[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 156 (Friday, August 12, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50152-50156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-20519]


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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, and IO-720 
Series Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to the products listed above. The existing AD 
currently requires replacing certain crankshafts. Since we issued that 
AD, Lycoming Engines discovered that the start date of affected engine 
models in Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 569A, is incorrect. This 
proposed AD would correct that start date. 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 comments on this proposed AD by September 26, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 AD, contact Lycoming, 
652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (570) 323-6181; 
fax (570) 327-7101, or on the Internet at http://www.Lycoming.Textron.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
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; 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; e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ddb3b2afb0bcb3f3adb8afb8b3aeb2b39dbbbcbcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="365859445b57581846534453584559587650575718515940">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 50153]]

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-2006-
24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-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 September 20, 2006, we issued AD 2006-20-09, Amendment 39-14778 
(71 FR 57407, September 29, 2006), for Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, 
(L)IO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, and 
IO-720 series reciprocating engines. That AD requires replacing certain 
crankshafts. That AD resulted from reports of 23 confirmed failures of 
similar crankshafts in Lycoming Engines 360 and 540 series 
reciprocating engines. We issued that 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.

Actions Since Existing AD was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2006-20-09, Lycoming Engines discovered that the 
March 1, 1997 start date of affected engine models in Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. 569A, is incorrect.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Lycoming Engines MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006. 
That MSB describes procedures for replacing crankshafts listed by 
serial number in that MSB. We also reviewed Lycoming Engines Supplement 
No. 1 to MSB 569A, dated May 27, 2009. The supplement corrects the 
start date of affected engine models, to January 1, 1997.

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 retain all of the requirements of AD 2006-
20-09. This proposed AD would change the start date of affected engine 
models, from March 1, 1997, to January 1, 1997.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would require no additional costs 
of compliance over those in the original AD, AD 2006-20-09, which are 
$60,384,000. This proposed AD carries over the original 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. Our estimate is independent of any 
possible warranty coverage.

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),
    (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

    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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2006-20-09, Amendment 39-14778 (71 FR 57407, September 29, 2006), 
and adding the following new AD:

Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming): Docket No. FAA-2006-
24785; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-20-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 
26, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-20-09, Amendment 39-14778.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to those Lycoming Engines (L)O-360, (L)IO-
360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540, (L)TIO-540, IO-580, and IO-
720 series reciprocating engines listed by engine model number and 
serial number in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 569A, dated April 11, 2006, and 
those engines with crankshafts listed by crankshaft serial number in 
Table 5 of Lycoming MSB 569A, dated April 11, 2006. These applicable 
engines are manufactured new or rebuilt, overhauled, or had a 
crankshaft installed after January 1, 1997. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft:

