This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

25781

Vol. 63, No. 90

Monday, May 11, 1998

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98–ANE–27–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Textron

Lycoming and Teledyne Continental

Motors Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Textron Lycoming and Teledyne

Continental Motors reciprocating

engines that had crankshafts repaired by

Nelson Balancing Service, Repair

Station Certificate No. NB7R820J,

Bedford, Massachusetts. This proposal

would require removal from service of

affected crankshafts, or a visual

inspection, magnetic particle

inspection, and dimensional check of

the crankshaft journals, and, if

necessary, rework or removal from

service of affected crankshafts and

replacement with serviceable parts. This

proposal is prompted by reports of

crankshafts exhibiting heat check

cracking of the nitrided bearing surfaces

which led to crankshaft cracking and

subsequent failure. The actions

specified by the proposed AD are

intended to prevent crankshaft failure

due to cracking, which could result in

an inflight engine failure and possible

forced landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by

June 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), New England

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 98–ANE–

27–AD, 12 New England Executive Park,

Burlington, MA 01803–5299. Comments

may also be sent via the Internet using

the following address: ‘‘9-adengineprop@faa.dot.gov’’. Comments

sent via the Internet must contain the

docket number in the subject line.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer

(assigned to Textron Lycoming), New

York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,

Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10

Fifth St., 3rd Floor, Valley Stream, NY

11581–1200; telephone (516) 256–7531,

fax (516) 568–2716; or Jerry Robinette,

Aerospace Engineer (assigned to

Teledyne Continental Motors), Atlanta

Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small

Airplane Directorate, 1895 Phoenix

Boulevard, One Crown Center, Suite

450, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone (770)

703–6096, fax (770) 703–6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed 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 above. All

communications received on or before

the closing date for comments, specified

above, will be considered before taking

action on the proposed rule. The

proposals contained in this notice may

be changed in light of the comments

received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed 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

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal 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 98–ANE–27–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, New England Region, Office of the

Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 98–ANE–27–AD, 12 New

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA

01803–5299.

Discussion

The Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA) has received reports of

crankshafts installed in certain Textron

Lycoming and Teledyne Continental

Motors (TCM) reciprocating engines

cracking after repair by Nelson

Balancing Service, Repair Stations

Certificate No. NB7R820J, Bedford,

Massachusetts. The investigation

revealed that the crankshafts exhibit

heat check cracking of the nitrided

bearing surfaces. The cracking of the

nitride surface is believed to be due to

improper grinding procedures. Grinding

occurred as part of the engine overhaul

process. Improper grinding can result in

overheating the crankshaft, which, in

turn, results in cracking of the nitride

surface. If the crankshaft is returned to

service with the nitride surface cracked,

the crankshaft will fail. The cracks

occur in the forward and/or aft fillet of

the main bearing journals and/or

crankpin journals. The time to failure

depends on the severity of the cracking

but the crankshaft will not complete the

overhaul cycle. There have been 28

cases of crankshafts installed on certain

Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines

that have been classified as cracked, 3

broken, and 2 later rejected by Nelson

Balancing Service; and 3 reports of

crankshaft failure and 7 cases of

crankshafts being rejected when

reinspected, due to heat check cracking,

on certain TCM engines. This condition,

if not corrected, could result in

crankshaft failure due to cracking,

which could result in an inflight engine

failure and possible forced landing.

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other products of this same

type design, the proposed AD would

require removal from service of affected

crankshafts, or a visual inspection,

magnetic particle inspection, and

dimensional check of the crankshaft

journals, and, if necessary, rework or

removal from service of affected

crankshafts and replacement with

serviceable parts.
25782 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules

There are approximately 250,000

engines of the designs listed in the

applicability section of this AD in the

worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that

200,000 of those engines are installed on

aircraft of U. S. registry. Of these it is

estimated that 30% or 60,000 engines

will have had an overhaul in the time

frame of interest; however, only 291

would be required to take compliance

action. Of this 60,000 it is estimated that

10,000 will require removal of the

propeller spinner to determine

applicability of the AD. The cost

associated with the spinner removal/

replacement is estimated to be $60 per

work hour average labor rate times one

hour. It will take approximately 90 work

hours per engine to accomplish the

proposed action and the average labor

rate is $60 per work hour. Required

parts would cost $115 per engine for

gaskets, seals, etc. In addition, it is

estimated that half of the 291 affected

engines can be reworked at a cost of

$1,800 per engine and that the other half

of the 291 affected engines will be

rejected, plus purchasing another

crankshaft which will cost $4,000 per

engine. Based on these figures, the total

cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $3,048,765.

