AD 96-23-03

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 232 (Monday, December 2, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63704-63706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30095]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-ANE-31; Amendment 39-9826; AD 96-23-03]


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, Request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-23-03 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of Textron Lycoming IO-320, LIO-
320, AEIO-320, IO- 360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, HIO-360, TO-360, IO-540, O-
540-L, LIO-540, and AEIO-540 series reciprocating engines by individual 
letters. This AD requires a maintenance records check to determine if 
suspect high pressure fuel pumps are installed, and inspection to 
determine if the high pressure fuel pump has one of the suspect date 
codes. If the high pressure fuel pump has a suspect date code, this AD 
requires disassembly and inspection of the high pressure fuel pump, 
and, if necessary, removal from service and replacement with a 
serviceable part. In addition, this AD requires reporting findings of 
unserviceable high pressure fuel pumps. This amendment is prompted by 
reports of inflight failures of high pressure fuel pumps. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent an inflight engine failure 
due to fuel starvation, which could result in a forced landing.

DATES: Effective December 17, 1996, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 96-23-
03, issued on October 28, 1996, which contained the requirements of 
this amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 17, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 31, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-31, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from Textron 
Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-
7278, fax (717) 327-7022. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ray O'Neill, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Valley Stream, NY 11581; telephone (516) 
256-7505, fax (516) 568- 2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 28, 1996, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 96-23-03, applicable to Textron Lycoming IO-320, LIO-320, AEIO-
320, IO-360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, HIO-360, TO-360, IO-540, O-540-L, LIO-
540, and AEIO-540 series reciprocating engines, which requires within 5 
hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the priority 
letter AD, a maintenance records check to determine if suspect high 
pressure fuel pumps are installed, and if the records check indicates a 
suspect high pressure fuel pump may be installed, inspection, which can 
be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot's 
certificate, to determine if the high pressure fuel pump has one of the 
suspect date codes. If the high pressure fuel pump has one of the 
suspect date codes, the priority letter AD requires disassembly and 
inspection of the high pressure fuel pump, and, if necessary, removal 
from service and replacement with a serviceable part. In addition, the 
priority letter AD requires reporting findings of unserviceable high 
pressure fuel pumps. That action was prompted by reports of inflight 
failures of high pressure fuel pumps. Investigations into those 
incidents revealed that the fuel pump gasket, Part Number (P/N) 
5621005, became lodged in the pump outlet port after separating from 
the pump diaphragm assembly on high pressure fuel pumps, P/N LW-15473. 
Further investigation revealed that the high pressure fuel pumps 
developed defects during manufacturing. The engines involved in those 
incidents had high pressure fuel pumps with manufacturing date codes: 
154739506, 154739507, or 154739510. The first five digits of the 
manufacturing date codes refer to the Textron Lycoming P/N and the last 
four digits refer to the year and month of pump manufacture. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in an inflight engine failure 
due to fuel starvation, which could result in a forced landing.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron 
Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 525A, dated October 7, 1996, that 
describes procedures for identifying the manufacturing date code. This 
SB also includes procedures for inspection of internal parts of high 
pressure fuel pumps, replacement of specific parts or the complete high 
pressure fuel pump, if necessary, and reassembly of the high pressure 
fuel pump.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority 
letter AD 96-23-03 to prevent inflight engine failure due to fuel 
starvation, which could result in a forced landing. The AD requires 
within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, a maintenance 
records check to determine if suspect high pressure fuel pumps are 
installed, and if the records check indicates a suspect high pressure 
fuel pump may be installed, inspection, which can be performed by the 
owner/operator holding at least a private pilot's certificate, to 
determine if the high pressure fuel pump has one of the suspect date 
codes. If the high pressure fuel pump has one of the suspect date 
codes, this AD requires disassembly and inspection of the high pressure 
fuel pump, and, if necessary, removal from service and replacement with 
a serviceable part. In addition, this AD requires reporting findings of 
unserviceable high pressure fuel pumps. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the SB described previously.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD

[[Page 63705]]

effective immediately by individual letters issued on October 28, 1996, 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of Textron Lycoming IO-320, LIO-
320, AEIO-320, IO-360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, HIO-360, TO-360, IO-540, O-
540-L, LIO-540, and AEIO-540 series reciprocating engines. These 
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal 
Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all 
persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-ANE-31.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-23-03 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-9826. Docket 96-ANE-31.

    Applicability: Textron Lycoming IO-320, LIO-320, AEIO-320, IO-
360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, HIO-360, TO-360, IO-540, O- 540-L, LIO-540, 
and AEIO-540 series reciprocating engines, with high pressure fuel 
pumps, Part Number (P/N) LW-15473 that have manufacturing date 
codes: 154739506, 154739507, or 154739510; and that were either 
installed on engines shipped from Textron Lycoming between July 18, 
1995, and August 14, 1996, inclusive; or were purchased as 
replacement high pressure fuel pumps on or after July 18, 1995. 
These engines are installed on but not limited to reciprocating 
engine powered aircraft manufactured by Aerospatiale, American 
Champion, Bellanca, Cessna, The New Piper Company, Beech, Maule, 
Mooney, and Schweizer 269 series helicopters.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent an inflight engine failure due to fuel starvation, 
which could result in a forced landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 5 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Perform a maintenance records check to determine if the 
engine was shipped from Textron Lycoming between July 18, 1995, and 
August 14, 1996, inclusive, or had a high pressure fuel pump, P/N 
LW-15473, installed as a replacement high pressure fuel pump on or 
after July 18, 1995. This records check may be performed by the 
owner/operator holding at least a private pilot's certificate issued 
under Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 61). 
If the engine does not meet that criteria, the owner/operator may 
sign the maintenance record to indicate that the AD is not 
applicable, and no further action is required.
    (2) If the engine does meet the criteria stated in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this AD, or if the shipping date of the engine or the 
installation date of the high pressure fuel pump is unknown, 
visually inspect the flange of the high pressure fuel pump to 
determine the manufacturing date code in accordance with Textron 
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) No. 525A, dated October 7, 
1996. This inspection may be performed by the owner/operator holding 
at least a private pilot's certificate. However, any disassembly of 
the engine other than opening the cowling must be accomplished by a 
certificated mechanic. If the manufacturing date code is not one of 
the following three codes: 154739506, 154739507, or 154739510, no 
further action is required, and the owner/operator may sign the 
maintenance record to indicate that the AD is not applicable.
    (3) For engines with high pressure fuel pumps that have one of 
the following manufacturing date codes: 154739506, 154739507, or 
154739510, disassemble the high pressure fuel pump, inspect, and, if 
necessary, repair or replace with a serviceable high pressure fuel 
pump, in accordance with Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB No. 525A, 
dated October 7, 1996. Only certificated mechanics may perform these 
requirements.
    (b) Within 48 hours after inspection, report the finding of 
unserviceable high pressure fuel pumps, the TIS on the pump, and a 
contact telephone number to the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 
Fifth St.,

[[Page 63706]]

Valley Stream, NY 11581; telephone (516) 256-7505, fax (516) 568-
2716. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The requirements of this AD shall be accomplished in 
accordance with the following Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB:

                                                                        
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         Document No.                Pages                 Date         
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525A.........................  1-4.............  October 7, 1996.       
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    Total pages: 4.

    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver 
St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7278, fax (717) 
327-7022. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective December 17, 1996, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by priority letter AD 96-23-03, issued October 28, 1996, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 14, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-30095 Filed 11-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U