[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 96 (Thursday, May 18, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28769-28773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4646]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21331; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-07-AD; 
Amendment 39-14605; AD 2006-10-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Engine Components Incorporated (ECi) 
Reciprocating Engine Connecting Rods

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 360 and 540 series 
reciprocating engines with ECi connecting rods, part number (P/N) 
AEL11750, installed. The Airmotive Engineering Corp, Division of Engine 
Components Incorporated (ECi), holds the Parts Manufacturer Approval 
(PMA) for the affected parts, and markets the parts as ECi parts. This 
AD requires replacing certain lot and serial numbered connecting rods, 
P/N AEL11750, having forging part number AEL11488. This AD would also 
prohibit installing certain ECi connecting rods, P/N AEL11750, into any 
Lycoming 360 or 540 series reciprocating engines. This AD results from 
reports of connecting rods with excessive variation in circularity of 
the journal bores. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of 
the connecting rod and a possible uncommanded shutdown of the engine.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 22, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Hakala, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76193; telephone (817) 222-5145; fax (817) 222-
5785.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies 
to Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 360 and 540 series 
reciprocating engines with ECi connecting rods, part number (P/N) 
AEL11750, installed. We published the proposed AD in the Federal 
Register on October 5, 2005 (70 FR 58103). That action proposed to 
require replacing certain lot and serial numbered connecting rods, P/N 
AEL11750, having forging part number AEL11488. That action would also 
prohibit installing certain ECi connecting rods, P/N AEL11750, into any 
Lycoming 360 or 540 series reciprocating engines.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Offices 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

[[Page 28770]]

in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Date Range for Defective Connecting Rods

    Six commenters request the date range during which the defective 
ECi connecting rods were manufactured or produced. Knowledge of the 
manufacturing dates for the defective connecting rods could make them 
easier to identify. We agree. ECi produced the connecting rods, P/N 
AEL11750, with lot numbers 1 thru 54, between January 2002 and January 
2004. We changed the AD applicability to indicate the dates ECi 
produced the connecting rods.

Labor Time To Replace the Connecting Rods

    Four commenters express concern that the labor time allotted to 
remove and replace the ECi connecting rods is insufficient. We 
disagree. The engine labor time estimates come from the Lycoming 
``Removal and Installation Labor Allowance Guidebook'', SSP-875, 
Revision dated May 2000. The labor allowance indicates that four hours 
are required to replace each connecting rod. Therefore, a four-cylinder 
engine with four connecting rods would require 16 workhours to remove 
and replace the connecting rods. We did not change the AD.

Discussion Regarding Failure of the Connecting Rod Insert Bearings

    Two commenters discuss the relationship between the failure of the 
connecting rod insert bearing and the manufacturing defects in 
circularity with the ECi connecting rods. We partially agree. The 
contact signature between the big bore end of the connecting rod and 
the backs of the insert bearings is critical. Improper machining of the 
big bore end of the connecting rod can cause irregular support and 
distress to the insert bearings. A manufacturer of engine insert 
bearings states that wavy patterns on the connecting rod surface are 
also indicated by horizontal stripes on the inner surface of the 
connecting rod bearing. The horizontal stripes or contact signature 
marks appear after the engine is run from 100 to 200 hours. Less severe 
contact signature marks on the big bore end of the connecting rod will 
not propagate a failure, as observed on several Lycoming connecting 
rods. However, more severe dimensional defects than existed on ECi 
connecting rods examined by the FAA may cause distress and fatigue 
failure of the insert bearings. We determined that the fatigue failure 
of the insert bearing accelerated the fracture of the ECi connecting 
rod with the resulting engine failure that prompted this AD. We are not 
aware of any reports of engine failures caused by Lycoming connecting 
rods with similar contact signature marks. We did not change the AD.

