This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains regulatory documents having general

applicability and legal effect, most of which

are keyed to and codified in the Code of

Federal Regulations, which is published under

50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by

the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of

new books are listed in the first FEDERAL

REGISTER issue of each week.

Rules and Regulations Federal Register

29003

Vol. 61, No. 111

Friday, June 7, 1996

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 91–ANE–29; Amendment 39–

9470; AD 91–21–01 R1]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Textron

Lycoming Model TIO–540–S1AD

Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment revises an

existing airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to Textron Lycoming Model

TIO–540–S1AD reciprocating engines,

that currently requires the upgrade of

the engine exhaust system to a new

design configuration; and also

establishes inspection intervals for

engines incorporating the new design

configuration, for engines incorporating

the design configuration required by a

previous AD, and for engines not yet

incorporating either design

configuration. This amendment clarifies

that an exhaust system disassembly is

not necessary when inspecting the

exhaust system after the installation of

the new design One-piece Exhaust Riser

Kit, and Manifold Retaining Kit. This

amendment is prompted by reports from

operators requesting clarification of two

paragraphs in the compliance section.

The actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent cracking or

distortion of engine exhaust system

flanges, V-band coupling, and pipes,

which could result in engine

compartment fire and smoke entering

the cabin with possible loss to the

aircraft.

DATES: Effective June 27, 1996.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations was approved by the

Director of the Federal Register as of

November 4, 1991.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules

Docket must be received on or before

August 6, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), New England

Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.

91–ANE–29, 12 New England Executive

Park, Burlington, MA 01803–5299.

Comments may also be submitted to the

Rules Docket by using the following

Internet address: ‘‘epdadcomments@mail.hq.faa.gov’’.

The service information referenced in

this AD may be obtained from Textron

Lycoming/Subsidiary of Textron Inc.,

Williamsport, PA 17701; (717) 327–

7278, fax (717) 327–7022. This

information may be examined at the

FAA, New England Region, Office of the

Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New

England Executive Park, Burlington,

MA; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,

suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Richard Fiesel, Aerospace Engineer,

New York Aircraft Certification Office,

FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate,

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

MY 11581–1200; telephone (516) 256–

7504, fax (516) 568–2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On

September 18, 1991, the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) issued

airworthiness directive (AD) 91–21–01,

Amendment 39–8048 (56 FR 51646,

October 15, 1991), to require the

modification of all affected Textron

Lycoming Model TIO–540–S1AD

reciprocating engines by upgrading the

engine exhaust system; and repetitive

inspections of the exhaust system for

engines incorporating the new design

configuration, for engines incorporating

the design configuration required by the

existing AD, and for engines not yet

incorporating either design

configuration. That action was

prompted by reports of failures of

exhaust systems due to exhaust pipes

that were misaligned and misassembled,

or both. That condition, if not corrected,

could result in cracking or distortion of

engine exhaust system flanges, V-band

coupling, and pipes, which could result

in engine compartment fire and smoke

entering the cabin with possible loss to

the aircraft.

Since the issuance of that AD, the

FAA has received reports from operators

requesting clarification of two

paragraphs in the compliance section.

Operators have incorrectly interpreted

these compliance paragraphs, (b)(2)(i)

and (b)(2)(ii), as requiring disassembly

of the exhaust system after installation

of the new design One-piece exhaust

Riser and Manifold Retaining Kits. This

revised AD adds paragraph.(b)(2)(iii) to

clarify that disassembly and reinspection are not required after

compliance with paragraph (b)(2)(i) of

this AD.

The FAA has reviewed and approved

the technical contents of Textron

Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 484,

dated January 30, 1989, that describes

the inspection, alignment, and

modification of the original exhaust

assembly, and Textron Lycoming No. SB

499A, dated June 14, 1991, that

describes the installation of the

redesigned one-piece exhaust pipe

configuration.

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other engines of this same

type design, this AD revises AD 91–21–

01 to clarify that an exhaust system

disassembly is not necessary when

inspecting the exhaust system after the

installation of the new design One-piece

Exhaust Riser Kit, and Manifold

Retaining Kit. The actions are required

to be accomplished in accordance with

the SB’s described previously.

Since a situation exists that requires

the immediate adoption of this

regulation, it is found that notice and

opportunity for prior public comment

hereon are impracticable, and that good

cause exists for making this amendment

effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of

a final rule that involves requirements

affecting flight safety and, thus, was not

preceded by notice and an opportunity

for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons

are invited to comment on this rule by

submitting such written data, views, or

arguments as they may desire.

Communications should identify the

Rules Docket number and be submitted

in triplicate to the address specified

under the caption ADDRESSES. All

communications received on or before
29004 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 111 / Friday, June 7, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

the closing date for comments will be

considered, and this rule may be

amended in light of the comments

received. Factual information that

supports the commenter’s ideas and

suggestions is extremely helpful in

evaluating the effectiveness of the AD

action and determining whether

additional rulemaking action would be

needed.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the rule that might suggest a need to

modify the rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this AD

will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 91–ANE–29.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects on the

States, on the relationship between the

national government and the States, or

on the distribution of power and

responsibilities among the various

levels of government. Therefore, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this

regulation is an emergency regulation

that must be issued immediately to

correct an unsafe condition in aircraft,

and is not a ‘‘significant regulatory

action’’ under Executive Order 12866. It

has been determined further that this

action involves an emergency regulation

under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,

1979). If it is determined that this

emergency regulation otherwise would

be significant under DOT Regulatory

Policies and Procedures, a final

regulatory evaluation will be prepared

and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy

of it, if filed, may be obtained from the

Rules Docket at the location provided

under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration amends part 39 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

part 39) as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS

DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40101, 40113,

44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

removing Amendment 39–8048 (56 FR

51646, October 15, 1991) and by adding

a new airworthiness directive,

Amendment 39–9470, to read as

follows:

91–21–01 R1 Textron Lycoming:

Amendment 39–9470. Docket 91–ANE–

29. Revises AD 91–21–01, Amendment

39–8048.

