Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and IO-720 Series Reciprocating Engines, 30078-30086 [06-4850]
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30078
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Repair
(l) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD: Before
further flight, repair in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–53A2321, dated October
31, 1989; or Revision 7, dated October 27,
2005. After the effective date of this AD, only
Revision 7 of the service bulletin may be
used. Where Revision 7 of the service
bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair
using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of
this AD.
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Adjustments to Compliance Time: Cabin
Differential Pressure
(m) For the purposes of calculating the
compliance threshold and repetitive interval
for actions required by paragraph (f), (g), and
(k) of this AD, on or after the effective date
of this AD: All flight cycles, including the
number of flight cycles in which cabin
differential pressure is at 2.0 psi or less, must
be counted when determining the number of
flight cycles that have occurred on the
airplane, and a 1.2 adjustment factor may not
be used. However, for airplanes on which the
repetitive interval for the actions required by
paragraphs (f) and (k) of this AD have been
calculated in accordance with paragraph (i)
or (j) of this AD by excluding the number of
flight cycles in which cabin differential
pressure is at 2.0 pounds psi or less, or by
using a 1.2 adjustment factor: Continue to
adjust the repetitive interval in accordance
with paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD until the
next inspections required by paragraph (f) or
(k) of this AD are accomplished. Thereafter,
no adjustment to compliance times based on
paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD is allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 90–26–10 are acceptable
for compliance with the requirements of this
AD, provided that any alternative terminating
action was not based upon inspection results
using sliding probe low-frequency eddy
current (LFEC), sliding probe HFEC, or midfrequency eddy current (MFEC) inspection
method; and provided that any alternative
method future inspections did not
incorporate sliding probe LFEC or MFEC
inspection method.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:43 May 24, 2006
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16,
2006.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–8007 Filed 5–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24785; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NE–20–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming
Engines (L)O–360, (L)IO–360, AEIO–
360, O–540, IO–540, AEIO–540, (L)TIO–
540, IO–580, AEIO–580, and IO–720
Series Reciprocating Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Lycoming Engines (L)O–360,
(L)IO–360, AEIO–360, O–540, IO–540,
AEIO–540, (L)TIO–540, IO–580, AEIO–
580, and IO–720 series reciprocating
engines. This proposed AD would
require replacing certain crankshafts.
This proposed AD results from reports
of 23 confirmed failures of similar
crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360
and 540 series reciprocating engines.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the crankshaft, which will
result in total engine power loss, inflight engine failure, and possible loss of
the aircraft.
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by June 26, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
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400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from
Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street,
Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone
(570) 323–6181; fax (570) 327–7101, or
on the Internet at https://
www.Lycoming.Textron.com.
You may examine the comments on
this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
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; telephone (516)
228–7337; fax (516) 794–5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2006–24785; Directorate Identifier
2006–NE–20–AD’’ in the subject line of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of the DOT
Web site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets. This
includes the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78) or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the proposal, any comments
received and, any final disposition in
person at the DOT Docket Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is located on the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the
Docket Management Facility receives
them.
Discussion
We determined that 23 failures of
similar crankshafts in Lycoming 360
and 540 series reciprocating engines
have occurred due to subsurface
material flaws that progress to a fatigue
failure. Lycoming Engines issued
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No.
552, MSB No. 553, MSB No. 566,
Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 566, MSB
No. 569, and MSB No. 569A to address
the crankshaft failures. We issued AD
2002–19–03 (MSB No. 552 and MSB No.
553 crankshaft populations), AD 2005–
19–11 (MSB No. 566 crankshaft
population), and AD 2006–06–16
(Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 566
crankshaft population) to also address
the crankshaft failures. The group of
crankshafts listed in Lycoming MSB No.
569, dated February 21, 2006, and in the
revised version, Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, which is
referenced in this proposed AD, has
been found to have the same material
flaws as those crankshafts addressed by
the earlier MSBs and ADs noted. We
have determined that the crankshafts
listed in Lycoming MSB No. 569 and
MSB No. 569A, must be replaced
because of the similarity in the design
and manufacture with the groups that
have previously failed. This condition,
if not corrected, will result in total
engine power loss, in-flight engine
failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.
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Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the
technical contents of Lycoming MSB
No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006. That
MSB describes procedures for replacing
crankshafts listed by serial number (SN)
in that MSB.