The regulations proposed herein

would 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

proposal would not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that 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); and (3) if

promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this

action is contained in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it may be obtained by

contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration proposes to amend 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental

Motors: Docket No. 98–ANE–27–AD.

Applicability: Textron Lycoming (LYC) O–

235, O–235–C1, –235–C2C, O–235–L2C, O–

235–N2C, O–290, O–290–D2, 0–320, O–320–

A, O–320–A1A, O–320–A2B, O–320–B2B, O–

320–B2C, O–320–D2J, O–320–D3G, O–320–

E2A, O–320–E2D, O–320–E2G, O–320–E3D,

–320–H2AD, O–360, O–360–A1A, O–360–

A1D, O–360–A3A, O–360–A4A, O–360–A4K,

O–360–B1B, IO–360–F1A6, AEIO–320–E1B,

HIO–360–C1A, IO–320, IO–320–B1A, IO–

360, IO–360–A1A, IO–360–A1B6, IO–360–

B1E, IO–360–C, IO–360–CIC, IO–360–C1C6,

IO–360–C1D6, IO–360–D, O–540–A1B5, O–

540–A1D5, O–540–R2AD, IO–540, IO–540–

C4B5, IO–540–S1A5, TIO–540–A2, LIO–320–

C1A, LIO–360–C1E6, and O–720

reciprocating engines; and Teledyne

Continental Motors (TCM) A–65, A65–3,

A65–8, A75, A75–8, C75–12, C85, C85–8,

C85–12, C90–8FJ, C90–12, O–200, O–200–A,

O–300, O–300–D, IO–360–C, E–185–4, E–

225–8, O–470, O–470–K, O–470–L, O–470–R,

O–470–11, IO–470, IO–470–N, IO–470–S,

IO–520, IO–520–D, GTSIO–520, and TSIO–

520–VB reciprocating engines, with installed

crankshafts repaired by Nelson Balancing

Service, Bedford, Massachusetts, Repair

Station Certificate No. NB7R820J, between

February 1, 1995, and December 31, 1997,

inclusive, as listed (by work order (W/O)) in

Table 1 of this AD.

TABLE 1

Engine Model W/O Date Engine SER#

LYC ............................................................................................................ AEIO–320–E1B 1134 2/17/96 L–5653–55A

LYC ............................................................................................................ HIO–360–C1A 1155 2/7/96 L–12126–51A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–320 1141 1/17/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–320–B1A 1525 11/14/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360 1314 12/17/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360 IN6137 8/7/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–A1A 1230 6/10/96 L–474–51

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–A1A 1289 10/23/96 L–4085–5174

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–A1A 1415b 5/23/97 RL–3920–51A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–A1B6 1463 7/31/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–B1E 1312 12/12/96 L–4453–51A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C 1146 1/23/96 R–51448–9–C

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C1C 1336 2/10/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C1C 1518 12/9/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C1C6 1530 11/25/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C1C6 1537 12/9/97 L–19294–51A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–C1D6 1286 4/28/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–D 1540 12/2/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–360–F1A6 1176 3/7/96 L–27423–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–540 1014 2/8/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–540 1056 6/13/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–540 1302 12/5/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–540–C4B5 1313 12/17/96 L–19547–48

LYC ............................................................................................................ IO–540–S1A5 1513 10/27/97 L–19597–48A

LYC ............................................................................................................ IVO–435–G1A 1271

LYC ............................................................................................................ LIO–320–C1A 1158 2/8/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ LIO–360–C1E6 1280 10/7/96
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules 25783

TABLE 1—Continued

Engine Model W/O Date Engine SER#

LYC ............................................................................................................ LIO–360–C1E6 1281 10/9/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1013 2/21/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1051 6/2/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1054 6/9/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1057 6/14/95 L–9041–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1058 6/29/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1060 6/30/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1069 8/10/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1110 2/20/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1145 1/23/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1151 1/25/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1160 2/9/96 RL–24636–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1305 12/5/96 L–22542–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1329 2/11/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1332 2/11/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235 1481 9/2/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C1 1089 10/8/95 L–6475–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C1 1188 4/2/96 L–7143–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C1 1335 3/12/97 L–5569–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C1 1367 3/24/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C2C 1019 2/24/95 L–12284–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C2C 1040 5/8/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–C2C 1105 12/1/95 L–12273–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1030 4/6/95 L–14545–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1036 4/24/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1037 4/24/95 L–23012–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1050 6/2/95 L–15542–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1062 7/5/95 L–18306–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1067 8/8/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1070 8/10/95 L–16005–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1095 11/14/95 RL–023227–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1101 11/4/95 L–15300–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1102 11/15/95 L–20183–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1162 2/14/96 L–16114–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1179 3/11/96 L–21215–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1219 5/16/96 L–21215–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1251 8/22/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1285 10/19/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1365 3/24/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1400 4/28/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1414 8/5/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1417 12/5/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1433 6/26/97 L–17074–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1435 6/9/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1504 10/31/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1508 11/18/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1524 11/12/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 1536 11/24/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–L2C 2010 11/19/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–235–N2C 1511 10/29/97 L–23857–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–290 1257 9/4/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–290 1326 3/26/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–290–D2 1082 9/26/95 L–6019–21

