[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30078-30086]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4850]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360,
AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and
IO-720 Series Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-
540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and IO-720 series
reciprocating engines. This proposed AD would require replacing certain
crankshafts. This proposed AD results from reports of 23 confirmed
failures of similar crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series
reciprocating engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the crankshaft, which will 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 June 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 on 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-2006-24785;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-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. This includes 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
[[Page 30079]]
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
We determined that 23 failures of similar crankshafts in Lycoming
360 and 540 series reciprocating engines have occurred due to
subsurface material flaws that progress to a fatigue failure. Lycoming
Engines issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 552, MSB No. 553,
MSB No. 566, Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 566, MSB No. 569, and MSB No.
569A to address the crankshaft failures. We issued AD 2002-19-03 (MSB
No. 552 and MSB No. 553 crankshaft populations), AD 2005-19-11 (MSB No.
566 crankshaft population), and AD 2006-06-16 (Supplement No. 1 to MSB
No. 566 crankshaft population) to also address the crankshaft failures.
The group of crankshafts listed in Lycoming MSB No. 569, dated February
21, 2006, and in the revised version, Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated
April 11, 2006, which is referenced in this proposed AD, has been found
to have the same material flaws as those crankshafts addressed by the
earlier MSBs and ADs noted. We have determined that the crankshafts
listed in Lycoming MSB No. 569 and MSB No. 569A, must be replaced
because of the similarity in the design and manufacture with the groups
that have previously failed. This condition, if not corrected, will
result in total engine power loss, in-flight engine failure, and
possible loss of the aircraft.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the technical contents of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006. That MSB describes procedures for replacing
crankshafts listed by serial number (SN) in that MSB.
Lycoming records indicate the engine SNs in MSB No. 569A, Tables 1,
2, 3, and 4, may have a suspect crankshaft installed. MSB No. 569A
Table 5 lists the crankshaft SNs that Lycoming confirmed were part of
the suspect population. Because the engine and crankshaft populations
are so large, they are not repeated in this proposed AD. Owner
operators must determine applicability by comparing engine and
crankshaft SNs listed in MSB No. 569A.
We have also reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004, that
specifies engine time between overhaul periods.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Manufacturer's Service
Information
Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, requires compliance at
the next accessibility of the crankshaft, but no later than February
21, 2009. However, this proposed AD would require compliance at the
next accessibility of the crankshaft, but no later than the next engine
overhaul specified in Lycoming Service Instruction (SI) No. 1009AR,
dated June 22, 2004. SI No. 1009AR requires engine overhaul at the
specified hourly interval, but no later than 12 years since new, or
since the previous engine overhaul. The AD compliance interval could be
longer than the MSB No. 569 and MSB No. 569A intervals if the affected
engine does not require maintenance that allows accessibility of the
crankshaft, or if the engine accumulates hours at a low rate per
calendar year. We are allowing this later compliance termination date
because we determined that the unsafe condition is unrelated to
calendar time and that crankshaft removal at overhaul will reduce the
risk of failure to an acceptable level.
Lycoming IO-390 and AEIO-390 engines listed in MSB No. 569A are
experimental engines not affected by this AD. Lycoming Engines included
these engine models in MSB No. 569A because a suspect crankshaft may
have been installed.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We 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 at the next engine overhaul as specified
in Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004, or at
the next separation of the crankcase, 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 3,774 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. Because the proposed AD
compliance interval coincides with engine overhaul or other engine
maintenance, we estimate no additional labor hours will be needed to
comply with this proposed AD. Parts would cost about $16,000 per
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD to be $60,384,000. Lycoming said it may provide the parts
for $2,000, until February 21, 2009, but will not extend the parts
price beyond that date.
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:
[[Page 30080]]
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 (formerly Textron Lycoming): Docket No. FAA-2006-
24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by June 26,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360,
AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and
IO-720 series reciprocating engines. These applicable engines are
manufactured new or rebuilt, overhauled, or had a crankshaft
installed after March 1, 1997. These engines are installed on, but
not limited to, the following aircraft:
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of 23 confirmed failures of
similar crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series
reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the crankshaft, which will 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 the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Engines Exempted From the AD
(f) If your engine meets any of the following conditions, and
you haven't had the crankshaft replaced since meeting the condition,
no further action is required:
(1) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 552 (AD 2002-19-03) or MSB No. 553 (AD
2002-19-03 Table 3 or Table 5); or
(2) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming MSB No. 566 AD
(2005-19-11); or
(3) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming Supplement No.
1 to MSB No. 566 (AD 2006-06-16); or
(4) Engines that are in compliance with the original issue of
Lycoming MSB No. 569, or MSB No. 569A.
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(g) If Lycoming Engines manufactured new, rebuilt, overhauled,
or repaired your engine, or replaced the crankshaft in your engine
before March 1, 1997, and you haven't had the crankshaft replaced,
no further action is required.
(h) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your engine serial number (SN),
and Table 5 of MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list
your crankshaft SN, no further action is required.
Engines Not Exempted From the AD
(i) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your engine SN, and Table 5 of MSB
No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your crankshaft SN, replace
the affected crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed in
Table 5 of MSB No. 569A at either of the following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified in Lycoming Engines
Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase, whichever is earlier.
(j) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list your engine SN, and Table
5 of MSB No. 569A does list your crankshaft SN (an affected
crankshaft was installed as a replacement), replace the affected
crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed in Table 5 of MSB
No. 569A at either of the following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified in Lycoming Engines
Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase, whichever is earlier.
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 5 of Lycoming MSB No. 569A,
dated April 11, 2006, 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 May 19, 2006.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4850 Filed 5-24-06; 8:45 am]
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