Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts and Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron Lycoming) Fuel-Injected Engines

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 147 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45655-45657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-18168]



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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 147 / Monday, August 1, 2011 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 45655]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0547; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-13-AD; 
Amendment 39-16757; AD 2011-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts and Lycoming Engines 
(Formerly Textron Lycoming) Fuel-Injected Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Superior Air Parts and Lycoming (formerly Textron Lycoming) fuel-
injected engines. This AD requires removing from service, certain fuel 
servos. This AD was prompted by an accident involving a Piper PA32R-
301. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 16, 
2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 15, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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-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 AVStar Fuel 
Systems, Inc., 1365 Park Lane South, Jupiter, FL 33458; phone: 561-575-
1560; Web site: www.avstardirect.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. 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: Neil Duggan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5576; fax: 404-474-5606; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On August 10, 2010, a Piper PA32R-301 airplane crashed after 
reporting a loss of engine power. The subsequent investigation by the 
National Transportation Safety Board suspects a faulty fuel servo, 
Bendix model RSA-10ED1. AVStar Fuel Systems (AFS) had overhauled the 
fuel servo using a new AFS diaphragm, part number (P/N) AV2541803. The 
diaphragm failed after 19 flight hours (FH) since new due to suspected 
manufacturing defects. AVStar Fuel Systems produces diaphragms, P/Ns 
AV2541801 and AV2541803 under a parts manufacturing authorization 
(PMA). Diaphragms produced from specific lot numbers could have stud 
threads that don't meet design, incomplete braze between the stud and 
hub, and studs made from lower temper material. Diaphragms from these 
lots could fail in fatigue prematurely. About 261 diaphragms, P/Ns 
AV2541801 and AV2541803, might still be service inside either AFS new 
or overhauled servos of any manufacturer (Bendix or Precision). Other 
overhaul facilities may also have purchased AFS diaphragms between the 
dates of May 21, 2010, and October 19, 2010, and used these diaphragms 
in their overhauls. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
an in-flight engine shutdown due to a failed fuel servo diaphragm and 
damage to the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed AFS Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) AFS-SB6, Revision 
2, dated April 6, 2011. The MSB provides P/Ns and serial numbers (S/Ns) 
of affected servos.

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 products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 5 FH after the effective date of this AD, 
removing your fuel servo if AFS Diaphragm P/N AV2541801 or AV2541803 
was installed at any time after May 20, 2010, as specified in AFS MSB 
AFS-SB6, Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    AVStar Fuel Systems MSB AFS-SB6, Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011, 
doesn't specify a compliance time and recommends limiting special 
flight permits to delivery to a service location. This AD requires 
performing the required actions within 5 FH and prohibits special 
flight permits.

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 of 
the compliance requirement of 5 FH. Therefore, we find that notice and 
opportunity for prior

[[Page 45656]]

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-2011-0547 and 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-13-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 this AD affects 60,000 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 0.5 
work-hour per engine to perform the inspection, 2.0 work-hours per 
engine to remove the servo from 261 engines with discrepant AFS 
Diaphragm P/N AV2541801 or AV2541803 installed and that the average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We estimate the parts cost to be $565 
per servo. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD 
to U.S. operators to be $2,736,735.

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

    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:

    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):

2011-15-10 Superior Air Parts and Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron 
Lycoming): Amendment 39-16757; Docket No. FAA-2011-0547; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NE-13-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 16, 2011.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Superior Air Parts engine models and 
Lycoming engine models listed in Table 1 of this AD with an AVStar 
Fuel Systems (AFS) fuel servo diaphragm, part numbers (P/Ns) 
AV2541801 and AV2541803, installed.

        Table 1--Affected Lycoming and Superior Air Parts Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Engine manufacturer                      Engine model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lycoming Engines.....................  AEIO-320-D1B, -D2B, -E1A, -E1B, -
                                        E2A, -E2B.
                                       AIO-320-A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -
                                        B1B, -C1B.
                                       IO-320-A1A, -A2A, -B1A, -B1B, -
                                        B1C, -B1E, -B1D, -B2A, -C1A, -
                                        C1B, -D1A, -D1C, -D1B, -E1A, -
                                        E1B, -E2A, -E2B, -F1A.
                                       LIO-320-B1A, -C1A.
                                       AEIO-360-A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1E6,
                                        -A1C, -A1D, -A1E, -A2A, -A2B, -
                                        A2C, -B1B, -B1D, -B1F, -B1F6, -
                                        B1G6, -B2F, -B2F6, -B1H, -B4A, -
                                        H1A, -H1B.
                                       AIO-360-A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -
                                        B1B.
                                       HIO-360-A1A, -A1B, -B1A, -B1B, -
                                        C1A, -C1B, -E1AD, -E1BD, -F1AD,
                                        G1A.
                                       IO-360-A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1B6D,
                                        A1C, -A1D, -A1D6, -A1D6D, -A2A,
                                        A2B, -A2C, -A3B6, -A3B6D, -
                                        A3D6D, -B1A, -B1B, -B1C, -B1D, -
                                        B1E, -B1F, -B1F6, -B1G6, -B2E, -
                                        B2F, -B2F6, -B4A, -C1A, -C1B, -
                                        C1C, -C1C6, -C1D6, -C1E6, -
                                        C1E6D, -C1F,-C1G6, -D1A, -E1A, -
                                        F1A, -J1AD, -J1A6D, -K2A, -L2A,
                                        M1A, -M1B.
                                       LIO-360-C1E6, -M1A.
                                       TIO-360-A1A, -A1B, -A3B6, -C1A6D.