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1018 2/22/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1024 3/17/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1038 5/3/95 L–39272–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1045 5/24/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1084 9/28/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1116 1/8/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1125 1/8/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1169 2/28/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1175 3/7/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1184 3/28/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1189 8/27/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1202 4/30/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1212 5/10/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1283 10/17/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1316 12/21/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1340 2/25/97 L–24367

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1347 2/18/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1360 3/10/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1361 3/10/97
25784 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules

TABLE 1—Continued

Engine Model W/O Date Engine SER#

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1436 5/29/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1468 8/14/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1474 8/22/97 L–13130–39A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1477 9/13/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1477 9/13/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1507

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1519 11/21/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1546 12/7/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320 1171 3/1/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A 1192 4/13/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A 1194 4/13/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A 1196 4/13/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A1A 1244 8/13/96 L–5270–27

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A2B 1081 9/22/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–A2B 1461 9/9/97 L–12626–27

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–B2B 1452 7/10/97 L–2977–39

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–B2C 1315 12/17/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D2J 1172 3/4/96 L–13039–39A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D2J 1173 3/7/96 L–123412–39A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D2J 1253 9/4/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D2J 1534 11/25/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D2J 1539 12/3/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D3G 1077 9/17/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D3G 1114 1/8/96 L–10983–39A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D3G 1354 2/25/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D3G 1370 3/26/97 H45247

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–D3G 1544 12/3/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2A 1103 11/10/95 L–26363–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2A 1191 4/13/96 L–19377–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2A 1317 12/21/96 L–15219–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2A 1439 6/9/97 L–38003–55A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1068 8/10/95 L–35528–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1078 9/17/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1177 3/9/96 L–44732–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1181 3/14/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1241 8/9/96 L–42691–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1245 8/13/96 L–40483–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1260 9/9/96 L–15300–15

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1343 2/17/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1346 3/2/97 L–44320–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1385 4/16/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1458 7/18/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1533 11/25/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2D 1549 12/12/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E2G 1338 3/10/97 L–38264–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E3D 1034 4/18/95 L–29668–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E3D 1074 8/24/95 L–29495–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E3D 1431 6/9/97 L–33770–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E3D 1444 6/13/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–E3D 1500 10/7/97 L–33841–27A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–320–H2AD 1322 1/22/97 L–1530–78T

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1025 3/17/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1157 2/7/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1199 4/18/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1362 3/10/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1386 4/17/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1394 5/6/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360 1528 11/19/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A1A 1170 2/28/96 L–20677–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A1A 1214 5/14/96 L–20190–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A1A 1239 8/5/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A1D 1411 5/5/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A3A 1531 11/25/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A4A 1270 9/27/96 L–14008–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A4A 1464 7/30/97 L–24796–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A4A 1486 9/6/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A4A 1529 11/25/7

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–A4K 1166 2/22/96 L–26455–36A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–360–B1B 1262 9/9/96 L–5261–51A

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–540–A1B5 1129 12/29/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–540–A1B5 1132 1/9/96 L–1165–40

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–540–A1D5 1462 7/28/97 L–5661–40
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules 25785

TABLE 1—Continued

Engine Model W/O Date Engine SER#

LYC ............................................................................................................ O–720 1510 10/26/97

LYC ............................................................................................................ TIO–540–A2 1064 7/13/95

LYC ............................................................................................................ TIO–540–A2 1111 1/10/96

LYC ............................................................................................................ TIO–540–R2AD 1106 11/27/95 L–5949–61A

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1152 1/25/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1154 2/7/96 7187

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1183 2/22/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1185 3/28/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1233 6/23/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1290 10/29/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1296 11/14/96 4933868

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1299 11/19/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1325 3/26/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1326 3/26/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1376 4/29/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65 1438 6/17/97 5890178

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65–3 1243 8/13/96 324993

TCM ........................................................................................................... A–65–8 1541 12/2/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... A65–8 1276 10/5/96 5762568

TCM ........................................................................................................... A75 1156 2/7/96 5321868

