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). 

[4910-13-P) 

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 propell er 

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 [INSERT DATE 60 

DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE Federal Register]. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 

and 11.45 , by any ofthe 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. 

• 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: norman.perenson@faa.gov. 

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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. F AA-20 14-0540; Directorate Identifier 20 14-NE-1 0-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 

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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 ofLoctite 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 SINo. 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, GradeR. 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 ofU.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 

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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 Rulernaking 

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 

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(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. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends§ 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive 

(AD): 

Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate previously held by Textron Lycoming Division, 

A VCO Corporation): Docket No. F AA-20 14-0540; Directorate Identifier 20 14-NE-1 0-

AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF 

PUBLICATION IN THE Federal Register]. 

(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- I 2345 -

51 A, or L-12345 -51 E) and are equipped with a front-mounted propeller governor. 

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Affected reciprocating engine models include, but are not limited to Lycoming Engines 

AEI0-320-D1B; AEI0-360-A1E, -A1E6, -B1H, -H1B; AEI0-540-D4A5, -D4B5 , 

-D4D5, -L1B5, -L1B5D, -LIDS ; AEI0-580-B1A; and I0-540-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: norman.perenson@faa.gov. 

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(2) Lycoming Engines SINo. 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. 

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