Applicability: Textron Lycoming Model

TIO–540–S1AD reciprocating engines

installed on but not limited to Piper PA–32

series aircraft.

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD)

applies to each engine identified in the

preceding applicability provision, regardless

of whether it has been modified, altered, or

repaired in the area subject to the

requirements of this AD. For engines that

have been modified, altered, or repaired so

that the performance of the requirements of

this AD is affected, the owner/operator must

use the authority provided in paragraph (c)

to request approval from the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA). This approval may

address either no action, if the current

configuration eliminates the unsafe

condition, or different actions necessary to

address the unsafe condition described in

this AD. Such a request should include an

assessment of the effect of the changed

configuration on the unsafe condition

addressed by this AD. In no case does the

presence of any modification, alteration, or

repair remove any engine from the

applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To prevent cracking or distortion of engine

exhaust system flanges, V-band coupling, and

pipes, which could result in engine

compartment fire and smoke entering the

cabin with possible loss to the aircraft,

accomplish the following:

(a) For engines which have not complied

with AD 89–12–04, paragraph (d), or Textron

Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 484, Part

II, dated January 30, 1989, on the effective

date of this AD, accomplish the following:

(1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS)

after the effective date of this AD, install

Crossover Exhaust Pipe Kit (05K21125) in

accordance with Textron Lycoming SB No.

484, Part II, dated January 30, 1989, and also

install new design One-piece Exhaust Riser

Kit (05K21503) and Manifold Retainer Kit

(05K19650–S) in accordance with Textron

Lycoming SB No. 499A, dated June 14, 1991.

Note 2: Instructions and notes relating to

marking the slip joints, rotating the exhaust

pipes for alignment, and maintaining

clearances at critical locations during the

above installation are contained in Textron

Lycoming SB No. 499A, dated June 14, 1991.

(2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed

100 hours TIS, accomplish the following:

(i) Inspect the exhaust system for heat

damage, distortion, cracks or excessive wear

in accordance with Textron Lycoming SB No.

484, Part II, dated January 30, 1989.

(ii) Inspect the exhaust system for

clearance dimensions, proper fastener torque

and slip joint engagement in accordance with

paragraphs 10, 11, and 12 of Textron

Lycoming SB No. 499A, dated June 14, 1991.

(iii) Repair or replace damaged parts with

serviceable parts prior to further flight.

(b) For engines that have complied with all

portions of AD 89–12–04, or Textron

Lycoming SB No. 484, dated January 30,

1989, on the effective date of this AD,

accomplish the following:

(1) Within 25 hours TIS after the effective

date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals

not to exceed 25 hours TIS until the new

design One-piece Exhaust Riser Kit

(05K21503) has been installed in accordance

with paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this AD,

accomplish the following;

(i) Inspect all exhaust system joints,

flanges, couplings and brackets for heat

damage, distortion, cracks or excessive wear,

in accordance with Textron Lycoming SB No.

484, dated January 30, 1989.

(ii) Inspect the exhaust system for proper

slip joint engagement by measuring distances

between pipe end points in accordance with

Appendix 1 of this AD.

(iii) If damage is observed in the exhaust

system or measurements exceed allowable

dimensions, repair or replace parts with

serviceable parts, as necessary, prior to

further flight.

(iv) Reassemble and align exhaust system

in accordance with Textron Lycoming SB No.

484, dated January 30, 1989, and Appendix

1 of this AD.

(2) Within 75 hours TIS after the effective

date of this AD, accomplish the following:

(i) Install new design One-piece Exhaust

Riser Kit (05K21503) and manifold retainer

kit (05K19650–S) in accordance with Textron

Lycoming SB No. 499A, dated June 14, 1991.

(ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed

100 TIS, perform exhaust system inspections

specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii)

of this AD. Operators need determine the

minimum engagement of only exhaust pipes

LW–16102 and LW–16103 by referring to

Appendix 1 of this AD.

(iii) The repetitive 25 hours TIS

inspections required by paragraph (b)(1) of

this AD are not required after installation of

the new design One-piece Exhaust Riser Kit

(05K21503) and the Manifold Retainer Kit

(05K19650–S) in accordance with paragraph

(b)(2)(i) of this AD.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the initial compliance time

that provides an acceptable level of safety

may be used if approved by the Manager,
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 111 / Friday, June 7, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 29005

New York Aircraft Certification Office. The

request should be forwarded through an

appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector,

who may add comments and then send it to

the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification

Office.

Note 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to

a location where the inspection may be

performed.

(e) The actions required by this AD shall

be done in accordance with the following

Textron Lycoming SB’s:

Document No. Pages Date

No. 484 ............ 1–4 January 30, 1989.

Total pages: 4.

No. 499 ............ 1–4 June 14, 1991.

Total pages: 4.

This incorporation by reference was

approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)

and 1 CFR part 51 as of November 4, 1991.

Copies may be obtained from Textron

Lycoming/Subsidiary of Textron Inc.,

Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717)

327–7278, fax (717) 327–7022. Copies may be

inspected at the FAA, New England Region,

Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or

at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on

June 27, 1996.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on

May 29, 1996.

Jay J. Pardee,

Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.

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APPENDIX 1

[FR Doc. 96–14220 Filed 6–6–96; 8:45 am]

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