[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54218-54220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21675]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0540; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines 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 
certain serial number Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines. This 
proposed AD was prompted by events of propeller governor shaft set 
screws coming loose due to improper installation, which could result in 
engine oil loss, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. This 
proposed AD would require application of Loctite 290, or equivalent, to 
the threads of the propeller governor shaft set screw at each 
installation of the set screw in addition to the peening of crankcase 
hole threads. We are proposing this AD to prevent the propeller 
governor shaft set screw from coming loose, causing damage to the 
engine, and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 10, 
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.

[[Page 54219]]

     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 
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone: 
800-258-3279; fax: 570-327-7101; Internet: www.lycoming.com/Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ServiceBulletins.aspx. You may view this 
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0540; 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; email: [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-2014-0540; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-10-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

    We issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NE-08-
32 on July 3, 2008. The SAIB recommended actions to correct the 
condition of a propeller governor shaft set screw coming loose. This 
proposed AD was prompted by additional events of propeller governor 
shaft set screws coming loose due to improper installation, which could 
result in the shaft penetrating the plug at the front of the crankcase 
and causing a loss of engine oil and a loss of engine power. In some 
reported events, engine oil was deposited on the windshield, 
restricting pilot visibility. The loose set screw could also enter the 
rotating system and cause damage to the camshaft and valve lifters. 
Safety is further diminished if failure occurs during aerobatic 
maneuvers, especially at low altitudes, due to reduction in pilot 
reaction time. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. This proposed AD 
would require application of Loctite 290, or equivalent, to the threads 
of the propeller governor shaft set screw at each installation of the 
set screw in addition to the peening of crankcase hole threads. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent the propeller governor shaft set screw 
from coming loose, causing damage to the engine, and damage to the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Lycoming Engines Service Instruction (SI) No. 1343B, 
dated June 15, 2007. The SI describes procedures for securing the 
propeller governor shaft set screw.

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 require application of Loctite 290, or 
equivalent, to the threads of the propeller governor shaft set screw at 
each installation of the set screw in addition to the peening of 
crankcase hole threads.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Lycoming Engines SI No. 1343B, dated June 15, 2007, specifies the 
use of Loctite 290, in addition to peening of the crankcase hole 
threads, to secure the set screw in place. This AD allows the use of 
Loctite 290, or equivalent thread-locking, anaerobic, single-component 
sealing compound that meets military specification Mil-S-46163A, Type 
III, Grade R. The SI also requires these actions at next overhaul, 
whereas this AD requires these actions at any installation of the 
propeller governor shaft set screw.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 2,330 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will 
take about 0.1 hours per engine to comply with this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per hour. Prorated parts life will cost about $1 per 
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $22,135.

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 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 to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative,

[[Page 54220]]

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate previously held by Textron 
Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation): Docket No. FAA-2014-0540; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-10-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 10, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Lycoming Engines wide deck aerobatic 
reciprocating engines that have either an ``A'' or an ``E'' at the 
end of the serial number (e.g., L-12345-51A, or L-12345-51E) and are 
equipped with a front-mounted propeller governor. Affected 
reciprocating engine models include, but are not limited to Lycoming 
Engines AEIO-320-D1B; AEIO-360-A1E, -A1E6, -B1H, -H1B; AEIO-540-
D4A5, -D4B5, -D4D5, -L1B5, -L1B5D, -L1D5; AEIO-580-B1A; and IO-540-
K1K5 (with aerobatic kit installed).

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by events of propeller governor shaft set 
screws coming loose due to improper installation, which could result 
in engine oil loss, damage to the engine, and damage to the 
airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent the propeller governor 
shaft set screw from coming loose, causing damage to the engine, and 
damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    After the effective date of this AD, at each installation of the 
propeller governor shaft set screw, secure the set screw in place in 
accordance with the instructions of Lycoming Engines Service 
Instruction (SI) No. 1343B, dated June 15, 2007, by using Loctite 
290, or equivalent thread-locking, anaerobic, single-component 
sealing compound that meets military specification Mil-S-46163A, 
Type III, Grade R, in addition to peening of the crankcase hole 
threads.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(g) Related Information

    (1) 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; phone: 516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Lycoming Engines SI No. 1343B, dated June 15, 2007, pertains 
to the subject of this AD and can be obtained from Lycoming Engines 
using the contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone: 
800-258-3279; fax: 570-327-7101; Internet: www.lycoming.com/Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ServiceBulletins.aspx. You 
may view this 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 September 2, 2014.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21675 Filed 9-10-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P