[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 80 (Monday, April 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 23244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09535]



[[Page 23244]]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0868; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-42-AD
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 
The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) that had applied 
to certain Lycoming Engines (type certificate formerly held by Textron 
Lycoming) with Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP), piston pins installed. 
The NPRM had applied to those engines using SAP piston pins, part 
number (P/N) 13444-1. The proposed action would have required removal 
of defective SAP piston pins, P/N 13444-1, from service. Since we 
issued the NPRM, we have learned that all the affected piston pins have 
been removed from service. We also found that SAP has revised its 
manufacturing process so that the subsequent piston pins were no longer 
susceptible to cracking. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.

DATES: As of April 27, 2015, the proposed rule published February 18, 
1998 at 63 FR 8149 is withdrawn.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter W. Hakala, Aerospace Engineer, 
Ft. Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; phone: 817-222-5145; fax: 
817-222-5785; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed AD (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998). The proposed AD had 
applied to certain Lycoming Engines with SAP piston pins installed. The 
NPRM proposed to require removing certain defective piston pins from 
service. The proposed action was prompted by reports of defective 
piston pins. The proposed actions were intended to prevent a piston pin 
fracture from allowing a connecting rod and free piston to damage an 
aluminum cylinder head or an engine case. This could result in the loss 
of oil leading to total power failure and a possible engine fire. Also, 
a loose connecting rod could possibly puncture the engine case or jam 
the engine crankshaft, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure.
    Since we issued the NPRM (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998), 
additional information became available after the public comment period 
closed on March 20, 1998.
    Upon further consideration, we hereby withdraw the proposed rule 
for the following reasons:
     All the suspect defective piston pins, P/N 1344-1, 
manufactured by SAP, were taken out of service in 1998.
     SAP changed its machining and grinding procedures in 1998 
so that the affected piston pins were no longer susceptible to micro-
cracks.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998) constitutes 
only such action, and does not preclude the agency from issuing another 
notice in the future, nor does it commit the agency to any course of 
action in the future.
    Since this action only withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking, 
it is neither a proposed nor a final rule. Therefore, Executive Order 
12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979) do not cover this 
withdrawal.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Withdrawal

    Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-
2015-0868; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-42-AD, published in the 
Federal Register on February 18, 1998 (63 FR 8149), is withdrawn.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09535 Filed 4-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P