More Frequent Oil and Filter Changes

    Two commenters recommend that the oil and filter be changed every 
25 hours and that the oil filters be cut open and inspected for any 
non-magnetic insert bearing materials. We disagree. Lycoming Engines 
has issued several mandatory service bulletins for connecting rod 
insert bearing replacement that also require more frequent oil and 
filter changes. For example, Lycoming Service Bulletin No. 547 and 
Service Bulletin No. 561 state: ``Until the subject engine has been 
upgraded with new bearings, Lycoming requires that the oil and filter 
change interval be reduced to 10 hours and a mandatory filter and 
suction screen inspection be accomplished at each interval.'' Lycoming 
also suggests that more frequent oil changes with examination of the 
contents of the oil filter can show early signs of connecting rod 
insert bearing problems. We do not require more frequent oil changes, 
and we did not change the AD.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standards for Automobile Engines

    Two commenters ask if the FAA uses SAE standards for engine 
clearances for water-cooled automobile engines. They also suggest that 
the FAA is creating new airworthiness standards for air-cooled piston 
engines. We disagree. We did not use SAE standards for water-cooled 
automobile engines for the development of the connecting rod AD. We did 
not change this AD.

Extend the NPRM Comment Period

    One commenter requested that we extend the NPRM comment period an 
additional 90 days. We disagree. Several months have passed since the 
December 5, 2005 comment deadline without any additional comments. 
Therefore, we see no reason to extend the comment period. We did not 
change the AD.

Comments That the Proposed AD is Not Necessary

    Several commenters question the need for the connecting rod AD. We 
disagree. We confirmed that a manufacturing defect existed in the ECi 
connecting rods. The FAA has determined that this defect was the most 
probable cause of an engine shutdown and forced landing incident. ECi 
identified the manufacturing process deficiencies that were responsible 
for the defective condition and took specific actions to correct these 
deficiencies. We also determined that the subject ECi connecting rods 
in service could possess these manufacturing defects and could, 
therefore, fail during operation. The AD has now been changed to 
require that the subject connecting rods be removed at 2,000 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) rather than the 1,500 TIS required in the NPRM. 
We project that the required replacement time can be extended to 2,000 
hours (TIS) while maintaining an acceptable level of safety. With the 
AD applying to the first 400 production connecting rods, we estimate 
that only about 100 aircraft engines will be affected. This AD is 
necessary to insure that these parts are removed from service to 
prevent this unsafe condition from causing an engine failure and 
uncommanded shutdown.

Discussion of Connecting Rod Service Difficulties

    On October 16, 2003, ECi informed us that a Lycoming Engines O-360-
A4M engine experienced an in flight engine failure and uncommanded 
shutdown. The failure occurred after 50 hours TIS following an engine 
overhaul. ECi P/N AEL11750 connecting rods were installed in this 
engine. The No. 4 connecting rod used in the Lycoming Engines O-360-A4M 
failed due to destruction of the big bore end bearing and its support. 
Examination of the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 connecting rods indicated an 
unusual contact signature between the big bore ends and the backs of 
the respective insert bearings. The signature was essentially the same 
for each of the three rods and consisted of evenly spaced marks 
parallel to the big bore end axes. There was also significant damage 
present on the inner diameter of these three insert bearings. Our 
metallurgical report also indicated that the big bore end of the 
connecting rod had been poorly machined. This is consistent with a 
finding in 2003, that a grinding machine used to produce the parts had 
introduced irregular shaped holes at the big bore end of the connecting 
rod due to problems with the bearings, grinding stones and cutting 
fluid in the grinding machine. Also, FAA approved repair stations 
reported that the early ECi P/N AEL11750 connecting rods had 
insufficient clearance for a socket to fit correctly over the 
connecting rod nut. Dragging of

[[Page 28771]]

the socket on the side of the connecting rod would result in an 
incorrect torque value when the connecting rod nut was torqued during 
engine assembly. ECi changed the design of the connecting rod to 
provide more socket clearance. An undertorqued rod bolt could loosen 
during operation.

Inspection and Regrinding of the Connecting Rods at Engine Overhaul

    Four commenters recommend that the ECi AEL11750 connecting rods be 
inspected after removal at engine overhaul and be reground to clean up 
any defects. We disagree. A Lycoming service bulletin describes the 
inspection and regrinding of connecting rods at engine overhaul, but 
the connecting rods in this AD are not made by Lycoming. ECi might be 
developing a new service bulletin for the identification and inspection 
of the subject connecting rods. We did not change the AD requirement 
for the connecting rod removal.

