[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8661-8663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3349]


 ========================================================================
 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. 76, No. 31 / Tuesday, February 15, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 8661]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines, Fuel Injected 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain fuel injected reciprocating engines 
manufactured by Lycoming Engines. The existing AD currently requires 
inspection, replacement if necessary, and proper clamping of externally 
mounted fuel injector fuel lines. That AD also exempts engines that 
have a Maintenance and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness 
Limitations Section that requires inspection and replacement, if 
necessary, of externally mounted fuel injector lines. This proposed AD 
would require the same actions. Since we issued that AD, Lycoming 
Engines revised their Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) to add engine 
models requiring inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
failure of the fuel injector fuel lines that would allow fuel to spray 
into the engine compartment, resulting in an engine fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 1, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Lycoming 
Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, or go to http://www.lycoming.textron.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Engine Certification Office, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(781) 238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

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

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; phone: 
516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; 
Directorate Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD because of those comments.
    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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On June 24, 2008, we issued AD 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602 (73 
FR 39574), for certain fuel injected reciprocating engines manufactured 
by Lycoming Engines. That AD requires inspection, replacement if 
necessary, and proper clamping of externally mounted fuel injector fuel 
lines. Some of the clamps are difficult to install on the fuel injector 
lines and then to the engine, resulting in support clamps being omitted 
during field overhaul or repair. Lines not clamped correctly are 
subject to engine vibration and wear. That AD resulted from Lycoming 
Engines revising their MSB to add engine models requiring inspection, 
and from the need to clarify a repetitive inspection compliance time. 
We issued that AD to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines 
that would allow fuel to spray into the engine compartment, resulting 
in an engine fire.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2008-14-07, Lycoming Engines revised their MSB 
to add engine models requiring inspection, replacement if necessary, 
and proper clamping of externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines. 
They also listed some of the physical damages that would reject a tube. 
Based on that MSB revision, we would require the inspection in this 
proposed AD supersedure to meet all conditions specified in MSB No. 
342F, dated June 4, 2010. In addition, we learned that two engines 
listed in AD 2008-14-07 do not exist. They are the IO-360-C2G6 and the 
TIO-540AE1A5, so we removed them from this proposed AD.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342F, dated June 4, 2010. The 
MSB describes procedures for inspecting, and if necessary replacing the 
fuel injector fuel lines. That MSB supersedes Textron Lycoming MSB No. 
342E, 342D, MSB No. 342C, MSB No. 342B, Supplement No. 1 to MSB 342B, 
MSB 342A, and MSB 342.

[[Page 8662]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2008-
14-07. This proposed AD would add the LIO-360-M1A engine, as 
applicable.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 21,180 four-cylinder 
engines, 21,449 six-cylinder engines, and 256 eight-cylinder engines 
installed on aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 0.2 work-hour to inspect all lines on a four-cylinder 
engine, 0.5 work-hour to inspect all lines on a six-cylinder engine, 
and 0.7 work-hour to inspect all lines on an eight-cylinder engine. We 
also estimate that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We do 
not anticipate any additional costs on U.S. operators, as the 
inspection would be done in conjunction with other work performed 
concurrently. We anticipate no parts to be required. Based on these 
figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators for one 
inspection of the fleet is $1,372,645.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602 (73 FR 39574), and adding the 
following new AD:

Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO 
Corporation): Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate Identifier 92-
ANE-56-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 1, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to fuel injected reciprocating engines 
manufactured by Lycoming Engines that incorporate externally mounted 
fuel injection lines (engines with an ``I'' in the prefix of the 
engine model designation) as listed in the following Table 1:

                     Table 1--Engine Models Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Engine                               Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-320...............................  -D1B, -D2B, -E1B, -E2B.
AIO-320................................  -A1B, -B1B, -C1B.
IO-320.................................  -B1A, -B1C, -C1A, -D1A, -D1B, -
                                          E1A, -E1B, -E2A, -E2B.
LIO-320................................  -B1A, -C1A.
AEIO-360...............................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1D, -A1E,
                                          A1E6, -B1F, -B2F, -B1G6, -B1H,
                                          -B4A, -H1A, -H1B.
AIO-360................................  -A1A, -A1B, -B1B.
HIO-360................................  -A1A, -A1B, -B1A, -C1A, -C1B, -
                                          D1A, -E1AD, -E1BD, -F1AD, -
                                          G1A.
IO-360.................................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1B6D, -
                                          A1C, -A1D, -A1D6, -A2A, -A2B,
                                          A3B6, -A3B6D, -B1B, -B1D, -
                                          B1E, -B1F, -B1G6, -B2F, -B2F6,
                                          -B4A, -C1A, -C1B, -C1C, -C1C6,
                                          -C1D6, -C1E6, -C1F, -C1G6, -
                                          F1A, -J1A6D, -M1B, -L2A, -M1A.
IVO-360................................  -A1A.
LIO-360................................  -C1E6, -M1A.
TIO-360................................  -A1B, -C1A6D.
IGO-480................................  -A1B6.
AEIO-540...............................  -D4A5, -D4B5, -D4D5, -L1B5, -
                                          L1B5D, -L1D5.
IGO-540................................  -B1A, -B1C.

