Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 124 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43230-43232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16174]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-19-AD; Amendment 39-12792; AD 2002-13-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes emergency airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2000-11-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and 
operators of Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) O-300, IO-360, TSIO-360, 
and LTSIO-520-AE series reciprocating engines. That action required 
within 10 flight hours after receipt of that AD, replacement of certain 
magnetos if they fall within the specified serial number range, 
inspection of the removed magneto to verify that the stop pin is still 
in place, and, if the stop pin is not in place, inspection of the 
engine gear train. This amendment requires the same replacement and 
inspections and adds TCM C-125 and C145 series reciprocating engines to 
the applicability, which were inadvertently omitted from the emergency 
AD. This amendment is prompted by reports of engine failures on certain 
TCM reciprocating engines. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent engine failure and loss of control of the airplane 
due to migration of the magneto impulse coupling stop pin out of the 
magneto frame and into the gear train of the engine.

DATES: Effective July 12, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 26, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-19-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line. The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Teledyne Continental Motors, PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; 
telephone (888) 200-7565. Information regarding this action may be 
examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7870, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 7, 2000, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued Emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 
2000-11-51, applicable to TCM O-300, IO-360, TSIO-360, and LTSIO-520-AE 
series reciprocating engines, which requires, within 10 flight hours 
after the receipt of that AD, replacement of the magneto if it falls 
within the specified serial number range, an inspection of the removed 
magneto to verify that the stop pin is still in place, and, if the stop 
pin is not in place, an inspection of the engine gear train. That 
action was prompted by reports of engine failures on certain TCM 
reciprocating engines. This amendment requires the same replacement and 
inspections and adds TCM C-125 and C145 series reciprocating engines to 
the applicability, which were inadvertently omitted from the emergency 
AD. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine failure 
and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to 
prevent engine failure and loss of control of the airplane due to 
migration of the magneto impulse coupling stop pin out of the magneto 
frame and into the gear train of the engine. This requires:
    <bullet> Replacement of the magneto within 10 flight hours after 
the effective date, of this AD, if it falls within the specified serial 
number range, and
    <bullet> Inspection of the removed magneto to verify that the stop 
pin is still in place, and
    <bullet> If the stop pin is not in place, inspection of the engine 
gear train.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately on June 7, 2000 to all 
known U.S. owners and operators of Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) O-
300, IO-360, TSIO-360, and LTSIO-520-AE series reciprocating engines. 
TCM C-125 and C145 series reciprocating engines are added to the 
applicability, which were inadvertently omitted from the emergency AD. 
These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby superseded in the 
Federal Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to 
all persons.

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

[[Page 43231]]

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 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 2000-NE-19-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined 
in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this final rule.
    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, 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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness 
directive, Amendment 39-12792, to read as follows:

2002-13-04  Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-12792. Docket 
No. 2000-NE-19-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Teledyne 
Continental Motors (TCM) C-125, C145, O-300, IO-360, TSIO-360, and 
LTSIO-520-AE series reciprocating engines with Unison Industries 
(Slick) Magnetos, models 6314, 6324, and 6364, with magneto serial 
numbers of 99110001 through 9912999 inclusive. These engines are 
used on, but not limited to Cessna 170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A 
through 172H, 172XP, 336, 337, and T303, Beagle B242-C, Cirrus SR20 
and SR22, Globe Swift GC-1A and GC-1B, Maule M4, Piper PA-28R-201T 
and PA-34, and Reims (Cessna) FA172, F337, and FR172.

    Note 1: The magneto serial number (SN) can be found in logbooks 
or other maintenance records. If the magneto was installed, or if 
the engine was assembled new, rebuilt, or overhauled before October 
31, 1999, it is likely that a suspect magneto is not installed on 
the 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 (d) 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

    Compliance with this AD is required within 10 flight hours after 
the effective date of this AD, unless already done.
    To prevent engine failure and loss of control of the airplane 
due to migration of the magneto impulse coupling stop pin out of the 
magneto frame and into the gear train of the engine, do the 
following:

Replacement of Magneto

    (a) Replace any magneto that has a SN of 99110001 through 
99129999, inclusive, with a magneto that does not have a serial 
number in that range.

Inspections

    (b) Inspect each removed magneto to verify that the impulse 
coupling stop pin is present. If the pin is missing, do the 
following:
    (1) For C-125, C145, O-300, IO-360, and TSIO-360 series engines, 
do the following:
    (i) Remove magnetos, alternator or generator, and starter 
adapter from the accessory case.
    (ii) Remove the accessory case from the crankcase and oil sump.
    (iii) Visually inspect the entire engine gear train for damaged 
or broken gears and gear teeth.
    (iv) Inspect visible portions of the engine crankcase and 
accessory case for damage due to the stop pin becoming lodged 
between the engine gear train and the crankcase or accessory case.
    (v) If the accessory case is damaged, repair or replace the 
accessory case.
    (vi) If the engine crankcase is damaged, disassemble the engine, 
and repair or replace the crankcase.
    (vii) Inspect the oil pump drive gear teeth and inner cam gear 
teeth for damage. Replace any engine drive train component that has 
been damaged.
    (viii) Replace any damaged gear, and magnaflux the mating gears 
using the applicable engine overhaul manual.
    (2) For LTSIO-520-AE series engines, do the following:
    (i) Remove the starter adapter, fuel pump, vacuum pumps, 
accessory drive pads, and both magnetos.
    (ii) Visually inspect the entire engine gear train for damaged 
or broken gears and gear teeth.
    (iii) If any damage has occurred, remove the engine from the 
airplane, disassemble the engine, and inspect it for damage. If any 
damage is found, repair as necessary.
    (iv) Replace any damaged gear, and magnaflux the mating gears 
using the applicable engine overhaul manual.
    (v) Inspect the interior portions of the engine crankcase for 
damage due to the stop pin becoming lodged between the gear train 
and the crankcase. If the crankcase is damaged, repair or replace 
the crankcase.
    (c) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
Unison Industries magnetos, model 6314, 6324, or 6364 that have a SN 
of 99110001 through 99129999 inclusive, on any engine.

    Note 3: A cross-reference for part numbers (P/N's) for Unison 
magneto model 6314 (TCM P/N 653271), model 6324 (TCM P/N 653292), 
and model 6364 (TCM P/N 649696)

[[Page 43232]]

can be found in TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin 00-6A, dated June 8, 
2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office (CHIACO). Operators must submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, CHIACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the CHIACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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 done.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective July 12, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 17, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16174 Filed 6-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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