TCM ........................................................................................................... A75 1255 9/3/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A75 1256 9/4/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... A75–8 1275 10/5/96 5162868

TCM ........................................................................................................... C75–12F 1293 11/4/96 3316–6–12

TCM ........................................................................................................... C85 1088 10/4/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... C85 1092 10/18/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1198 4/17/96 29652–7–8

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1297 11/14/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1352 3/10/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1381 4/28/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1391 4/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1392 4/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85 1484 9/4/97 28487–6–12

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–8FJ 1139 1/17/96 29845–7–8

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–8FJ 1420 5/12/97 29465–7–8

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–12 1031 4/6/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–12 1182 3/18/96 21596–6–12

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–12 1217 5/15/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–12 1265 9/12/96 14657

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–85–12 1298 11/14/96 23610–6–12

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–90–8F 1471 9/6/97 42838–1–8

TCM ........................................................................................................... C–90–12 1279 10/7/96 44747–6–12

TCM ........................................................................................................... E–185–4 1124 1/16/96 25700D–1–9

TCM ........................................................................................................... E–225–8 1505 10/28/97 35477–D–9–8–P

TCM ........................................................................................................... GTSIO–520 1208 5/7/96 210114–70H

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–360–C 1126 12/28/95 F–51439–9–C

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–470 1028 3/23/95 87329–R

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–470–N 1421 5/13/97 95271–1–N

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–470–S 1331 3/11/97 102412–2–S–I

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–520 1174 3/4/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... IO–520–D 1167 2/22/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1033 4/18/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1043 5/12/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1049 6/2/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1076 9/11/95 214668–27A

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1104 11/21/95 213830–71A

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1131 1/5/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1142 1/18/96 265349–R

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1147 1/23/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1190 4/13/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1193 4/13/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1195 4/13/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1197 4/17/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1213 5/13/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1261 9/9/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1303 12/5/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1321 2/7/97 28115

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1324 2/6/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1344 3/2/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1393 5/5/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1413 5/7/97 61001–5–4

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1430 5/23/97
25786 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules

TABLE 1—Continued

Engine Model W/O Date Engine SER#

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1437 6/17/97 255759A–48

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1488 9/7/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1506 11/18/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200 1522 11/11/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1052 6/21/95 254150–A–48

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1085 9/29/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1120 12/29/95 253971

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1161 2/9/96 24R–469

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1215 5/15/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1240 8/5/96 69589–8–A

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1254 9/3/96 6105–71–A–R

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1264 9/12/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–200–A 1356 3/10/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1027 3/20/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1042 5/12/95 34012–D–6–D

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1083 9/26/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1096 10/23/95 464481

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1137 1/17/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1259 9/4/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1387 4/22/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1397 4/26/97 5928–9A

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1403 4/28/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1423 6/9/97 3834D8Z

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300 1555 1/13/98

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300–A 1446 6/27/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300–D 1022 3/17/95 35110–D–6–D

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300–D 1079 9/17/95 24276–D–0–D

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300–D 1487 9/6/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–300–D 1543 12/3/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470 1046 6/1/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470 1383 4/4/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–11 1017 2/22/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–11 1491 10/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–11 1492 10/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–11 1493 10/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–11 1494 10/19/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–F 1236 7/25/96 76956–4–F

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–K 1087 10/3/95 47172–6–K

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–L 1128 1/10/96 68681–8–L

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–L 1359 5/19/97 68245–8–L

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–L 1399 4/28/97

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1016 2/10/95 133087–6–R

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1086 10/3/95

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1165 2/22/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1178 3/10/96

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1201 6/2/96 83164–1–R

TCM ........................................................................................................... O–470–R 1319 1/6/97 459408

TCM ........................................................................................................... TSIO–520–VB 1055 6/9/95

Note 1: Blank spaces indicate unknown

data. Where the engine serial no. is blank in

this table, it is either unknown or the

crankshaft may not be installed in an engine.

Note 2: 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 crankshaft failure due to

cracking, which could result in an inflight

engine failure and possible forced landing,

accomplish the following:

(a) Within 10 hours time in service after

the effective date of this AD, determine if this

AD applies, as follows:

(1) Determine if any repair was conducted

on the engine that required crankshaft

removal during the February 1, 1995, to

December 31, 1997, time frame; if the engine

was not disassembled for crankshaft removal

and repair in this time frame, no further

action is required.

(2) If the engine and crankshaft was

repaired during this time frame, determine

from the maintenance records (engine log

book), and Table 1 of this AD if the

crankshaft was repaired by Nelson Balancing

Service, Repair Station Certificate No.

