Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly Bendix) S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 Series Magnetos

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34336-34339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11610]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD; Amendment 39-14122; AD 2005-12-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly 
Bendix) S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 Series Magnetos

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-
1200, D-2000, and D-3000 series magnetos equipped with impulse coupling 
assemblies. That AD currently requires replacing riveted-impulse 
coupling assemblies and snap-ring coupling assemblies, which are worn 
beyond limits, with serviceable riveted-impulse coupling assemblies or 
snap-ring impulse coupling assemblies. This ad requires a reduced 
inspection interval for magnetos with riveted-impulse coupling 
assemblies installed on certain Lycoming engine models. This AD does 
not lower the inspection interval for magnetos with snap-ring impulse 
coupling assemblies. This AD also limits the applicability to certain 
Lycoming engine models. This AD results from data provided by the 
manufacturer that shows a need to reduce the inspection intervals for 
riveted-impulse coupling assemblies used on certain Lycoming engine 
models. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the magneto 
impulse coupling assembly and possible engine failure.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 19, 2005. The Director of the 
Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of 
certain publications as listed in the regulations as of July 18, 1996 
(61 FR 29934, June 13, 1996).

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from Teledyne Continental Motors, P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; 
telephone (334) 438-3411. For the Teledyne Continental Motors Web site: 
Go to http://www.TCMLINK.com.
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information, at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_-register/code--of--federal--regulations/ibr--locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Robinette, Senior Aerospace 
Engineer, Propulsion, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 1 Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, 
Atlanta, GA, 30349; telephone (770) 703-6096, fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies 
to TCM S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 series magnetos equipped with 
impulse coupling assemblies. We published the proposed AD in the 
Federal Register on December 22, 2004 (69 FR 76632). That action 
proposed to require:
    <bullet> An initial visual inspection of riveted-impulse coupling 
assemblies that have 100 or more hours time-since-new (TSN) or time-
since-last-inspection (TSLI) on the effective date of the proposed AD, 
within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this 
AD, or
    <bullet> An initial visual inspection of riveted-impulse coupling 
assemblies that have fewer than 100 hours TSN or TSLI on the effective 
date of the proposed AD, before accumulating 100 hours TSN or TSLI, and
    <bullet> Repetitive inspections of riveted-impulse coupling 
assemblies within intervals of 100 hours TSLI.
    <bullet> An initial visual inspection of snap-ring impulse coupling 
assemblies that have 450 or more hours TSN or TSLI on the effective 
date of the proposed AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date 
of the AD, or
    <bullet> An initial visual inspection of snap-ring impulse coupling 
assemblies that have fewer than 450 hours TSN or TSLI before 
accumulating 500 hours TSN or TSLI, and
    <bullet> Repetitive inspections of snap-ring impulse coupling 
assemblies within intervals of 500 hours TSLI.
    <bullet> Replacing impulse coupling assemblies that fail the 
inspection.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between

[[Page 34337]]

8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
See ADDRESSES for the location.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Not Change the Eligibility From the Current AD

    One commenter requests that we not change the eligibility from the 
current AD. The commenter states that experience has shown that the 
current AD is preventing failures and there is no difference between 
the wear or reliability of the impulse coupling assemblies installed on 
one make and model of engine, or another.
    We do not agree. Responses we received to the Airworthiness Concern 
Sheet and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin from owners and 
operators, and the manufacturer's data, indicate that there is a 
significant difference in the wear and reliability of magnetos 
installed on Lycoming 540 series engines as compared with other 
engines. Based on these responses, we have appropriately reduced the 
inspection interval for magnetos with riveted-impulse coupling 
assemblies installed on Lycoming 540 series engines.

Request To Not Change From the Current AD

    One commenter states that without the current AD, owners and 
operators will not have the manufacturer's recommended maintenance 
performed, and safety will suffer.
    We do not agree. While a small percentage of operators may not 
voluntarily comply with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance, we 
anticipate virtually all will comply. The response to the Airworthiness 
Concern Sheet, Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin, and 
manufacturer's data, indicates the AD is only needed for the Lycoming 
540 series engines. This action does not negate the 500-hour inspection 
recommended by TCM. That inspection is part of the total inspection 
program to ensure the continued airworthiness of the engine. Therefore, 
we anticipate that safety will not suffer.

Addition of Description of Magneto Model Numbering System

    To assist owners and operators, we have added the description of 
the magneto numbering system used for TCM S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-
3000 series magnetos to the compliance section of the AD.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 4,200 magnetos installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 
1 work hour per magneto to perform the actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $65 per work hour. The reduced inspection interval will 
require doing the inspections about four times more often. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators 
to be $1,092,000.

Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed

    Paragraph (d) of the current AD, AD 96-12-07, contains a paragraph 
pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final rule does 
not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with regard to 
the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to a repair 
facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we published 
a new 14 CFR part 39 that contains a general authority regarding 
special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No. 
FAA-2004-8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus, 
when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on 
special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general 
authority granted in section 39.23.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    (3) 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-9649 (61 FR 
29934, June 13, 1996) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-14122, to read as follows:

2005-12-06 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-14122. Docket 
No. 93-ANE-07-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective July 19, 2005.

[[Page 34338]]

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 96-12-07, Amendment 39-9649.
    Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Teledyne Continental 
Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) magnetos that have a magneto part 
number (P/N) listed in Table 1 of TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, installed on Lycoming AEIO-
540, HIO-540, IO-540, 0-540, and TIO-540 series engines. These 
engines are installed on, but not limited to, airplanes manufactured 
by the Cessna Aircraft Company, Maule Aerospace Technology 
Corporation, Mooney Aircraft Corporation, The New Piper Aircraft 
Inc., and Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech Aircraft 
Company).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from data provided by the manufacturer that 
indicates a need to reduce the inspection intervals for riveted-
impulse coupling assemblies used on certain Lycoming engine models. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the magneto impulse 
coupling assembly and possible engine failure.
    Compliance: (e) You are responsible for having the actions 
required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified 
unless the actions have already been done.