Definition of Connecting Rod Accessibility

    Connecting rod accessibility is defined in paragraph (g)(4)(iii) as 
any maintenance action in which a cylinder assembly is removed for 
maintenance. These Lycoming engines are normally overhauled at 2,000 
hours (TIS), therefore, we estimate that 70% of the subject connecting 
rods will be replaced at engine overhaul. The subject connecting rods 
can be replaced when a cylinder assembly is removed for maintenance. If 
the connecting rods are replaced during cylinder assembly removal, the 
engine case halves do not have to be separated.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD as proposed with the changes described 
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD would affect about 100 Lycoming Engines 
360 and 540 series reciprocating engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 workhours per 
connecting rod (a four cylinder engine with four connecting rods would 
require 16 workhours to remove and replace the connecting rods), and 
that the average labor rate is $65 per workhour. Required parts would 
cost about $450 per connecting rod. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $288,000.

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 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

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 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:

2006-10-21 Engine Components Incorporated (ECi): Amendment 39-14605. 
Docket No. FAA-2005-21331; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-07-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 22, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron 
Lycoming) 360 and 540 series reciprocating engines specified in 
Table 1 of this AD with Engine Components Incorporated (ECi) 
connecting rods, part number (P/N) AEL11750 installed, limited to 
Serial Numbers 54/6 and below and produced between January 2002 and 
January 2004. They are also identified with forging P/N AEL11488 in 
raised letters on the web of the beam between the big and small ends 
of the connecting rod.

                         Table 1.--Engine Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Engine models
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1A, A1AD, A1C, A1D, A1F, A1F6, A1F6D, A1G, A1G6, A1G6D, A1H,
 A1H6, A1LD, A1P, A2A, A2D, A2E, A2F, A2G, A2H, A3A, A3AD, A3D, A4A,
 A4AD, A4D, A4G, A4J, A4K, A4M, A4N, A4P, A5AD, B1A, B1B, B2A, B2B, C1A,
 C1C, C1E, C1F, C1G, C2A, C2B, C2C, C2D, C2E, C4F, C4P, D1A, D2A, D2B,
 F1A6, G1A6, J2A;
HO-360-A1A, B1A, B1B, C1A;
IO-360-B1A, B1B, B1C, B1D, B1E, B1F, B1F6, B1G6, B2E, B2F, B2F6, B4A,
 E1A, F1A, L2A;
LO-360-A1G6D, A1H6;
HIO-360-A1A, A1B, B1A, B1B;
AEIO-360-B1B, B1D, B1F, B1F6, B1G6, B2F, B2F6, B4A, H1A, H1B;
O-540-A1A, A1A5, A1B5, A1C5, A1D, A1D5, A2B, A3D5, A4A5, A4B5, A4C5,
 A4D5, B1A5, B1B5, B1D5, B2A5, B2B5, B2C5, B4A5, B4B5, D1A5, E4A5, E4B5,
 E4C5, F1A5, F1B5, G1A5, G2A5, H1A5, H1A5D, H1B5D, H2A5, H2A5D, H2B5D;
AEIO-540-D4A5, D4B5, D4C5, D4D5;
IO-540-A1A5, B1A5, B1B5, B1C5, C1B5, C1C5, C2C, C4B5, C4C5, C4D5, C4D5D,
 D4A5, D4B5, D4C5, E1A5, E1B5, E1C5, G1A5, G1B5, G1C5, G1D5, G1E5, G1F5,
 J4A5, N1A5, P1A5, R1A5, T4A5D, T4B5, T4B5D, T4C5D, V4A5, V4A5D;
LTIO-540-K1AD;

[[Page 28772]]

 
TIO-540-C1A, E1A, G1A, H1A, K1AD, AA1AD, AB1AD, AB1BD, AF1A, AF1B, AG1A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft 
listed in Table 2 of this AD.