Lycoming records indicate the engine
SNs in MSB No. 569A, Tables 1, 2, 3,
and 4, may have a suspect crankshaft
installed. MSB No. 569A Table 5 lists
the crankshaft SNs that Lycoming
confirmed were part of the suspect
population. Because the engine and
crankshaft populations are so large, they
are not repeated in this proposed AD.
Owner operators must determine
applicability by comparing engine and
crankshaft SNs listed in MSB No. 569A.
We have also reviewed and approved
the technical contents of Lycoming
Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated
June 22, 2004, that specifies engine time
between overhaul periods.
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15:43 May 24, 2006
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Differences Between the Proposed AD
and the Manufacturer’s Service
Information
Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April
11, 2006, requires compliance at the
next accessibility of the crankshaft, but
no later than February 21, 2009.
However, this proposed AD would
require compliance at the next
accessibility of the crankshaft, but no
later than the next engine overhaul
specified in Lycoming Service
Instruction (SI) No. 1009AR, dated June
22, 2004. SI No. 1009AR requires engine
overhaul at the specified hourly
interval, but no later than 12 years since
new, or since the previous engine
overhaul. The AD compliance interval
could be longer than the MSB No. 569
and MSB No. 569A intervals if the
affected engine does not require
maintenance that allows accessibility of
the crankshaft, or if the engine
accumulates hours at a low rate per
calendar year. We are allowing this later
compliance termination date because
we determined that the unsafe condition
is unrelated to calendar time and that
crankshaft removal at overhaul will
reduce the risk of failure to an
acceptable level.
Lycoming IO–390 and AEIO–390
engines listed in MSB No. 569A are
experimental engines not affected by
this AD. Lycoming Engines included
these engine models in MSB No. 569A
because a suspect crankshaft may have
been installed.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other products of this same
type design. We are proposing this AD,
which would require replacing certain
crankshafts at the next engine overhaul
as specified in Lycoming Service
Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22,
2004, or at the next separation of the
crankcase, whichever is earlier. The
proposed AD would require you to use
the service information described
previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 3,774 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. Because the
proposed AD compliance interval
coincides with engine overhaul or other
engine maintenance, we estimate no
additional labor hours will be needed to
comply with this proposed AD. Parts
would cost about $16,000 per engine.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
total cost of the proposed AD to be
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30079
$60,384,000. Lycoming said it may
provide the parts for $2,000, until
February 21, 2009, but will not extend
the parts price beyond that date.
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 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); and
3. Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me
by the Administrator, the Federal
Aviation Administration proposes to
amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron
Lycoming): Docket No. FAA–2006–
24785; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–
20–AD.
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
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2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:43 May 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by June
26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Lycoming Engines
(L)O–360, (L)IO–360, AEIO–360, O–540, IO–
540, AEIO–540, (L)TIO–540, IO–580, AEIO–
580, and IO–720 series reciprocating engines.
These applicable engines are manufactured
new or rebuilt, overhauled, or had a
crankshaft installed after March 1, 1997.
These engines are installed on, but not
limited to, the following aircraft:
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30084
Compliance
Unsafe Condition
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
(d) This AD results from reports of 23
confirmed failures of similar crankshafts in
Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series
reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the crankshaft, which
will result in total engine power loss, inflight engine failure, and possible loss of the
aircraft.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:43 May 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
Engines Exempted From the AD
(f) If your engine meets any of the
following conditions, and you haven’t had
the crankshaft replaced since meeting the
condition, no further action is required:
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30085
(1) Engines that are in compliance with
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB)
No. 552 (AD 2002–19–03) or MSB No. 553
(AD 2002–19–03 Table 3 or Table 5); or
(2) Engines that are in compliance with
Lycoming MSB No. 566 AD (2005–19–11); or
(3) Engines that are in compliance with
Lycoming Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 566
(AD 2006–06–16); or
(4) Engines that are in compliance with the
original issue of Lycoming MSB No. 569, or
MSB No. 569A.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules
30086
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules
(g) If Lycoming Engines manufactured new,
rebuilt, overhauled, or repaired your engine,
or replaced the crankshaft in your engine
before March 1, 1997, and you haven’t had
the crankshaft replaced, no further action is
required.
