Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors GTSIO-520 Series Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56355-56357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19149]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20850; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-05-AD; 
Amendment 39-14297; AD 2005-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors GTSIO-520 
Series Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) GTSIO-520 series reciprocating 
engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of 
the starter adapter assembly and crankshaft gear. This AD also requires 
unscheduled visual inspections of the starter adapter assembly and 
crankshaft gear due to a rough-running engine. This AD also requires 
replacement of the starter adapter shaft gear needle bearing with a 
certain bushing. Also, this AD requires installation of a certain TCM 
service kit at the next engine overhaul, or at the next starter adapter 
replacement, whichever occurs first. This AD results from six service 
difficulty reports and one fatal accident report received related to 
failed starter adapter assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the starter adapter assembly and or crankshaft gear, 
resulting in failure of the engine and possible forced landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 1, 2005. The Director of the

[[Page 56356]]

Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of November 1, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc., PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; 
telephone (251) 438-3411. For the Teledyne Continental Motors Web site: 
Go to http://www.TCMLINK.com.
    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov 
or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Robinette, Senior Engineer, 
Propulsion, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, One 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 GTSIO-520 series reciprocating engines. We published the 
proposed AD in the Federal Register on January 13, 2005 (70 FR 2333). 
That action proposed to require:
    <bullet> Before further flight, adding a placard to the instrument 
panel within view of the pilot that states, in \1/4\ inch-high or 
higher characters, ``In accordance with AD (number to be provided), the 
pilot must report a rough-running engine that cannot be cleared by 
adjustment of the engine controls; particularly the fuel mixture 
setting, to maintenance personnel, immediately after landing.''
    <bullet> Initial and repetitive visual inspections of the starter 
adapter assembly and crankshaft gear, and replacement of components as 
necessary.
    <bullet> Unscheduled visual inspections of the starter adapter 
assembly and crankshaft gear due to a rough-running engine, and 
replacement of components as necessary.
    <bullet> Replacement of the starter adapter shaft gear needle 
bearing, P/N 537721 with bushing, P/N 654472.
    <bullet> Installation of TCM service kit, P/N EQ6642R, at next 
engine overhaul, or at next starter adapter replacement, whichever 
occurs first.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
the DMS receives them.

Comments

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

Request To Delete Requirement for a Placard

    Two commenters request that we delete the requirement for a placard 
in the cockpit. The placard would state that the pilot must report a 
rough-running engine that cannot be cleared by adjustment of the engine 
controls; particularly the fuel mixture setting, to maintenance 
personnel, immediately after landing. The commenters state that the 
placard provides no useful in-flight information. One of the commenters 
states that there is no chance that the commenter would depart with a 
rough running engine. We agree that the placard provides no useful in-
flight information. Therefore, we have removed the placard requirement 
from the AD.

Parts Costs in the NPRM Are Underestimated

    One commenter states that the parts costs in the NPRM are 
underestimated and are actually much higher. We disagree. However, we 
found that TCM agreed to reduce the prices for these parts. The price 
for the TCM service kit, P/N EQ6642R is reduced from $2,477 to $1,858, 
and the price for the bushing is reduced from $105 to $53.

Revised Mandatory Service Bulletin

    The proposed AD referenced TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
MSB94-4E, dated January 24, 2005. Since we issued the NPRM, TCM revised 
that bulletin. This AD references the revised SB, TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, 
dated July 5, 2005.

Conclusion

    We 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 
determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden 
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    About 5,300 TCM GTSIO-520 series reciprocating engines of the 
affected design are in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 4,240 
engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD. We also estimate that it will take about one work hour per 
engine to perform one of the inspections, and about one work hour per 
engine to perform the bushing installation. We also estimate that it 
will take about six work hours per engine to install TCM service kit, 
P/N EQ6642R. The average labor rate is $65 per work hour. We estimate 
that about 25% (1,060) of the engines will require an unscheduled 
(rough-running engine) inspection, that each engine has eight 100-hour 
inspections per year, and two 400-hour inspections per year. We also 
estimate that about 50% (2,120) of the engines will require the bushing 
installed and TCM service kit, P/N EQ6642R installed. Required bushings 
will cost about $53 per engine and required service kits will cost 
about $1,858 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total 
cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $7,840,820.