                        Table 2.--Aircraft Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Aircraft manufacturer                    Aircraft model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aero Boero...........................  AB-180, AB-260.
Aero Commander.......................  Lark (100), Aero Commander (500,
                                        500-B, 500-E, 500-U).
Aero Engine Service Ltd..............  Victa (R-2).
Aerofab Inc..........................  Renegade 250, Turbo Renegade
                                        (270).
Aviamilano...........................  Flamingo (F-250).
Aviat................................  Husky.
Avions Pierre Robin..................  (HR100/250).
Beagle...............................  Airedale (A-109), Husky (D5-180
                                        01-U).
Bellanca Aircraft....................  Scout (8GCBC-CS, 8GCBC FP), Super
                                        Decathlon (8KCAB-180), Aries T-
                                        250.
Bolkow...............................  207, Klemm (K1-107C).
Britten-Norman.......................  BN-2.
Brooklanda...........................  Scoutmaster.
C.A.A.R.P............................  S A.N. (M-23III), C.A.P. (10).
C. Itoh and Co.......................  Fuji FA-200.
Center Est Aeronautique..............  Regente (DR-253).
Cerva................................  (CE-43 Guepard).
Cessna Aircraft......................  Cardinal C-177A and C-177B, Teal
                                        III, TSC (1A3), Skyhawk RG, and
                                        C-172RG, Cutlass C-172Q.
Christen.............................  Husky (A-1), Christen. Pitts (S-
                                        2S), (S-2B).
DeHavilland..........................  Drover (DHA-3MK3), Heron
                                        Conversion.
Dinfia...............................  Ranquel (lA-51), Querandi (1A-
                                        45).
Dornier..............................  (DO-28, DO-28-B1, DO-8-B1).
Doyn Aircraft........................  Doyn-Cessna (170B, 172, 172A,
                                        172B).
Doyn Aircraft........................  Doyn-Beech (Beech 95).
Doyn Aircraft........................  Doyn-Piper (PA-23 ``160'', PA-23
                                        ``200'', PA-24 ``250'', PA-23
                                        ``250'').
Earl Horton..........................  Pawnee (Piper PA-25).
Embraer..............................  Corioca (EMB-710), Impanema
                                        ``AG.''
F.F.A................................  Bravo (200).
Found Bros...........................  (FBA-2C), Centennial (100).
Fuji.................................  (FA-200).
General Aviation.....................  Model 114.
Gippsland............................  GA-200.
Great Lakes..........................  Trainer.
Grob.................................  G115/Sport-Acro.
H.A.L................................  HPT-32.
Hughes Tool Co.......................  (269A, 269-A-1, YHO-2HU, 300).
Intermountain Mfg Co.................  Call Air (A-6, A-9, IAR821, IAR-
                                        822, IAR-826, IAR-823).
Kingsford-Smith......................  Bushmaster (O-6).
Lake Aircraft........................  Colonial (C-2, LA-4, 4A or 4P),
                                        Seawolf.
Malmo................................  Vipan (MF-10B, MF1-10).
Maule................................  Star Rocket MX-7-180, MX-7-180A,
                                        Star Rocket (MX-7-235), Super
                                        Rocket (M-6-235), Super Std.
                                        Rocket (M-7-235).
Mid-States Mfg. Co...................  Twin Courier (H-500), (U-5).
Mooney Aircraft......................  Master ``21'' (M-20D, M-20E),
                                        Mark ``20B'', ``20D'', (M20B,
                                        M20C), Statesman (M-20G), Mark
                                        ``21'' (M-20E), ``TLS'' M20M.
Moravan..............................  Zlin-50L.
Mundry...............................  CAP-10.
Nash Aircraft Ltd....................  Petrel.
Neiva................................  1PD-590V.
Norman Aeroplace Co..................  NAC-1 Freelance.
Omega Aircraft.......................  BS-12D1.
Partenavia...........................  Oscar (P-66).
Penn Yan.............................  Super Cub Conversion.
Pilatus Britten-Norman...............  Islander (BN-2A-26), Islander (BN-
                                        2A-27, Islander II (BN-2B-26),
                                        Islander (BN-2A-21), Trislander
                                        (BN-2A-Mark III-2).
Piper Aircraft.......................  Comanche (PA-24), Seminole (PA-
                                        44), Cherokee ``C'' (PA-28
                                        ``180''), Cherokee ``D'' (PA-28
                                        180''), Archer II (PA-28
                                        ``180''), Arrow (PA-28
                                        ``180R''), Seminole (PA-44),
                                        Comanche (PA-24 ``150''), Aztec
                                        (PA-23 ``250''), Cherokee (PA-24
                                        ``250''), Pawnee (PA-24
                                        ``235''), Cherokee (PA-28
                                        ``235''), Aztec (PA-23 ``235''),
                                        Cherokee (PA-28 ``235''),
                                        Comanche (PA-24 ``260''),
                                        Cherokee Six (PA-32 ``260''),
                                        Pawnee (PA-25 ``260''), Aztec B
                                        (PA-23 ``250''), Comanche (PA-24
                                        ``250''), Aztec C (PA-23
                                        ``250''), Aztec F, Comanche (PA-
                                        24), Turbo Aztec (PA-23-250).

