Airworthiness Directives: Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate Previously Held by Textron Lycoming) and Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) Turbocharged Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37629-37632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16087]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0126; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-03-AD; 
Amendment 39-16726; AD 2011-13-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives: Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Textron Lycoming) and Teledyne Continental Motors 
(TCM) Turbocharged Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires inspecting certain Lycoming and 
TCM reciprocating engines with certain Hartzell Engine Technologies, 
LLC (HET) turbochargers installed, and disassembly and cleaning of the 
turbocharger center housing and rotating assembly (CHRA) cavities of 
affected turbochargers. This AD was prompted by a turbocharger failure 
due to machining debris left in the cavities of the CHRA during 
manufacture. We are issuing this AD to prevent seizure of the 
turbocharger turbine, which could result in damage to the engine, and 
smoke in the airplane cabin.

DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 13, 
2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 12, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-

[[Page 37630]]

30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Hartzell 
Engine Technologies, LLC, 2900 Selma Highway, Montgomery, AL 36108, 
phone: 334-386-5400; fax: 334-386-5450. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Wechsler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5575; fax: 404-474-5606; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    HET recently informed us of a failure of one of their turbochargers 
installed on a TCM TSIO-550-K model reciprocating engine. HET 
identified the cause of the failure as machining debris left in the 
CHRA. HET also informed us that the debris was a by-product of 
manufacture that had not been removed. This debris, if present, could 
result in seizure of the turbocharger turbine, which could result in 
damage to the engine, and smoke in the airplane cabin.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. 040, Revision A, dated December 22, 2010. The SB describes 
procedures for identifying affected turbochargers, and performing a 
one-time disassembly, CHRA cleaning, and reassembly.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other turbochargers of the same type 
design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the cleaning specified in the 
service information described previously.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
airplanes with no more than 50 hours time-in-service on new or 
overhauled affected turbochargers are at risk of the unsafe condition 
described in this AD. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity 
for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists 
for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2011-0126 and 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-03-AD at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that about 2,761 turbochargers are installed on 
Lycoming and TCM engines, installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate it will take about 1 work-hour to inspect each 
turbocharger and that 264 turbochargers will fail inspection and 
require corrective action. Each corrective action will require 3 work-
hours. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. No additional parts 
are required. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on 
U.S. operators to be $391,765. Our cost estimate is exclusive of 
possible warranty coverage.

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 turbochargers identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 37631]]


    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 (AD):

2011-13-03 Lycoming Engines (Type certificate previously held by 
Textron Lycoming) and Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) Turbocharged 
Reciprocating Engines: Amendment 39-16726; Docket No. FAA-2011-0126; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-03-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective July 13, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Lycoming Engines and TCM turbocharged 
reciprocating engines listed in, but not limited to, Table 1 of this 
AD, with the following Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC (HET) 
turbocharger models TA3601, TAO401, TAO402, TAO411, TAO413, T1879, 
T18A21, T18A44, THO867, and TEO659, installed:
    (1) Newly manufactured turbochargers (otherwise known as the -
0000 series) before serial number H-NJL00003, or rebuilt (otherwise 
known as the -9000 series) before serial number H-NJR00002; and
    (2) With less than 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the 
effective date of this AD; and
    (3) With a part number listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of this AD; 
and
    (4) With a ``slanted A'' foundry mark located on the center 
housing and rotating assembly (CHRA).

                        Table 1--Engines Affected
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TSIO-520-BE.
TSIO-360-MB, SB.
TIO-540-AK1A.
L/TSIO-360-RB.
TIO-540-AE2A.
TSIO-360-H.
O-540-L3C5D.
TSIO-520-T.
L/TO-360-E1A6D.
TIO-540-AG1A.
TIO-540-AF1A.
TIO-540-AF1B.
TIO-540-AH1A.
TIO-541-E1D4.
TIO-541-E1C4.
TIGO-541-E.
GTSIO-520-F.
GTSIO-520-K.
GTSIO-520-D.
GTSIO-520-H.
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                                Table 2--KAES Turbocharger Part Numbers Affected
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    406990-9004        407540-0003        407540-9003        407800-9003        408590-9012        048610-0001
    465292-0001        465292-9001        465292-0002        465292-9002        465292-0004        465292-9004
    465398-9002        466011-0002        466011-9002        466304-0003        466304-9003        466642-0001
    466642-0002        466642-9002        466642-0005        466642-9005        466642-0006        466642-0007
    408610-9001        465398-0002        466642-9001                N/A                N/A                N/A
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                         Table 3--Original Equipment Turbocharger Part Numbers Affected
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       637374-1           633274-4           635034-2           642518-4             646677           649151-1
       649151-2                 46C19836           46C19839           46C22924             C295001-0301       C295001-0304
       LW-10191           LW-13310           LW-16254                N/A                N/A                N/A
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    (d) This AD does not require action for:
    (1) Turbochargers with more than 50 hours TIS on the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Turbochargers with a circled ``JT'' foundry mark on the 
CHRA.
    (e) This AD does not apply to engines with new or overhauled 
turbochargers installed on or before September 2001.

Unsafe Condition

    (f) This AD was prompted by a turbocharger failure due to 
machining debris that was not cleaned from the cavities of the 
center housing and rotating assembly (CHRA), during manufacture. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent seizure of the turbocharger turbine, 
which could result in damage to the engine, and smoke in the 
airplane cabin.

Compliance

    (g) Unless already done, disassemble, clean, and reassemble the 
turbochargers affected by this AD as follows:

Turbochargers With Between 0 and 10 Hours TIS

    (1) For affected turbochargers including overhauls, with between 
0 and 10 hours TIS on the effective date of this AD, before further 
flight, disassemble the turbocharger, clean the CHRA center housing 
cavity, and reassemble the turbocharger.

Turbochargers With More Than 10 Hours TIS But Less Than 50 Hours TIS

    (2) For affected turbochargers including overhauls, with more 
than 10 hours TIS but less than 50 hours TIS on the effective date 
of this AD, within the next 10 hours TIS, disassemble the 
turbocharger, clean the CHRA center housing cavity, and reassemble 
the turbocharger.
    (3) Use paragraphs 1 through 10 of the CLEANING CHRA CENTER 
HOUSING section of Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC SB No. 040, 
Revision A, dated December 22, 2010, to do the cleaning.
    (4) The reference to Step 16 in paragraph 10 of the CLEANING 
CHRA CENTER HOUSING section of Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC SB 
No. 040, Revision A, dated December 22, 2010, is incorrect. The 
correct reference is Step 9.

Turbochargers With More Than 50 Hours TIS

    (h) For turbochargers with more than 50 hours TIS on the 
effective date of this AD, no further action is required.

Special Flight Permits

    (i) Special flight permits are restricted to day Visual 
Meteorological Conditions flight only.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) For more information about this AD, contact Gary Wechsler, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5575; fax: 
404-474-5606; e-mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC Service 
Bulletin No. 040, Revision A, dated December 22, 2010, to clean the 
turbocharger.
    (m) 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.
    (n) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC, 2900 Selma Highway, Montgomery, 
AL 36108, phone: 334-386-5400; fax: 334-386-5450.
    (o) You may review copies of the service information that is 
incorporated by at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on

[[Page 37632]]

the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. 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 June 14, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-16087 Filed 6-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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