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:

[[Page 56357]]

    (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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2005-20-04 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-14297. Docket 
No. FAA-2005-20850; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-05--AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
1, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) GTSIO-
520 series reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on, 
but not limited to, Twin Commander (formerly Aero Commander) model 
685, Cessna model 404, 411 series, and 421 series, British 
Aerospace, Aircraft Group, Scottish Division model B.206 series 2 
and Aeronautica Macchi, model AM-3 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from six service difficulty reports and one 
fatal accident report received related to failed starter adapter 
assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the starter 
adapter assembly and or crankshaft gear, resulting in failure of the 
engine and possible forced landing.

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.

Starter Adapter Shaft Gear Needle Bearing Replacement

    (f) If, during an inspection required by paragraph (g), (h), 
(i), or (j) of this AD, you find needle bearing, part number (P/N) 
537721, installed in the crankcase, replace it with bushing, P/N 
654472, before reassembling components. Use the bushing installation 
procedure specified in Part 4 of TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005.

Unscheduled Inspections for Rough-Running Engines

    (g) For any engine that experiences rough running conditions 
regardless of time-in-service (TIS), do the following:
    (1) Before further flight, perform the inspection procedures 
specified in Part 1 and Part 3 of TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 
5, 2005, and replace components as necessary.
    (2) An engine is considered rough-running if there is a sudden 
increase in the perceived vibration levels that cannot be cleared by 
adjustment of the engine controls; particularly the fuel mixture 
setting. Information on a rough running engines can be found in the 
aircraft manufacturer's Airplane Flight Manual, Pilot's Operating 
Handbook, or Aircraft Owners Manual.

100-Hour and Annual Inspections

    (h) For any engine, at the next 100-hour or annual inspection, 
whichever occurs first, do the following:
    (1) Perform the inspection procedures specified in Part 2 of TCM 
MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, and replace components as 
necessary.
    (2) Thereafter, at each 100-hour inspection, (plus or minus 10 
hours), and annual inspection, perform repetitive inspections and 
component replacements as specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Starter Adapters With 400 Hours or More Time-In-Service (TIS) or 
Unknown TIS

    (i) For any starter adapter with 400 hours or more TIS or 
unknown TIS on the effective date of this AD, do the following:
    (1) Within 25 hours TIS, perform the inspection procedures 
specified in Part 3 of TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, and 
replace components as necessary.
    (2) Thereafter, at 400-hour TIS intervals, (plus or minus 10 
hours), perform repetitive inspections and component replacements 
specified in Part 3 of TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, and 
replace components as necessary.

Starter Adapters With Fewer Than 400 Hours TIS

    (j) For any starter adapter with fewer than 400 hours TIS on the 
effective date of this AD, do the following:
    (1) Upon accumulation of 400 hours TIS, (plus or minus 10 
hours), perform the inspection procedures specified in Part 3 of TCM 
MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, and replace components as 
necessary.
    (2) Thereafter, at 400-hour TIS intervals, (plus or minus 10 
hours), perform repetitive inspections and component replacements, 
as specified in Part 3 of TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, 
and replace components as necessary.

Installation of TCM Service Kit, EQ6642R

    (k) At the next engine overhaul or starter adapter replacement 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the 
following:
    (1) Install TCM service kit, P/N EQ6642R. Use the service kit 
installation procedures specified in Part 5 of TCM MSB No. MSB94-4F, 
dated July 5, 2005.
    (2) Continue performing the inspections and component 
replacements specified in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.

Prohibition of Special Flight Permits for Rough-Running Engines

    (l) Special flight permits are prohibited for rough-running 
engines described in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) 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

    (n) European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2004-0006, dated December 
15, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use Teledyne Continental Motors Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. MSB94-4F, dated July 5, 2005, to perform the actions 
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Teledyne 
Continental Motors, Inc., PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone 
(251) 438-3411 for a copy of this service information. For the 
Teledyne Continental Motors Web site: Go to http://www.TCMLINK.com. 
You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility; U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif 
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001, on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 20, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19149 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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