Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Fuel Injected Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 188 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58339-58342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23617]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; Directorate Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD; 
Amendment 39-18269; AD 2015-19-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Fuel Injected 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-26-04 for 
certain fuel injected reciprocating engines manufactured by Lycoming 
Engines. AD 2011-26-04 required inspection, replacement if necessary, 
and proper clamping of externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines. 
This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2011-26-04, and expands the 
list of affected engine models. This AD was prompted by revised service 
information that added engine models to the applicability. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines, 
which could lead to uncontrolled engine fire, engine damage, and damage 
to the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 3, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone: 
800-258-3279; fax: 570-327-7101; Internet: www.lycoming.com/Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ServiceBulletins.aspx. You may view this 
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. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2007-0218.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2007-
0218; 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 address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 
516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2011-26-04, Amendment 39-16894 (76 FR 79051, 
December 21, 2011), (``AD 2011-26-04''). AD 2011-26-04 applied to 
certain fuel injected reciprocating engines manufactured by Lycoming 
Engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 25, 
2013 (78 FR 70240). The NPRM was prompted by revised service 
information that added engine models to the applicability. The NPRM 
proposed to expand the scope by adding the IO-540-C1C5 and IO-540-D4B5 
engine models and requiring inspection, replacement if necessary, and 
proper clamping of externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines, 
which could lead to uncontrolled engine fire, engine damage, and damage 
to the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
342G, dated July 16, 2013; Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 342G, dated 
August 29, 2013; and Supplement No. 2 to MSB No. 342G, dated January 
23, 2014. The service information describes procedures for fuel line 
and support clamp inspection and installation. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments

[[Page 58340]]

received on the proposal and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Add an Engine Model

    Aerotech Publications and an individual commenter requested that 
the Lycoming LIO-360-M1A be added to the AD. The justification given 
was that the type certificate data sheet, 1E10, shows the LIO-360-M1A 
to be identical to the IO-360-M1A except with counter rotation. 
Additionally, unless specific engine models are listed in the AD, 
exempting those engines with maintenance manuals would prevent the 
maintenance technician from knowing which engines are exempt.
    We disagree. The engine certification basis determines if an engine 
model's mandatory maintenance will be managed by a dedicated engine 
maintenance manual (EMM) with an airworthiness limitations section 
(ALS) or by manufacturer's service bulletins (SBs). Engines certified 
to 14 CFR 33, as was LIO-360-M1A, have a dedicated EMM with an ALS that 
includes the fuel tube inspection in Section 05-00-00. We did not 
change this AD.

Request To Add Service Information

    Lycoming Engines requested that Lycoming SB 342G, Supplement No. 2, 
dated January 23, 2014 be added to this AD. Lycoming said that SB 342G, 
Supplement No. 2 removes the eight inch spacing dimension between 
clamps and corrects Diagram No. 30 for the IO-540-M1C5 engine model.
    We agree. We changed this AD to include Lycoming SB 342G, 
Supplement No. 2.

Request To Allow Previously Approved Alternative Methods of Compliance 
(AMOCs)

    Central Airlines requested that AMOCs previously approved in AD 
2008-14-07 and AD 2011-26-04 be allowed for use in this AD.
    We agree. We changed the AMOC paragraph in this AD by adding: 
``AMOCs previously approved for AD 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602 (73 
FR 39574, July 10, 2008) (``AD 2008-14-07'') and AD 2011-26-04, 
Amendment 39-16894 (76 FR 79051, December 21, 2011) (``AD 2011-26-04'') 
are approved as AMOCs to the corresponding requirements in paragraph 
(e) of this AD.''

Request To Change Applicability

    An anonymous commenter requested that Continental and Jacobs R-755 
engines, be added to the applicability of this AD. There was no 
justification provided for the request to add Continental engine(s). 
The commenter said that the Jacobs R-755 engine uses the same fuel 
units and Lycoming fuel injector tubes.
    We disagree. We have received no data to indicate that any other 
engines, including Continental engines, have the same problem as the 
Lycoming engines. We also do not agree with adding the Jacbos R-755 
engine to the applicability because the unsafe condition for this AD 
concerns missing or improperly clamped fuel injector fuel lines. We 
have received no reports of problems with fuel injector fuel lines for 
the R-755; therefore, the R-755 engine does not need to be included in 
this AD. We did not change this AD.

Correction to Applicability

    Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 70240, November 25, 2013) (``the 
NPRM''), we determined that a discussion of a change to the engine 
model applicability was omitted from the NPRM. Engine model LIO-360-M1A 
was removed from the Applicability paragraph in this AD because the 
fuel tube inspections are documented in the ALS for this engine model.
    We also determined that the NPRM incorrectly stated that the 
proposed AD action would add three engine models to the applicability 
list of the affected engines. The NPRM added two engine models, the IO-
540-C1C5 and IO-540-D4B5, to applicability list of affected engines.

Correction to the Costs of Compliance

    Since we issued the NPRM, we determined that the Costs of 
Compliance paragraph was incorrect. We changed the Costs of Compliance 
paragraph in this AD to correct that error.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that 
these changes:
    <bullet> [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 37,270 engines installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will require 1 
hour to inspect 19,081 four cylinder engines, 1.5 hours to inspect 
18,000 six cylinder engines, and 2 hours to inspect 189 eight cylinder 
engines. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$3,949,015.

