankshaft SNs affected by Lycoming Engines MSB No. 552, No.

[[Page 76432]]

553, and No. 566; and ADs 2002-19-03 and 2005-19-11.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Lycoming 
Engines Supplement No. 1 to Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 566, dated 
November 30, 2005, that describes procedures for replacing crankshafts 
listed by SN in that Supplement.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require 
replacing certain crankshafts within 50 hours time-in-service or 6 
months after the effective date of the proposed AD, whichever is 
earlier. The proposed AD would require you to use the service 
information described previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 282 engines 
installed on aircraft of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take 
the following work hours to perform the inspection and crankshaft 
replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of
             Type of  application               Work-hours     engines
                                                per engine     affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Constant-Speed Propeller.....................          86            251
Fixed-Pitch Propeller........................          84.5           31
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the average labor rate is $65 per work hour and that 
required parts for each engine would cost about $15,300. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. 
operators to be $5,887,957. Lycoming Engines informed us that they 
intend to supply the new parts at no charge and reimburse labor costs 
when authorized, for engine removal and reinstallation, using the 
current revision of Lycoming's Removal and Installation Labor Allowance 
Guidebook. These actions would substantially reduce the estimated cost 
of this proposed AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Would 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Lycoming Engines: Docket No. FAA-2005-23269; Directorate Identifier 
2005-NE-50-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 26, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron 
Lycoming) AEIO-360, IO-360, O-360, LIO-360, and LO-360 series 
reciprocating engines, manufactured new or rebuilt, overhauled, or 
that had a crankshaft installed after March 1, 1999. These engines 
are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Engine model              Manufacturer         Aircraft model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-A1B6...............  Moravan.............  Z242L Zlin.
                              Scottish Avia.......  Bulldog.
                              Valmet..............  L-70 Vinka.
AEIO-360-A1E6...............  Integrated Systems..  Omega.
I0-360-A1B6.................  Aircraft              Mushshak.
                               Manufacturing
                               Factory.
                              Beech...............  C-24R Sierra or 200
                                                     Sierra.
                              Cessna..............  R-G Cardinal.
                              Korean Air..........  Chang Gong-91.
                              Lake................  LA-4-200 Buccaneer.
                              Mooney..............  M-20-J.
                              Partenavia..........  P-68 Series
                                                     Observer.
                              Saab................  MFI-15 Safari or MFI-
                                                     17 Supporter.
                              Scottish Avia.......  Bulldog.
                              Socata..............  TB-200.
IO-360-A1B6D................  Cessna..............  R-G Cardinal.
                              Mooney..............  M-201.

[[Page 76433]]

 
                              Siai Marchetti......  S-205.
IO-360-A3B6.................  Mooney..............  201.
                              Mod Works...........  Trophy 212
                                                     Conversion.
IO-360-A3B6D................  Mooney..............  M20J-201.
IO-360-C1C6.................  Piper...............  PA-28R-201 Arrow.
                              Ruschmeyer..........  MF-85.
IO-360-B1G6.................  American............  Blimp.
IO-360-C1G6.................  Zeppelin............  Blimp.
IO-360-C1E6.................  Piper...............  PA-34-200 Seneca I.
LO-360-A1G6D................  Beech...............  76 Duchess.
LO-360-A1H6.................  Piper...............  PA-44-180 Seminole.
O-360-A1F6..................  Cessna..............  177 Cardinal.
O-360-A1F6D.................  Cessna..............  177 Cardinal.
O-360-A1G6D.................  Beech...............  76 Duchess.
O-360-A1H6..................  Piper...............  PA-44-180.
O-360-E1A6D.................  Piper...............  PA-44-180.
O-360-F1A6..................  Cessna..............  C-172RG Cutlass RG.
IO-360-C1D6.................  Sold as a spare
                               engine.
LIO-360-C1E6................  Sold as a spare
                               engine.
LO-360-E1A6d................  Sold as a spare
                               engine.
LIO-360-C1D6................  Sold as a spare
                               engine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a crankshaft failure in a Lycoming LO-
360-A1H6 reciprocating engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the crankshaft, which could result in total engine power 
loss, in-flight engine failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 50 hours time-in-service or 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever is earlier, unless the actions 
have already been done.
    (f) If Lycoming Engines manufactured new, rebuilt, overhauled, 
or replaced the crankshaft in your engine before March 1, 1999, and 
you haven't had the crankshaft replaced, no further action is 
required.
    (g) If Table 1 of Supplement No. 1 to Lycoming Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. 566, dated November 30, 2005, lists your engine 
serial number (SN), use Table 2 of Supplement No. 1 to verify if 
your crankshaft SN is listed.
    (h) If Table 1 of Supplement No. 1 to Lycoming MSB No. 566, 
dated November 30, 2005, does not list your engine SN, use Table 2 
of Supplement No. 1 to verify if your crankshaft SN is listed, if an 
affected crankshaft was installed as a replacement.
    (i) If Table 2 of Supplement No. 1 to Lycoming Engines MSB No. 
566, dated November 30, 2005, lists your crankshaft SN, replace the 
crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed in Table 2 of 
Supplement No. 1 to Lycoming MSB No. 566, dated July 11, 2005.
    (j) The engine and crankshaft SNs listed in Table 1 and Table 2 
of Supplement No.1 to Lycoming Engines MSB No. 566 are different 
from the engine and crankshaft SNs affected by Lycoming MSBs No. 
552, No. 553 and No. 566; and ADs 2002-19-03 and 2005-19-11.

Prohibition Against Installing Certain Crankshafts

    (k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
crankshaft that has a SN listed in Table 2 of Supplement No. 1 to 
Lycoming MSB No. 566, dated November 30, 2005, into any engine.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (l) The Manager, New York Aircraft 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.

Related Information

    (m) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 19, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E5-7815 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
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