(h) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table
4 of Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April
11, 2006, lists your engine serial number
(SN), and Table 5 of MSB No. 569A, dated
April 11, 2006, does not list your crankshaft
SN, no further action is required.
Engines Not Exempted From the AD
(i) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4
of Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April 11,
2006, lists your engine SN, and Table 5 of
MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists
your crankshaft SN, replace the affected
crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed
in Table 5 of MSB No. 569A at either of the
following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified
in Lycoming Engines Service Instruction No.
1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase,
whichever is earlier.
(j) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4
of Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April 11,
2006, does not list your engine SN, and Table
5 of MSB No. 569A does list your crankshaft
SN (an affected crankshaft was installed as a
replacement), replace the affected crankshaft
with a crankshaft that is not listed in Table
5 of MSB No. 569A at either of the following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified
in Lycoming Engines Service Instruction No.
1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase,
whichever is earlier.
Prohibition Against Installing Certain
Crankshafts
(k) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install any crankshaft that has a SN listed
in Table 5 of Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated
April 11, 2006, into any engine.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, has the authority to
approve alternative methods of compliance
for this AD if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(m) None.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSAL
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 19, 2006.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–4850 Filed 5–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Jkt 208001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24864; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–072–AD]
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach,
California 90846, Attention: Data and
Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A
(D800–0024), for the service information
identified in this proposed AD.
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–10–10, DC–10–10F,
DC–10–30, DC–10–30F (KDC–10), DC–
10–40, and DC–10–40F Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712–4137;
telephone (562) 627–5262; fax (562)
627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
RIN 2120–AA64
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes,
identified above. This proposed AD
would require reducing the length of the
sump drain collar and replacing the fuel
tank sump drain lockring for fuel tanks
1, 2, and 3; and reducing the length of
the drain outlet barrel for the auxiliary
fuel tank, if applicable. For airplanes
with an auxiliary fuel tank, this
proposed AD also would require
relocating the sump drain outlet to
allow draining the sumps without
opening the doors of the main landing
gear wheel well. This proposed AD
results from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are
proposing this AD to reduce the
potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks in the event of a lightning strike,
which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in arcing in the
fuel tank, fuel tank explosions, and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 10, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUMMARY:
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Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘FAA–2006–24864; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–072–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30078-30086]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4850]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360,
AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and
IO-720 Series Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-
540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and IO-720 series
reciprocating engines. This proposed AD would require replacing certain
crankshafts. This proposed AD results from reports of 23 confirmed
failures of similar crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series
reciprocating engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the crankshaft, which will result in total engine power loss, in-flight
engine failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by June 26,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone
(570) 323-6181; fax (570) 327-7101, or on the Internet at https://
www.Lycoming.Textron.com.
You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
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;
telephone (516) 228-7337; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-24785;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the
DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets. This includes the name of the individual who sent the comment
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or
you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments
received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif
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Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility
receives them.
Discussion
We determined that 23 failures of similar crankshafts in Lycoming
360 and 540 series reciprocating engines have occurred due to
subsurface material flaws that progress to a fatigue failure. Lycoming
Engines issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 552, MSB No. 553,
MSB No. 566, Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 566, MSB No. 569, and MSB No.
569A to address the crankshaft failures. We issued AD 2002-19-03 (MSB
No. 552 and MSB No. 553 crankshaft populations), AD 2005-19-11 (MSB No.
566 crankshaft population), and AD 2006-06-16 (Supplement No. 1 to MSB
No. 566 crankshaft population) to also address the crankshaft failures.
The group of crankshafts listed in Lycoming MSB No. 569, dated February
21, 2006, and in the revised version, Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated
April 11, 2006, which is referenced in this proposed AD, has been found
to have the same material flaws as those crankshafts addressed by the
earlier MSBs and ADs noted. We have determined that the crankshafts
listed in Lycoming MSB No. 569 and MSB No. 569A, must be replaced
because of the similarity in the design and manufacture with the groups
that have previously failed. This condition, if not corrected, will
result in total engine power loss, in-flight engine failure, and
possible loss of the aircraft.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the technical contents of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006. That MSB describes procedures for replacing
crankshafts listed by serial number (SN) in that MSB.