[[Page 50154]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Engine model                       Manufacturer                        Aircraft model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-A1B6..........................  Moravan.....................  Z242L Zlin
                                         Scottish Avia...............  Bulldog
                                         Valmet......................  Leko 70
AEIO-360-A1E6..........................  Integrated Systems..........  Omega
IO-360-A1B6............................  Aircraft Manufacturing        Mushshak
                                          Factory.
                                         Beech.......................  C-24R Sierra or 200 Sierra
                                         Cessna......................  R-G Cardinal
                                         Korean Air..................  Chang Gong-91
                                         Partenavia..................  P-68C
                                         Saab........................  MFI-15 Safari, MFI-17 Supporter
                                         Scottish Avia...............  Bulldog
IO-360-A1B6D...........................  Cessna......................  R-6 Cardinal
                                         Siai Marchetti..............  S-205
IO-360-A3B6............................  Mod Works...................  Trophy 212 Conversion
IO-360-A3B6D...........................  Mooney......................  M20J-201
IO-360-B1G6............................  American....................  Blimp Spector 42
IO-360-C1C6............................  Piper Aircraft..............  PA-28-200R Arrow IV
                                         Ruschmeyer..................  MF-85
IO-360-C1D6............................  M.B.B.......................  Flamingo 223
                                         Rockwell....................  112
IO-360-C1E6............................  Piper.......................  PA-34-200 Seneca I
IO-360-C1G6............................  Zeppelin....................  NT
IO-360-X178............................  Ly-Con......................  STC
(L)O-360-A1G6D.........................  Beech.......................  76 Duchess
(L)O-360-A1H6..........................  Piper.......................  PA-44 Seminole
O-360-A1F6.............................  Cessna......................  177 Cardinal
O-360-A1F6D............................  Cessna......................  177 Cardinal
                                         Teal III....................  TSC 1A3
O-360-A1G6D............................  Beech.......................  76 Duchess
O-360-A1H6.............................  Piper.......................  PA-44 Seminole
O-360-E1A6D............................  Piper.......................  PA-44-180 Seminole
O-360-F1A6.............................  Cessna......................  C-172RG Cutlass RG
AEIO-540-D4A5..........................  Christen....................  Pitts S-2S, S-2B
                                         H.A.L.......................  HPT-32
                                         Siai-Marchetti..............  SF-260
                                         Slingsby....................  T3A Firefly
AEIO-540-L1B5..........................  Extra-Flugzeugbau...........  Extra 300
                                         F.F.A.......................  FFA-2000 Eurotrainer
AEIO-540-L1D5..........................  Apex........................  Apex
IO-540-AA1A5...........................  Piper.......................  602P Sequoia
IO-540-AB1A5...........................  Cessna......................  C-182 Skylane
IO-540-AC1A5...........................  Cessna......................  C-206 Stationair
IO-540-AE1A5...........................  Robinson....................  R44
IO-540-C4B5............................  Aerofab.....................  250 Renegade
                                         Avions Pierre Robin.........  HR100/250
                                         Bellanca....................  T-250 Aries
                                         Piper.......................  Aztec C PA-23 ``250'', Aztec F
                                         Wassmer.....................  WA4-21
IO-540-C4D5............................  S.O.C.A.T.A.................  TB-20
IO-540-C4D5D...........................  S.O.C.A.T.A.................  TB-20 Trinidad
IO-540-D4A5............................  Piper.......................  PA-24 260 Comanche
                                         Siai-Marchetti..............  SF-260
IO-540-D4B5............................  Cerva.......................  CF-34 Guepard
IO-540-E1A5............................  Aero Commander..............  500-E
IO-540-E1B5............................  Aero Commander..............  500-U
                                         Poeschel....................  P-300
                                         Shrike......................  500-S
IO-540-J4A5............................  Piper.......................  Aztec PA-23 ``250''
IO-540-K1A5............................  Aeronautica Agricula          Quail
                                          Mexicana.
                                         Celair......................  Eagle
                                         Embraer.....................  EMB-720 Minuano, EMB-721 Sertanejo
                                         Piper.......................  PA-32-300 Cherokee Six
IO-540-K1A5D...........................  Piper.......................  PA-32-300
IO-540-K1B5............................  Evangel-Air.................  Evangel-Air
                                         Pilotus Britton-Norman......  BN-2B Islander
                                         Transavara..................  T-300 Skyfarmer
IO-540-K1E5............................  Bellanca....................  Bellanca
IO-540-K1F5............................  Ted Smith...................  Aerostar 600
IO-540-K1G5............................  Embraer.....................  EMB-720 Minuano
                                         Piper.......................  Saratoga PA-32-300, Brave 300

[[Page 50155]]

 
IO-540-K1G5D...........................  Embraer.....................  EMB-721 Sertanejo
                                         Piper.......................  PA-32-300R Lance, SP PA-32-300R Saratoga
IO-540-K1H5............................  Seawind.....................  Seawind
IO-540-K1J5............................  Piper.......................  600A Aerostar
IO-540-K1J5D...........................  Embraer.....................  EMB-201 Ipanema
IO-540-K1K5............................  Piper.......................  T35
IO-540-L1C5............................  Swearingen..................  SX300
IO-540-M1A5............................  Piper.......................  PA-31-300 Navajo
IO-540-M1C5............................  King Engineering............  Angel
IO-540-S1A5............................  Piper.......................  601B Aerostar, 601P Aerostar
IO-540-T4A5D...........................  General Aviation............  Model 114
IO-540-T4B5............................  Commander...................  114B
IO-540-T4B5D...........................  Rockwell....................  114
IO-540-V4A5............................  Aircraft Manufacturing        Aircraft Manufacturing Factory
                                          Factory.
                                         Maule.......................  MT-7-260, M-7-260
IO-540-W1A5............................  Maule.......................  MX-7-235, MT-7-235, M7-235
IO-540-X160............................  Airship Management..........  Airship Management
IO-540-X170............................  Robinson....................  Robinson
O-540-A1A5.............................  Helio.......................  Military H-250
O-540-A1B5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-32 ``250'' Aztec, PA-24 ``250''
                                                                        Comanche
O-540-A1C5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-24 ``250'' Comanche
O-540-A1D5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-24 ``250'' Comanche
O-540-A4D5.............................  American Champion...........  American Champion
                                         Gomozig.....................  Gomozig
                                         Avipro......................  Bearhawk
O-540-B1A5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-23 ``235'' Apache
O-540-B2B5.............................  S.O.C.A.T.A.................  235CA Rallye.
O-540-B2C5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-24 ``235'' Pawnee
O-540-B4B5.............................  Embraer.....................  EMB-710 Corioca
                                         Maule.......................  MX-7-235 Star Rocket, M-6-235 Super
                                                                        Rocket, M-7-235 Super Rocket
                                         Piper.......................  PA-28 ``235'' Cherokee
                                         S.O.C.A.T.A.................  235GT Rallye, 235C Rallye
O-540-E4A5.............................  Aviamilano..................  F-250 Flamingo
                                         Piper.......................  PA-24 ``260'' Comanche
                                         Siai-Marchetti..............  SF-260, SF-208
O-540-E4B5.............................  Britton-Norman..............  BN-2
                                         Piper.......................  PA-32 ``260'' Cherokee Six
O-540-E4C5.............................  Pilotus Britton-Norman......  BN-2A-26 Islander; BN-2A-27 Islander; BN-
                                                                        2B-26 Islander II; BN-2A-21 Islander; BN-
                                                                        2A-Mark III-2 Trislander
O-540-F1B5.............................  Robinson....................  R-44
O-540-G1A5.............................  Piper.......................  PA-25 ``260'' Pawnee
O-540-J1A5D............................  Maule.......................  MX-7-235 Star Rocket, M-6-235 Super
                                                                        Rocket, M-7-235 Super Rocket
O-540-J3A5.............................  Robin.......................  R-3000/235
O-540-J3A5D............................  Piper.......................  PA-28-236 Dakota
O-540-J3C5D............................  Cessna......................  R-182 Skylane
O-540-L3C5D............................  Cessna......................  TR-182 Turbo Skylane
TIO-540-AA1AD..........................  Aerofab Inc.................  270 Turbo Renegade
TIO-540-AB1AD..........................  S.O.C.A.T.A.................  TC TB-21 Trinidad
TIO-540-AE2A...........................  Piper.......................  PA-46-350P Mirage
TIO-540-AF1B...........................  Mooney......................  TLS M20M
TIO-540-AG1A...........................  Commander Aircraft..........  112TC
TIO-540-AH1A...........................  Piper.......................  TC PA-32-301T TurboSaratoga
TIO-540-AK1A...........................  Cessna......................  T182T Turbo Skylane
TIO-540-C1A............................  Piper.......................  PA-23-250 Turbo Aztec
TIO-540-J2B............................  Piper.......................  T-1020
TIO-540-U2A............................  Piper.......................  700P Aerostar
TIO-540-W2A............................  Aero Mercantil..............  Gavilan
TIO-540-X136...........................  Schweizer...................  Schweizer
TIO-540-X155...........................  Cessna......................  T182 (AK1A)
IO-720-D1B.............................  Embraer.....................  EMB-400 Ipanema, IAR-821