[[Page 28773]]

 
Pitts................................  S-1S.
Poeschel.............................  P-300.
Procaer..............................  Picchio (F-15-A).
Rawdon Brow..........................  Radon (T-1).
Raytheon Aircraft Co (Beech).........  Travel-Air (95, B-95, B-95A, B-
                                        95B), Duchess 76, Sport,
                                        Musketeer Custom III, Sundowner
                                        180.
Regente..............................  N-591.
Rhein-Flugzeughau....................  RF-V.
Riley Aircraft.......................  Rocket-Cessna (310), Turbo-
                                        Rocket, Turbo-Aztec.
Robin................................  Regent (DR400/180), Remorqueur
                                        (DR400/180R), R-3170, Aiglon (R-
                                        1180T).
Robinson.............................  R-44.
Rockwell.............................  Commander (114, 114B, 114TC).
S A.A.B..............................  Safir (91-D).
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation.......  269A.
S.O.C.A.T.A..........................  Tobago (TB-10), Rallye Commodore
                                        (MS-893), Rallye 180GI, Sportana
                                        Sportsman (RS-180), Rallye
                                        235CA, Rallye 235GT, Rallye
                                        235C, TB-20, Trinidad TB-20,
                                        Trinidad TC TB-21.
Shrike...............................  (500-S).
Societe Aeronautique Normande.         D-140, Jodel (D-140C).
 Mousquetaire.
Siai-Marchetti.......................  (S-205, SF-260, SF-208).
Silvercraft
Std. Helicopter
Sud..................................  Gardan (GY-180).
Tiger Aircraft LLC (American General)  Tiger.
T. R. Smith Aircraft.................  Aerostar, (600).
United Consultants...................  See-Bee.
Utva.................................  75.
Valmet...............................  PIK-23.
Varga................................  Kachina.
Wassmer..............................  Super 4 (WA-50A), Sancy (WA-40),
                                        Baladou (WA-40), Pariou (WA-40),
                                        (WA-50), Europa WA-52, WA-421,
                                        WA4-2V.
Yoeman Aviation......................  YA-1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of connecting rods with 
excessive variation in circularity of the journal bores. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of the connecting rod and 
possible uncommanded shutdown of the engine.

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.

Engines Not Repaired or Overhauled Since New

    (f) If your engine has not been overhauled or had any repair 
since new, no further action is required.

Engines Overhauled or Repaired Since New

    (g) If your engine was overhauled or repaired since new, do the 
following:
    (1) Before further flight inspect the maintenance records and 
engine logbook to determine if the overhaul or repair facility used 
ECi connecting rods, P/N AEL11750.
    (2) If the connecting rods are not ECi, P/N AEL11750, no further 
action is required.
    (3) If the connecting rods are ECi, P/N AEL11750, and if the 
serial number is 54/7 or higher, no further action is required. 
(Note: 54 is the lot number and 7 is the serial number of the ECi 
connecting rod.)
    (4) If the connecting rods are ECi, P/N AEL11750, having forging 
P/N AEL11488 in raised letters on the web of the beam, and if the 
serial number is 54/6 or lower, do the following:
    (i) If the connecting rod has 2,000 or more hours time-in-
service (TIS), replace the connecting rod with a connecting rod that 
has a lot number 55 or higher, or that has a P/N not specified in 
this AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) If the connecting rod has fewer than 2,000 hours TIS, 
replace the connecting rod with a connecting rod that has a lot 
number 55 or higher, or that has a P/N not specified in this AD, at 
the next engine overhaul, or next accessibility of the connecting 
rod, but no later than 2,000 hours TIS on the connecting rod.
    (iii) For the purpose of this AD, connecting rod accessibility 
is defined as any maintenance action in which a cylinder assembly is 
removed for maintenance.
    (h) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any ECi 
connecting rod, P/N AEL11750, that has SN 54/6 or lower into any 
engine.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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.

Related Information

    (j) None.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 12, 2006.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4646 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P