[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49249-49252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19729]


 ========================================================================
 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. 79, No. 161 / Wednesday, August 20, 2014 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 49249]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0603; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Meggitt (Troy), Inc. Combustion Heaters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-09-09, 
which applies to certain Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as 
Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South Wind 
Division) Model Series 8240 (Models 8240-A, 8240-C, 8240E, and 8248), 
8253 (Models 8253-A, 8253-B, and 8253-C), 8259 (Models 8259-A, 8259-C, 
8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L, and 8259M), and 8472 (Models 
8472C and 8472D) combustion heaters. AD 81-09-09 currently requires 
repetitive inspections of the combustion heater; repetitive general 
inspections of the combustion heater installation; and, for combustion 
heaters having 1,000 hours or more time-in-service (TIS), overhaul of 
the combustion heater. Since we issued AD 81-09-09, there was an 
airplane accident, and we received reports of the heater malfunction. 
This proposed AD would retain most actions from AD 81-09-09, add a 
calendar time to the repetitive inspections, and add more detailed 
actions for the general inspection. We are proposing this AD to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 
Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 47588; 
telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0603; 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: Chung-Der Young, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 
294-7309; fax (847) 294-7834 email: [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-2014-0603; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-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 April 16, 1981, we issued AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 
24936, May 4, 1981) (``AD 81-09-09''), for certain Meggitt (Troy), Inc. 
(previously known as Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as 
Stewart Warner South Wind Division) Model Series 8240 (Models 8240-A, 
8240-C, 8240E, and 8248), 8253 (Models 8253-A, 8253-B, and 8253-C), 
8259 (Models 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L, 
and 8259M), and 8472 (Models 8472C and 8472D) combustion heaters marked 
as meeting the standards of FAA TSO-C20. AD 81-09-09 requires 
repetitive inspection of the combustion heater and inspection of the 
installation of the combustion heater. AD 81-09-09 resulted from a 
hazardous condition caused by deterioration of the combustion heater. 
We issued AD 81-09-09 to detect and correct a hazardous condition 
caused by deterioration of the combustion heater, which could lead to 
ignition of components and result in smoke and fumes in the cabin.

Actions Since AD 81-09-09 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 
1981), we received a report of an airplane accident that resulted in 
four fatalities and one serious injury. Only the survivor of the 
accident provided a written statement of the accident. She reported 
that when the pilot turned on the heater, a ``terrible smell'' was 
detected. The pilot told the passengers that the smell was normal for 
some heaters. When the pilot turned the heater off, dark, black smoke 
began to enter the airplane, which made it difficult to see. In a 
flight prior to the accident flight, the heater's overheat light 
illuminated when the heater was

[[Page 49250]]

turned on. The airplane maintenance records indicated a previous 
problem with the heater.
    Regardless of whether the heater played a part in the above-
referenced accident, this condition of deteriorated ignition components 
and smoke and fumes in the cabin could lead to passenger injury on 
other airplanes incorporating such heaters if not inspected and 
corrected.
    Since the accident, Meggitt, Inc. issued new service information 
for doing a pressure decay test (PDT). It was also identified that the 
repetitive inspections for the combustion heater required only time-in-
service inspections and did not include a calendar time compliance.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed:
     Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service 
Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 
8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969;
     South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech 
Aircraft Corporation Service Manual PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 
Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: April 1965;
     South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service 
Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, 
issued: April 1975; and
     Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test, 
Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for inspection of the 
combustion heater, inspection of the installation of the combustion 
heater, and the pressure decay test for aircraft heaters.

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 retain certain requirements of AD 81-09-09. 
This proposed AD would continue requiring the inspection of the 
combustion heater; however, the repair of the combustion tube would be 
prohibited. This proposed AD would also require a repetitive combustion 
heater pressure decay test and a more detailed inspection of the 
combustion heater and components.

Change to AD 81-09-09

    Since AD 81-09-09 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have been redesignated in this proposed AD, as 
listed in the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Corresponding requirement in
       Requirement in AD 81-09-09                this proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraph (a)..........................  Paragraph (g).
Paragraph (b)..........................  Paragraph (j).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The proposed AD would prohibit repair of any defective combustion 
tube while the service information does not specify this.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6,000 combustion heaters 
installed on, but not limited to, Piper Aircraft, Inc. and Cessna 
Aircraft Company airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Cost on
               Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost          Cost per       U.S.
                                                                                          product     operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform pressure decay test.........  2 work-hours x $85 per   Not Applicable.........         $170   $1,020,000
                                       hour = $170.
Inspection of thermostat switch and   1 work-hour x $85 per    Not Applicable.........           85      510,000
 upper limit switch.                   hour = $85.
Inspection of solenoid valve and      2 work-hours x $85 per   Not Applicable.........          170    1,020,000
 fuel pump.                            hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary combustion 
heater overhaul/disable/related replacement that would be required 
based on the results of the proposed inspection/test. We have no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might need a combustion heater 
overhaul/disable/related replacement:

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
            Action                Labor cost     Parts cost    product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overhaul heater with South     8 work-hours x        $4,220       $4,900
 Wind parts.                    $85 per hour =
                                $680.
Replace temperature switches.  1 work-hour x            320          405
                                $85 per hour =
                                $85.
Repair pump..................  2 work-hours x           470          640
                                $85 per hour =
                                $170.
Disable heater...............  2 work-hours x         (\1\)          170
                                $85 per hour =
                                $170.
Remove heater................  3 work-hours x         (\1\)          255
                                $85 per hour =
                                $255.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Not applicable.

