[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 72 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19977-19979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7574]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0420; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-10-AD; 
Amendment 39-15466; AD 2008-08-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, 
(L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO Series Reciprocating Engines, 
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) TSIO-360-RB Reciprocating Engines, 
and Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-360 Series Reciprocating Engines With 
Certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and RSA-10 Series Fuel Injection 
Servos

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-06-51 that was 
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Lycoming 
Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series 
reciprocating engines, TCM TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, and 
Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-360 series reciprocating engines with 
certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection 
servos. This AD results from eighteen reports of fuel injection servo 
plugs, part number (P/N) 383493, that had loosened or completely backed 
out of the threaded plug hole on the regulator cover of the fuel 
injection servo. These servo plugs were installed with servo plug 
gasket, P/N 365533, under the plug hex-head. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a lean running engine, which could result in a substantial loss 
of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 29, 2008 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 
2008-06-51, issued on March 12, 2008, which contained the requirements 
of this amendment.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by June 13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Contact Precision Airmotive LLC at http://www.precisionairmotive.com for the service information identified in 
this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Precision Airmotive LLC, Richard 
Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055; 
e-mail: [email protected]; telephone: (425) 917-6507; fax: (425) 
917-6590.
    For Lycoming Engines, Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (516) 228-7337; fax: (516) 794-
5531.
    For Teledyne Continental Motors, Kevin Brane, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; e-
mail: [email protected]; telephone: (770) 703-6063; fax: (770) 703-
6097.
    For Superior Air Parts, Inc., Tausif Butt, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Southwest 
Regional Headquarters, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; e-
mail: [email protected]; telephone: (817) 222-5195; fax: (817) 222-
5785.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 12, 2008, the FAA issued emergency 
AD 2008-06-51, that applies to Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, 
AEIO,

[[Page 19978]]

AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series reciprocating engines, TCM TSIO-360-RB 
reciprocating engines, and Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-360 series 
reciprocating engines with certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and 
RSA-10 series fuel injection servos. That AD requires inspecting servo 
plugs for looseness and damage on fuel injection servos that have a 
servo plug gasket, P/N 365533, installed, inspecting the servo 
regulator cover threads for damage, inspecting the gasket for damage, 
reinstalling acceptable parts, and torquing the servo plug to a new, 
higher torque to help maintain the proper clamp-up force against the 
plug and cover. That AD resulted from eighteen reports of fuel 
injection servo plugs, P/N 383493, that had loosened or completely 
backed out of the threaded plug hole on the regulator cover of the fuel 
injection servo. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a 
substantial loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other engines of the same type design, we issued emergency AD 2008-
06-51 to prevent a lean running engine, which could result in a 
substantial loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the 
airplane. This AD requires inspecting servo plugs for looseness and 
damage on fuel injection servos that have a servo plug gasket, P/N 
365533, installed, inspecting the servo regulator cover threads for 
damage, inspecting the gasket for damage, reinstalling acceptable 
parts, and torquing the servo plug to a new, higher torque to help 
maintain the proper clamp-up force against the plug and cover.

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 existed to make the AD effective immediately on March 12, 2008, 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, 
TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series reciprocating engines, 
TCM TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, and Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-
360 series reciprocating engines with certain Precision Airmotive LLC 
RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection servos. These conditions still 
exist, and we are publishing the AD in the Federal Register as an 
amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Code Federal Regulations 
(14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

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 send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2008-0420; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-10-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.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 Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 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 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
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:

[[Page 19979]]