Lycoming records indicate the engine SNs in MSB No. 569A, Tables 1,
2, 3, and 4, may have a suspect crankshaft installed. MSB No. 569A
Table 5 lists the crankshaft SNs that Lycoming confirmed were part of
the suspect population. Because the engine and crankshaft populations
are so large, they are not repeated in this proposed AD. Owner
operators must determine applicability by comparing engine and
crankshaft SNs listed in MSB No. 569A.
We have also reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004, that
specifies engine time between overhaul periods.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Manufacturer's Service
Information
Lycoming MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, requires compliance at
the next accessibility of the crankshaft, but no later than February
21, 2009. However, this proposed AD would require compliance at the
next accessibility of the crankshaft, but no later than the next engine
overhaul specified in Lycoming Service Instruction (SI) No. 1009AR,
dated June 22, 2004. SI No. 1009AR requires engine overhaul at the
specified hourly interval, but no later than 12 years since new, or
since the previous engine overhaul. The AD compliance interval could be
longer than the MSB No. 569 and MSB No. 569A intervals if the affected
engine does not require maintenance that allows accessibility of the
crankshaft, or if the engine accumulates hours at a low rate per
calendar year. We are allowing this later compliance termination date
because we determined that the unsafe condition is unrelated to
calendar time and that crankshaft removal at overhaul will reduce the
risk of failure to an acceptable level.
Lycoming IO-390 and AEIO-390 engines listed in MSB No. 569A are
experimental engines not affected by this AD. Lycoming Engines included
these engine models in MSB No. 569A because a suspect crankshaft may
have been installed.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this
same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require
replacing certain crankshafts at the next engine overhaul as specified
in Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004, or at
the next separation of the crankcase, whichever is earlier. The
proposed AD would require you to use the service information described
previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 3,774 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. Because the proposed AD
compliance interval coincides with engine overhaul or other engine
maintenance, we estimate no additional labor hours will be needed to
comply with this proposed AD. Parts would cost about $16,000 per
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD to be $60,384,000. Lycoming said it may provide the parts
for $2,000, until February 21, 2009, but will not extend the parts
price beyond that date.
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 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); and
3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
[[Page 30080]]
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:
Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming): Docket No. FAA-2006-
24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by June 26,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-360,
AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, AEIO-580, and
IO-720 series reciprocating engines. These applicable engines are
manufactured new or rebuilt, overhauled, or had a crankshaft
installed after March 1, 1997. These engines are installed on, but
not limited to, the following aircraft:
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of 23 confirmed failures of
similar crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series
reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the crankshaft, which will result in total engine power loss, in-
flight engine failure, and possible loss of the aircraft.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Engines Exempted From the AD
(f) If your engine meets any of the following conditions, and
you haven't had the crankshaft replaced since meeting the condition,
no further action is required:
(1) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 552 (AD 2002-19-03) or MSB No. 553 (AD
2002-19-03 Table 3 or Table 5); or
(2) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming MSB No. 566 AD
(2005-19-11); or
(3) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming Supplement No.
1 to MSB No. 566 (AD 2006-06-16); or
(4) Engines that are in compliance with the original issue of
Lycoming MSB No. 569, or MSB No. 569A.
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(g) If Lycoming Engines manufactured new, rebuilt, overhauled,
or repaired your engine, or replaced the crankshaft in your engine
before March 1, 1997, and you haven't had the crankshaft replaced,
no further action is required.
(h) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your engine serial number (SN),
and Table 5 of MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list
your crankshaft SN, no further action is required.
Engines Not Exempted From the AD
(i) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your engine SN, and Table 5 of MSB
No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your crankshaft SN, replace
the affected crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed in
Table 5 of MSB No. 569A at either of the following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified in Lycoming Engines
Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase, whichever is earlier.
(j) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No.
569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list your engine SN, and Table
5 of MSB No. 569A does list your crankshaft SN (an affected
crankshaft was installed as a replacement), replace the affected
crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed in Table 5 of MSB
No. 569A at either of the following:
(1) The next engine overhaul as specified in Lycoming Engines
Service Instruction No. 1009AR, dated June 22, 2004; or
(2) The next separation of the crankcase, whichever is earlier.
Prohibition Against Installing Certain Crankshafts
(k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
crankshaft that has a SN listed in Table 5 of Lycoming MSB No. 569A,
dated April 11, 2006, into any engine.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, has the
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(m) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 19, 2006.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4850 Filed 5-24-06; 8:45 am]
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