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

[[Page 49251]]

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

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981), and adding the 
following new AD:


Meggitt (Troy), Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0603; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 6, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, 
May 4, 1981).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as 
Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South 
Wind Division) Models 8240-A, 8240-C, 8240E, 8248, 8253-A, 8253-B, 
8253-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L, 
8259M, 8472C, and 8472D combustion heaters.
    (2) This appliance is installed on, but not limited to, Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. and Cessna Aircraft Company airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2140; Heating System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an airplane accident and reports we 
received that the combustion heater was malfunctioning. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct a hazardous condition caused 
by deterioration of the combustion heater, which could lead to 
ignition of components and result in smoke and fumes in the cabin.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD, including all sub-paragraphs, 
unless already done. If the hours of combustion heater operation 
cannot be determined, use 50 percent of the airplane's hours time-
in-service (TIS).

(g) Combustion Heater Inspection

    Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of combustion heater 
operation or two years, whichever occurs first, inspect the 
combustion heater. If any discrepancies are found during the 
inspection, before further flight, replace any defective combustion 
tube and correct or replace other defective assemblies as necessary. 
Follow, as applicable, Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South 
Wind Service Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 
8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-
GL2, Form No. 09-998, revised: December 1969; South Wind Division 
Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual 
PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: 
April 1965; or South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation 
Service Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-
1015, issued: April 1975.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The Model 8248 combustion 
heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters. The 
Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual for 
Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 
8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.

(h) Detailed Combustion Heater Inspection Actions

    (1) During the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
do the detailed inspection actions listed in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) 
through (h)(1)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Inspect the thermostat switch (external from heater) and 
upper limit switch (located on the heater). In cold static 
condition, both switches should be in closed position; in operation 
(hot) condition, both switches should regulate their sensed 
temperatures within 10 degrees F.
    (ii) Inspect the solenoid valve and fuel pump for fuel leak, 
corrosion, diaphragm crack, metal shavings, and excess grease.
    (iii) With the heater operating, inspect the fuel pump output 
pressure for proper gauge hook up and pressure range readings.
    (iv) Inspect the combustion heater's fuel pump operating 
pressure to assure it is not affected by other on-board pumps.
    (v) Inspect the heater to assure it instantly responds to the 
on/off switch.
    (2) If any discrepancies are found during the inspections 
required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace any defective combustion tube and correct or replace other 
defective assemblies, or disable the combustion heater following 
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.

(i) Combustion Heater Installation Inspection

    Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of combustion heater 
operation or two years, whichever occurs first, inspect the 
combustion heater installation following the actions in paragraphs 
(i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. If any discrepancies are found 
during this inspection, before further flight, do any necessary 
corrections or replacements.
    (1) Inspect ventilating air and combustion air inlets and 
exhaust outlet correcting any restrictions and ensure attachment 
security.
    (2) Inspect drain line and ensure it is free of obstruction.
    (3) Check all fuel lines for security at joints and shrouds, 
correcting/replacing those showing evidence of looseness or leakage.
    (4) Check all electrical wiring for security at attachment 
points, correcting conditions leading to arcing, chafing or 
looseness.

(j) Combustion Heater Pressure Decay Test (PDT)

    (1) Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of 
combustion heater operation or two years, whichever occurs first, do 
the PDT following Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test, 
Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014.

    Note 2 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD:  The Model 8248 
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters. 
The Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay

[[Page 49252]]

Test, Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014, is applicable service 
information.

    (2) If the combustion heater fails the PDT, before further 
flight, do one of the corrective actions listed in paragraphs (k)(1) 
through (k)(3) of this AD.

(k) Combustion Heater Overhaul/Disable/Removal

    If the combustion heater fails the PDT required in paragraph (j) 
of this AD, before further flight, do one of the actions in 
paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(3), including all subparagraphs of 
this AD:
    (1) Overhaul the heater and all exterior supporting components. 
No repairs to the combustion tube are allowed. Replace any defective 
combustion tube with an FAA-approved airworthy combustion tube. 
Follow, as applicable, Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South 
Wind Service Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 
8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-
GL2, Form No. 09-998, revised: December 1969; South Wind Division 
Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual 
PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: 
April 1965; or South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation 
Service Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-
1015, issued: April 1975.

    Note 3 to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD:  The Model 8248 
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters. 
The Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual 
for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-
A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.

    (2) Disable the heater by the following actions:
    (i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply;
    (ii) Disconnect circuit breakers;
    (iii) Tag the main switch ``Heater Inoperable''; and
    (iv) The ventilation blower can stay functional.
    (3) Remove the heater by the following actions:
    (i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply;
    (ii) Disconnect/remove circuit breakers;
    (iii) Remove exhaust pipe extension;
    (iv) Cap the exhaust opening;
    (v) Remove the heater; and
    (vi) Do weight and balance for the aircraft.

(l) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for any inspection required 
in paragraph (g) of this AD and any overhaul required in paragraph 
(k)(1) of this AD based on any inspection of this AD if already done 
before the effective date of this AD following, as applicable, 
Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual for 
Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 
8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969; South Wind Division Stewart-Warner 
Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual PM-20688, Part 
No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: April 1965; or 
South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service Manual South 
Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, issued: April 
1975.

    Note 4 to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD:  The Model 8248 
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters. 
The Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual 
for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-
A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.

    (2) Repair of the combustion tube is prohibited, and this AD 
does not allow credit for any combustion tube repair.

(m) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are permitted in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.23 with the following limitation: Use of the heater is not 
allowed.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 81-09-09 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981) 
are approved as AMOCs for this AD.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Chung-Der Young, 
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 
60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-7309; fax (847) 294-7834 email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 47588; 
telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 13, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19729 Filed 8-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P