[[Page 8663]]

 
IO-540.................................  -A1A5, -AA1A5, -AA1B5, -AB1A5,
                                          AC1A5, -AE1A5, -B1A5, -B1C5, -
                                          C1B5, -C4B5, -C4D5D, -D4A5, -
                                          E1A5, -E1B5, -G1A5, -G1B5, -
                                          G1C5, -G1D5, -G1E5, -G1F5, -
                                          J4A5, -V4A5D, -K1A5, -K1A5D, -
                                          K1B5, -K1C5, -K1D5, -K1E5, -
                                          K1E5D, -K1F5, -K1H5, -K1J5, -
                                          K1F5D, -K1G5, -K1G5D, -K1H5, -
                                          K1J5D, -K1K5, -K1E5, -K1E5D, -
                                          K1F5, -K1J5, -L1C5, -M1A5, -
                                          M1B5D, -M1C5, -N1A5, -P1A5, -
                                          R1A5, -S1A5, -T4A5D, -T4B5, -
                                          T4B5D, -T4C5D, -V4A5, -V4A5D,
                                          W1A5, -W1A5D, -W3A5D.
IVO-540................................  -A1A.
LTIO-540...............................  -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD, -
                                          R2AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A.
TIO-540................................  -A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -A2C, -
                                          AE2A, -AH1A, -AA1AD, -AF1A, -
                                          AF1B, -AG1A, -AB1AD, -AB1BD, -
                                          AH1A, -AJ1A, -AK1A, -C1A, -
                                          E1A, -G1A, -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD,
                                          -N2BD, -R2AD, -S1AD, -U2A, -
                                          V2AD, -W2A.
TIVO-540...............................  -A2A.
IO-720.................................  -A1A, -A1B, -D1B, -D1BD, -D1C,
                                          D1CD, -B1B, -B1BD, -C1B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Engine models in Table 1 of this AD are installed on, but not 
limited to, Piper PA-24 Comanche, PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche, PA-
28 Arrow, and PA-23 Aztec; Beech 23 Musketeer; Mooney 20, and Cessna 
177 Cardinal airplanes.
    (d) This AD is not applicable to engines having internally 
mounted fuel injection lines, which are not accessible. Those engine 
models are not included in Table 1 of this AD.
    (e) This AD is not applicable to engines that have a Maintenance 
and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness Limitations Section that 
requires inspection of externally mounted fuel injector lines. Those 
engine models are not included in Table 1 of this AD.

Unsafe Condition

    (f) This AD was prompted by Lycoming Engines revising their 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) to add engine models requiring 
inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel 
injector fuel lines that would allow fuel to spray into the engine 
compartment, resulting in an engine fire.

Compliance

    (g) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Engines That Have Had Initial Inspections

    (h) For engines that have had initial inspections in accordance 
with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342, dated March 24, 1972; Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26, 1992; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 
342B, dated October 22, 1993; Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 342B, 
dated April 27, 1999; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, dated April 28, 
2000; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 2001; Lycoming 
Engines MSB No. 342E, dated May 18, 2004, or Lycoming Engines MSB 
342F, dated June 4, 2010, inspect in accordance with paragraph (j) 
of this AD.

Engines That Have Not Had Initial Inspections

    (i) For engines that have not had initial inspections previously 
done in accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342, dated March 
24, 1972; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342A, dated May 26, 1992; Textron 
Lycoming MSB No. 342B, dated October 22, 1993; Supplement No. 1 to 
MSB No. 342B, dated April 27, 1999; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342C, 
dated April 28, 2000; Textron Lycoming MSB No. 342D, dated July 10, 
2001; Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342E, dated May 18, 2004, or Lycoming 
Engines MSB 342F, dated June 4, 2010, inspect as follows:
    (1) For engines that have not yet had any fuel line maintenance 
done, or have not had any fuel line maintenance done since new or 
since the last overhaul, inspect in accordance with paragraph (k) of 
this AD within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) For all other engines, inspect in accordance with paragraph 
(k) of this AD within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD.

Repetitive Inspections

    (j) Thereafter, inspect at intervals of 100 hours TIS (not to 
exceed 110 hours), at each engine overhaul, and after any 
maintenance has been done on the engine where any clamp (or clamps) 
on a fuel injector line (or lines) has been disconnected, moved, or 
loosened, in accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD.

Inspection Criteria

    (k) Inspect the fuel injector fuel lines and clamps between the 
fuel manifold and the fuel injector nozzles, and replace as 
necessary any fuel injector fuel line and clamp that does not meet 
all conditions specified in Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342F, dated 
June 4, 2010.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (m) For more information about this AD, contact Norm Perenson, 
Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; e-mail: phone: 516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; 
[email protected].
    (n) FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. NE-07-49, 
dated September 20, 2007, is not mandatory, but has additional 
information on this subject.
    (o) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, or go 
to http://www.lycoming.textron.com.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 8, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-3349 Filed 2-14-11; 8:45 am]
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