[[Page 45657]]

 
                                       IO-540-A1A5, -B1A5, -B1B5, -B1C5,
                                        -C1B5, -C1C5, -C2C, -C4B5, -
                                        C4B5D, -C4D5, -C4C5, -C4D5D, -
                                        D4A5, -D4B5, -D4C5, -E1A5, -
                                        E1B5, -E1C5, -G1A5, -G1B5, -
                                        G1C5, -G1D5, -G1E5, -G1F5, -
                                        J4A5, -K1A5, -K1A5D, -K1B5, -
                                        K1B5D, -K1C5, -K1D5, -K1E5, -
                                        K1E5D, -K1F5, -K1F5D, -K1G5, -
                                        K1G5D, -K1H5, -K1J5, -K1J5D, -
                                        K1K5, -K2A5, -L1A5, -L1A5D, -
                                        L1B5D, -L1C5, -M1A5, -M1A5D, -
                                        M1B5D, -M1C5, -M2A5D, -N1A5, -
                                        P1A5, -R1A5, -S1A5, -T4A5D, -
                                        T4B5, -T4B5D, -T4C5D, -U1A5D, -
                                        U1B5D, -V4A5D, -V4A5, -W1A5, -
                                        W1A5D, -W3A5D, -AA1A5, -AA1B5, -
                                        AB1A5, -AC1A5, -AE1A5, -AF1A5.
                                       IGO-480-A1A6, -A1B6.
                                       AEIO-540-D4A5, -D4B5, -D4C5, -
                                        D4D5, -L1B5D, -L1B5, -L1D5.
                                       IVO-540-A1A.
                                       TIO-540-A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -
                                        A1C, -A2C, -C1A, -E1A, -F2BD, -
                                        G1A, -H1A, -J2B, -J2BD, -K1AD, -
                                        N2BD, -R2AD, -S1AD, -T2AD, -U2A,
                                        -V2AD, -W2A, -AA1AD, -AB1AD, -
                                        AB1BD, -AE2A, -AF1A, -AF1B, -
                                        AG1A, -AH1A, -AJ1A, -AK1A.
                                       LTIO-540-F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -
                                        K1AD, -N2BD, -R2AD, -U2A, -V2AD,
                                        -W2A.
                                       IO-720-A1A, -A1B, -A1BD, -B1A, -
                                        B1B, -B1BD, -C1B, -C1BD, -D1B, -
                                        D1BD, -D1C, -D1CD.
                                       TIGO-541-B1A, -C1A, -D1A, -D1B, -
                                        E1A, -G1AD.
Superior Air Parts...................  IO-360-A1A1, A1A2, A2A1, A2A2,
                                        A3A1, A3A2, B1A1, B1A2, B2A1,
                                        B2A2, B3A1, B3A2, B4A1, B4A2,
                                        B5A1, B5A2, B6A1, B6A2, C1A1,
                                        C1A2, C2A1, C2A2, C2A1, C3A2,
                                        D1A1, D1A2, D2A1, D2A2, D3A1,
                                        D3A2, D4A1, D4A2, D5A1, D5A2,
                                        D6A1, D6A2, E1A1, E1A2, E2A1,
                                        E2A2, E3A1, E3A2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an accident involving a Piper PA32R-301. 
We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Remove Fuel Servo

    If an AFS fuel servo diaphragm P/N AV2541801 or AV2541803 was 
installed in your fuel servo at any time after May 20, 2010, do the 
following as specified AVStar Fuel Systems (AFS) Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) AFS-SB6, Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011:
    (1) Before further flight remove the fuel servo.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, don't install any 
affected fuel servo containing a discrepant AVStar fuel servo 
diaphragm, P/N AV2541801 or AV2541803, as listed in AFS MSB AFS-SB6, 
Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011.

(g) Special Flight Permit

    We will not issue a special flight permit.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Neil Duggan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5576; fax: (404) 
474-5606; e-mail: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use AVStar Fuel Systems Mandatory Service Bulletin 
AFS-SB6, Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011, to do the actions required 
by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) under 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the following service 
information on the date specified:
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of AVStar Fuel Systems Mandatory Service 
Bulletin AFS-SB6, Revision 2, dated April 6, 2011, on September 6, 
2011 under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
AVStar Fuel Systems, Inc., 1365 Park Lane South, Jupiter, FL 33458; 
561-575-1560; Web site: http://www.avstardirect.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, 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 July 13, 2011.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-18168 Filed 7-29-11; 8:45 am]
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