[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 170 (Thursday, September 1, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54397-54399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22351]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0533; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Textron Lycoming) Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD would require removing certain

[[Page 54398]]

``machined-from-billet'' Volare LLC (formerly Precision Airmotive 
Corporation, formerly Facet Aerospace Products Company, formerly 
Marvel-Schebler (BorgWarner)) HA-6 carburetors, inspecting for a loose 
mixture control sleeve or for a sleeve that may become loose, repairing 
the carburetor, or replacing the carburetor with one eligible for 
installation. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a 
``machined-from-billet'' HA-6 carburetor having a loose mixture control 
sleeve that rotated in the carburetor body causing restriction of fuel 
and power loss. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine in-flight 
shutdown, power loss, and reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 17, 
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 proposed AD, contact 
Marvel-Schebler Aircraft Carburetors LLC, 125 Piedmont Avenue, 
Gibsonville NC 27249; phone: 336-446-0002; fax: 336-446-0007; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Web site: http://www.msacarbs.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
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: Neil Duggan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate; 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 
404-474-5576; fax: 404-474-5606; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0533; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-16-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

    Volare Carburetors, LLC recently informed us of an airplane 
experiencing power loss. Volare reported that the airplane engine's 
carburetor, formerly known as a Precision Airmotive ``machined-from-
billet'' HA-6 carburetor, had a loose mixture control sleeve that 
rotated in the carburetor body. That rotation restricted fuel flow and 
caused power loss. Volare also reported that the sleeve rotation was a 
manufacturing defect.
    In 2008, a similar power loss event occurred. At that time, the 
manufacturer recovered five carburetors, which represented all known 
discrepant carburetors. With this recent failure, however, the 
population of five affected carburetors is too small, and must be 
expanded.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in in-flight 
shutdown or power loss, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Marvel-Schebler Aircraft Carburetors LLC Emergency 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. SB-18, dated October 14, 2010. The SB 
identifies the affected population of HA-6 carburetors.

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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD has a compliance time of within 50 flight hours 
after the effective date of the AD. The Marvel-Schebler Aircraft 
Carburetors LLC Emergency SB No. SB-18, dated October 14, 2010, has a 
compliance time of before further flight.
    This proposed AD would not require returning the carburetor to the 
manufacturer. The SB does.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 10,700 engines installed 
on aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 
0.5 work-hour per aircraft to perform the proposed inspection, and that 
about 409 carburetors would need repair. Approximately 2 work-hours per 
carburetor are required to repair the carburetor. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $600 per 
carburetor. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $769,680. Our cost estimate is 
exclusive of possible warranty coverage.

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.

[[Page 54399]]

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 this 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate previously held by Textron 
Lycoming) Reciprocating Engines: Docket No. FAA-2011-0533; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-16-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by October 17, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Lycoming Engines reciprocating 
engines listed in Table 1 of this AD, with carburetor part numbers 
listed in Table 2 of this AD.

                                    Table 1--Affected Lycoming Engine Models
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O-320-D1D                             O-360-A1G6D                           O-360-A1H6
O-360-A2G                             O-360-A4G                             O-360-A4J
O-360-A4K                             O-360-C4F                             O-360-E1A6D
O-360-F1A6                            HO-360-C1A                            LO-360-A1G6D
LO-360-A1H6                           LO-360-E1A6D                          TO-360-C1A6D
O-540-J3C5D                           O-540-L3C5D                           N/A
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           Table 2--Part Numbers (Including All Dash Numbers) of Known Affected HA-6 Model Carburetors
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       10-5219-XX             10-5224-XX             10-5230-XX             10-5235-XX             10-5253-XX
       10-5255-XX             10-5283-XX             10-6001-XX             10-6019-XX             10-6030-XX
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of a ``machined-from-
billet'' HA-6 carburetor having a loose mixture control sleeve that 
rotated in the carburetor body causing restriction of fuel and power 
loss. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown, 
power loss, and reduced control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) Comply with this AD within 50 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, unless already done.

Inspection

    (f) Inspect the carburetor to determine the type of body the 
carburetor has. Use Marvel-Schebler Emergency Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. SB-18, dated October 14, 2010, Figure (3) to determine which 
type of body is used.
    (g) If the carburetor has a die-cast body, no further action is 
required.
    (h) If the carburetor has an affected ``machined-from-billet'' 
body, remove the carburetor; and replace the carburetor with:
    (i) An HA-6 carburetor not listed in Table 2 of this AD; or
    (ii) An HA-6 carburetor that is listed in Table 2 but is 
exempted as described in paragraphs 1.A. and 1.B of Marvel-Schebler 
Emergency SB No. SB-18, dated October 14, 2010; or that has already 
been repaired using that Emergency SB.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, Engine 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

    (j) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Duggan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate; 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5576; fax: (404) 474-
5606; e-mail: [email protected].
    (k) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Marvel-Schebler Aircraft Carburetors LLC, 125 Piedmont Avenue, 
Gibsonville, NC 27249; phone: 336-446-0002; fax: 336-446-0007; e-
mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.msacarbs.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 24, 2011.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-22351 Filed 8-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P