[[Page 50156]]

 
                                         Nauchang....................  N5
IO-720-D1C.............................  Piper.......................  PA-36-375 Brave
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from Lycoming Engines discovering that the 
March 1, 1997 start date of affected engine models in Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 569A, is incorrect. Lycoming Engines 
issued Supplement 1 to MSB No. 569A, dated May 27, 2009, which 
corrected the date of affected engine models, to January 1, 1997. 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 for Which No Action Is Required

    (f) If your engine meets any of the following conditions, and 
you have not had the crankshaft replaced since meeting the 
condition, no further action is required:
    (1) Engines that are in compliance with Lycoming 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, MSB No. 569A, and Supplement 1 to MSB No. 
569A.
    (5) For engines identified in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), or (i) 
of this AD, owners or operators may make an entry in the AD status 
log required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v) that this AD required no 
action for compliance.
    (g) If Lycoming Engines manufactured new, rebuilt, overhauled, 
or repaired your engine, or replaced the crankshaft in your engine 
before January 1, 1997, and you have not 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 (S/N), 
and Table 5 of MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list 
your crankshaft S/N, no further action is required.
    (i) For engine model TIO-540-U2A, S/N L-4641-61A, no action is 
required.

Engines for Which Action Is Required

    (j) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No. 
569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your engine S/N, and Table 5 of 
MSB No. 569A, dated April 11, 2006, lists your crankshaft S/N, 
replace the affected crankshaft with a crankshaft that is not listed 
in Table 5 of MSB No. 569A at the earliest of the following:
    (1) The time of the next engine overhaul as specified in 
Lycoming Engines Service Instruction No. 1009AS, dated May 25, 2006; 
or
    (2) The next separation of the crankcase, or
    (3) No later than 12 years from the time the crankshaft first 
entered service or was last overhauled, whichever is later.
    (k) If Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 of Lycoming MSB No. 
569A, dated April 11, 2006, does not list your engine S/N, and Table 
5 of MSB No. 569A does list your crankshaft S/N (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 the earliest of the following:
    (1) The time of the next engine overhaul as specified in 
Lycoming Engines Service Instruction No. 1009AS, dated May 25, 2006; 
or
    (2) The next separation of the crankcase, or
    (3) No later than 12 years from the time the crankshaft first 
entered service or was last overhauled, whichever is later.

Prohibition Against Installing Certain Crankshafts

    (l) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
crankshaft that has a S/N listed in Table 5 of Lycoming MSB No. 
569A, dated April 11, 2006, into any engine.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (m) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. AMOCs approved for AD 2006-20-09 
are approved as AMOCs for this AD.

Related Information

    (n) 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; e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83edecf1eee2edadf3e6f1e6edf0ecedc3e5e2e2ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e58b8a9788848bcb958097808b968a8ba5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
    (o) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (570) 
323-6181; fax (570) 327-7101, or on the Internet at http://www.Lycoming.Textron.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
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 August 5, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-20519 Filed 8-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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