NB7R820J, Bedford, Massachusetts. The

maintenance records should contain the

Return to Service (Yellow) tag for the

crankshaft that will identify the company

performing the repair. Also the work order

number contained in Table 1 of this AD was

etched on the crankshaft propeller flange,

adjacent to the closest connecting rod

journal. Because some etched numbers will

be difficult to see, if necessary, use a 10X

magnifying glass with an appropriate light

source to view the work order number. In

addition, the propeller spinner, if installed,

will have to be removed in order to see this.

(3) A person with a private pilot or higher

rated certificate may make the determination

of applicability of this AD provided the
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed Rules 25787

propeller spinner does not have to be

removed.

(4) If it cannot be determined who repaired

the crankshaft, compliance with this AD is

required.

(b) Within 10 hours time in service after

the effective date of this AD, accomplish the

following:

(1) Perform a visual inspection as defined

in paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, magnetic

particle inspection, and a dimensional check

of the crankshaft journals, or remove from

service affected crankshafts and replace with

serviceable parts.

(2) For the purpose of this AD, a visual

inspection of the crankshaft is defined as the

inspection of all surfaces of the crankshaft for

cracks which include heat check cracking of

the nitrided bearing surfaces, cracking in the

main or aft fillet of the main bearing journal

and crankpin journal, including checking the

bearing surfaces for scoring, galling,

corrosion, or pitting.

Note 3: Further guidance on all inspection

and acceptance criteria is contained in

applicable TCM or LYC Overhaul or

Maintenance Manuals, or other FAAapproved data.

(3) Replace any crankshaft that fails the

visual inspection, magnetic particle

inspection, or the dimensional check with a

serviceable crankshaft, unless the crankshaft

can be reworked to bring it in compliance

with:

(i) All the overhaul requirements of the

appropriate TCM or LYC Overhaul/

Maintenance Manuals; or

(ii) All of the FAA-approved requirements

for any repair station which currently has

approval for limits other than those in the

appropriate TCM or LYC Overhaul/

Maintenance Manuals.

(4) For the purpose of this AD, a

serviceable crankshaft is one which meets the

requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(i) or

(b)(3)(ii) of this AD.

Note 4: Crankshafts removed from TCM

engine models IO–360, IO–520, and TSIO–

520 series engines are also subject to

compliance with AD 97–26–17.

(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

(LYC) or Atlanta (TCM) Aircraft Certification

Offices. Operators shall submit their requests

through an appropriate FAA Principal

Maintenance Inspector, who may add

comments and then send it to the Manager,

New York or Atlanta Aircraft Certification

Offices.

Note 5: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this airworthiness directive,

if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta

Aircraft Certification or New York Aircraft

Certification Office, as applicable.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 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.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on

May 1, 1998.

Thomas A. Boudreau,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–12353 Filed 5–8–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–CE–128–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Stemme

GmbH & Co. KG Model S10-V

Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes to

adopt a new airworthiness directive

(AD) that would apply to certain

Stemme GmbH & Co. KG (Stemme)

Model S10-V sailplanes. The proposed

action would require replacing the

propeller blade suspension forks with

parts of improved design. The proposed

AD is the result of mandatory

continuing airworthiness information

(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness

authority for Germany. The actions

specified by the proposed AD are

intended to prevent propeller

suspension fork failure caused by design

deficiency, which, if not corrected,

could result in loss of a propeller blade

and loss of sailplane controllability.

DATES: Comments must be received on

or before June 15, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Central Region,

Office of the Regional Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE–128-

AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments

may be inspected at this location

between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday

through Friday, holidays excepted.

Service information that applies to the

proposed AD may be obtained from

Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-MeyerAllee 25, D–13355 Berlin, Federal

Republic of Germany. This information

also may be examined at the Rules

Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, Small

Airplane Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service, FAA, 1201

Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri

64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934;

facsimile: (816) 426–2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed 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

above. All communications received on

or before the closing date for comments,

specified above, will be considered

before taking action on the proposed

rule. The proposals contained in this

notice may be changed in light of the

comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed 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

proposal 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 No. 97–CE–128–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Central Region, Office of the

Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 97–CE–128–AD, Room 1558,

601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

64106.

Discussion

The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA),

which is the airworthiness authority for

Germany, recently notified the FAA that

an unsafe condition may exist on certain

Stemme S10-V sailplanes. The LBA

reports one incident of a failure of the

propeller blade suspension fork during

flight, which caused loss of sailplane

controllability. Investigation of this

incident revealed that the thread end

groove area of the propeller blade

suspension fork does not have an

adequate design. This inadequate design

causes fatigue of the propeller blade

suspension fork to the point of failure.

This condition, if not corrected, could

result in loss of the propeller blade