2008-08-14 Precision Airmotive LLC: Amendment 39-15466. Docket No. 
FAA-2008-0420; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-10-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
29, 2008, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made 
immediately effective by emergency AD 2008-06-51, issued March 12, 
2008, which contained the requirements of this amendment.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-06-51.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following reciprocating engines with 
an installed Precision Airmotive LLC, RSA-5 or RSA-10 series fuel 
injection servo, having a servo plug gasket, part number (P/N) 
365533, installed under the fuel injection servo plug, P/N 383493:
    (1) Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, 
IVO, and HIO series reciprocating engines, regardless of 
displacement, either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since 
August 22, 2006, and/or with an affected fuel injection servo 
installed either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since August 
22, 2006.
    (2) Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-360-RB reciprocating 
engines, either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since August 
22, 2006, and/or with an affected fuel injection servo installed 
either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since August 22, 2006.
    (3) Superior Air Parts, Inc. IO-360 series reciprocating 
engines, either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since August 
22, 2006, and/or with an affected fuel injection servo installed 
either new, rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired since August 22, 2006.
    (4) This AD also applies to any other Precision Airmotive LLC 
fuel injection servos received since August 22, 2006, or any fuel 
injection servos that have had the fuel injection servo plug, P/N 
383493, removed during maintenance since August 22, 2006.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from eighteen reports of fuel injection 
servo plugs, P/N 383493, that had loosened or completely backed out 
of the threaded plug hole on the regulator cover of the fuel 
injection servo. We are issuing this AD to prevent a lean running 
engine, which could result in a substantial loss of engine power and 
subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed before further flight, unless the actions have already 
been done. The actions required by this AD must be done by an FAA-
licensed mechanic.

Initial Inspection

    (f) Inspect the fuel injection servo plug, P/N 383493, for 
looseness, by attempting to turn it by hand, while being careful not 
to damage the safety wire or seal. If the plug moves, it is loose.
    (g) If the plug is not loose, go to paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (h) If the plug is loose, do the following:
    (1) Carefully cut and remove the safety wire that spans between 
the servo plug and regulator cover only.
    (2) Remove the servo plug while ensuring that the gasket, P/N 
365533, that is behind the plug, is not lost. The gasket may be 
slightly stuck to the regulator cover.
    (3) Examine the threads on the servo plug and regulator cover 
for damage. Threads should be smooth and consistent, with no burrs 
or chips. The servo plug outer diameter threads should also measure 
within 0.7419-0.7500-inch.
    (4) If the threads on either the servo plug or the regulator 
cover are damaged, or do not measure within the limits in paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD, the servo is not eligible for any installation 
and must be replaced before further flight.
    (5) Inspect the gasket, P/N 365533, for tears and other damage. 
We are allowing the re-use of undamaged gaskets. Replace damaged 
gaskets with a new gasket, P/N 365533.
    (6) When reassembling, do not install any servo plug or 
regulator cover that is not eligible for installation. Install the 
gasket onto the servo plug and reassemble the servo plug to the 
regulator cover.
    (7) Torque the servo plug to a new, higher torque of 90-100 in-
lbs, to help maintain the proper clamp-up force against the plug and 
cover.
    (8) Safety wire the servo plug with 0.025-inch diameter wire to 
the regulator cover. Information on properly safety wiring the plug 
can be found in Precision Airmotive LLC Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. PRS-107, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2008.
    (9) Inspect all other safety wire on the servo. Replace any that 
are damaged.

Repetitive Inspections

    (i) At every engine oil change or within every 50 hours of 
engine run time, whichever occurs first, repeat the inspection and 
remedial steps specified in paragraphs (f) through (h)(9) of this 
AD.

Special Flight Permits Prohibited

    (j) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, we are prohibiting special flight 
permits.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, may 
approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) Precision Airmotive LLC Mandatory Service Bulletin No. PRS-
107, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2008, pertains to the subject of 
this AD. You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from http://www.precisionairmotive.com.
    (m) For Precision Airmotive LLC, Richard Simonson, Aerospace 
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (425) 917-6507; fax: (425) 917-
6590.
    (n) For Lycoming Engines, Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; e-
mail: [email protected]; telephone: (516) 228-7337; fax: (516) 
794-5531.
    (o) For Teledyne Continental Motors, Kevin Brane, Aerospace 
Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, 
Atlanta, GA 30349; e-mail: [email protected]; telephone: (770) 
703-6063; fax: (770) 703-6097.
    (p) For Superior Air Parts, Inc., Tausif Butt, Aerospace 
Engineer, Special Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Southwest Regional Headquarters, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; e-mail: [email protected]; telephone: (817) 222-5195; 
fax: (817) 222-5785.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2008.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7574 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P