Initial Inspections of Impulse Coupling Assemblies

    (f) For all magnetos that have a P/N listed in Table 1 of TCM 
MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, that have never been inspected, 
perform an initial inspection of the impulse coupling assembly for 
wear using paragraphs 1.2 through 1.4.5 of the Detailed Instructions 
of TCM MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994. Use the following Table 
1 for the compliance times. Snap-ring impulse coupling assemblies 
will have an ``A'' stamped in the lower-right quarter of the magneto 
data plate.

                                  Table 1.--Initial Inspection Compliance Times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Time on impulse
                                           Type of impulse       coupling  assembly on
             Engine Model                 coupling  assembly     the effective date of           Inspect
                                                                        this AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lycoming AEIO-540, HIO-540, IO-540, 0- (1) Riveted............  (i) 100 or more hours    Within 10 hours time-in-
 540, and TIO-540 series engines.                                time-since-new or        service (TIS) after
                                                                 overhaul (TSN) or if     the effective date of
                                                                 the TSN is unknown.      this AD.
                                                                (ii) Fewer than 100      Before accumulating 100
                                                                 hours TSN.               hours TSN.
                                       (2) Snap ring..........  (i) 450 or more hours    Within 50 hours TIS
                                                                 TSN.                     after the effective
                                                                (ii) Fewer than 450       date of this AD.
                                                                 hours TSN.              Before accumulating 500
                                                                                          hours TSN.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Replace any impulse coupling assembly that fails the 
inspection with a serviceable riveted or snap-ring impulse coupling 
assembly. Paragraphs 2 through 2.6 of the Detailed Instructions of 
TCM MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994 contain information on 
replacing the impulse coupling assembly.
    (h) If you replace a snap-ring impulse coupling assembly with a 
riveted-impulse coupling assembly, strike out the ``A'' on the 
magneto data plate.

Repetitive Inspections of Impulse Coupling Assemblies

    (i) For all magnetos that have a P/N listed in Table 1 of TCM 
MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, that have had an initial 
inspection as specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, perform 
repetitive inspections of the impulse coupling assembly for wear 
using paragraphs 1.2 through 1.4.5 of the Detailed Instructions of 
TCM MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994. Use the following Table 2 
for the compliance times. Snap-ring impulse coupling assemblies will 
have an ``A'' stamped in the lower-right quarter of the magneto data 
plate.

            Table 2.--Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Type of impulse
         Engine model           coupling assembly         Inspect
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lycoming AEIO-540, HIO-540, IO- (1) Riveted......  Within 100 hours time-
 540, 0-540, and TIO-540        (2) Snap ring....   since-last
 series engines..                                   inspection (TSLI).
                                                   Within 500 hours
                                                    TSLI.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) Replace any impulse coupling assembly that fails the 
inspection with a serviceable riveted or snap-ring impulse coupling 
assembly. Paragraphs 2 through 2.6 of the Detailed Instructions of 
TCM MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994 contain information on 
replacing the impulse coupling assembly.
    (k) If you replace a snap-ring impulse coupling assembly with a 
riveted-impulse coupling assembly, strike out the ``A'' on the 
magneto data plate.

Optional Terminating Action

    (l) Installing a ``Shower-of-Sparks'' ignition system in place 
of a magneto system that has a riveted-impulse coupling assembly or 
a snap-ring impulse coupling assembly ends the repetitive inspection 
requirements specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. You can find 
more information on installing a ``Shower-of-Sparks'' ignition 
system in TCM Service Information Letter No. SIL648, dated October 
18, 1994.

Description of Magneto Model Numbering System

    (m) To assist owners and operators, the description of the 
magneto numbering system used for TCM S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-
3000 series magnetos is in the following Table 3:

                   Table 3.--Magneto Numbering System
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Code:                             Signifies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
S or D............................  Ignition Type (Single or Dual)
6.................................  Number of Cylinders
L or R............................  Direction of Rotation (Left-hand or
                                     Right-hand)
N (Not used on SC Models).........  Manufacturer Designation

[[Page 34339]]

 
SC (if applicable)................  Short Cover Configuration
-25, -1209, or -3200..............  Magneto Series
-----------------------------------
             Examples:                          Description:
-----------------------------------
S6LN-1209.........................  Single type ignition, 6-cyclinder
                                     engine, left-hand rotation, TCM
                                     (formerly Bendix), S-1200 series
D6RN-3200.........................  Dual type ignition, 6-cylinder
                                     engine, right-hand rotation, TCM
                                     (formerly Bendix), D-3000 series
S6LSC-25..........................  Single type ignition, 6-cylinder
                                     engine, left-hand rotation, short
                                     cover configuration, S-20 series
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (n) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (o) TCM SB No. 639, dated March 1993, contains additional 
information for replacing impulse coupling assemblies on a TCM 
magneto. TCM Service Information Letter No. SIL648, dated October 
18, 1994, contains information for converting an engine to a 
``Shower-of-Sparks'' ignition system.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use Teledyne Continental Motors Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994 to perform the inspections 
and replacements required by this AD. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service 
bulletin as of July 18, 1996 (61 FR 29934, June 13, 1996). You can 
get a copy from Teledyne Continental Motors, P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 
36601; telephone (334) 438-3411. For the Teledyne Continental Motors 
Web site: Go to http://www.TCMLINK.com. You can review copies at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_ register/code--of-- federal--
regulations/ ibr--locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11610 Filed 6-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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