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 to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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,

[[Page 58341]]

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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-26-04 (76 FR 79051, 
December 21, 2011) (``AD 2011-26-04''); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2015-19-07 Lycoming Engines (Type Certificate previously held by 
Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation) Fuel Injected 
Reciprocating Engines: Amendment 39-18269; Docket No. FAA-2007-0218; 
Directorate Identifier 92-ANE-56-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 3, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-26-04, Amendment 39-16894 (76 FR 
79051, December 21, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Lycoming Engines fuel injected reciprocating 
engine models identified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, 
with externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines (stainless steel 
tube assembly), installed.

            Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Engine Models Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Engine                               Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-320.............................  -D1B, -D2B, -E1B, -E2B.
AIO-320..............................  -A1B, -BIB, -C1B.
IO-320...............................  -B1A, -B1C, -C1A, -D1A, -D1B, -
                                        E1A, -E1B, -E2A, -E2B.
LIO-320..............................  -B1A, -C1A.
AEIO-360.............................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1D, -A1E, -
                                        A1E6, -B1F, -B2F, -B1G6, -B1H, -
                                        B4A, -H1A, -H1B.
AIO-360..............................  -A1A, -A1B, -B1B.
HIO-360..............................  -A1A, -A1B, -B1A, -C1A, -C1B, -
                                        D1A, -E1AD, -E1BD, -F1AD, -G1A.
IO-360...............................  -A1A, -A1B, -A1B6, -A1B6D, -A1C,
                                        A1D, -A1D6, -A2A, -A2B, -A3B6, -
                                        A3B6D, -B1B, -B1D, -B1E, -B1F, -
                                        B1G6, -B2F, -B2F6, -B4A, -C1A, -
                                        C1B, -C1C, -C1C6, -C1D6, -C1E6,
                                        C1F, -C1G6, -F1A, -J1A6D, -M1B,
                                        L2A, -M1A.
IVO-360..............................  -A1A.
LIO-360..............................  -C1E6.
TIO-360..............................  -A1B, -C1A6D.
IGO-480..............................  -A1B6.
AEIO-540.............................  -D4A5, -D4B5, -D4D5, -L1B5, -
                                        L1B5D, -L1D5.
IGO-540..............................  -B1A, -B1C.
IO-540...............................  -A1A5, -AA1A5, -AA1B5, -AB1A5, -
                                        AC1A5, -AE1A5, -B1A5, -B1C5, -
                                        C1B5, -C1C5, -C4B5, -C4D5D, -
                                        D4A5, -D4B5, -E1A5, -E1B5, -
                                        G1A5, -G1B5, -G1C5, -G1D5, -
                                        G1E5, -G1F5, -J4A5, -V4A5D, -
                                        K1A5, -K1A5D, -K1B5, -K1C5, -
                                        K1D5, -K1E5, -K1E5D, -K1F5, -
                                        K1H5, -K1J5, -K1F5D, -K1G5, -
                                        K1G5D, -K1H5, -K1J5D, -K1K5, -
                                        K1E5, -K1E5D, -K1F5, -K1J5, -
                                        L1C5, -M1A5, -M1B5D, -M1C5, -
                                        N1A5, -P1A5, -R1A5, -S1A5, -
                                        T4A5D, -T4B5, -T4B5D, -T4C5D, -
                                        V4A5, -V4A5D, -W1A5, -W1A5D, -
                                        W3A5D.
IVO-540..............................  -A1A.
LTIO-540.............................  -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD, -R2AD,
                                        -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A.
TIO-540..............................  -A1A, -A1B, -A2A, -A2B, -A2C, -
                                        AE2A, -AH1A, -AA1AD, -AF1A, -
                                        AF1B, -AG1A, -AB1AD, -AB1BD, -
                                        AH1A, -AJ1A, -AK1A, -C1A, -E1A,
                                        G1A, -F2BD, -J2B, -J2BD, -N2BD,
                                        R2AD, -S1AD, -U2A, -V2AD, -W2A.
TIVO-540.............................  -A2A.
IO-720...............................  -A1A, -A1B, -D1B, -D1BD, -D1C, -
                                        D1CD, -B1B, -B1BD, -C1B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Engine models IO-540-AG1A5, LIO-360-M1A, IO-390-A Series, AEIO-
390-A Series, IO-540-AF1A5, IO-580-B1A, and AEIO-580-B1A, are not 
listed in Table 1. These engine models are accounted for in the 
Maintenance and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness Limitations 
Section. As Lycoming has more engine models certified they will add 
them to this list of engines with a Maintenance and Overhaul Manual. 
To determine if your engine has a Maintenance and Overhaul Manual 
you can either contact Lycoming, or you can refer to Lycoming's list 
of maintenance publications for engines that have a Maintenance and 
Overhaul Manual.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by revised service information that added 
engine models to the applicability. This service information adds 
engine models requiring inspection and technical updates. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines, 
which could lead to uncontrolled engine fire, engine damage, and 
damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Initial Inspections
    (i) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect the fuel injector fuel lines and clamps 
between the fuel manifold and the fuel injector nozzles. Use 
Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342G, dated 
July 16, 2013; Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 342G, dated August 29, 
2013; and Supplement No. 2 to MSB No. 342G, dated January 23, 2014 
to perform the inspection. Replace any fuel injector fuel line or 
clamp that fails the inspection required by the Fuel Line Inspection 
and Installation Checklist in MSB No. 342G.
    (ii) Thereafter, re-inspect after any maintenance is done on the 
engine where any clamp on a fuel injector fuel line was 
disconnected, moved, or loosened, and within every 110 hours TIS and 
after each engine overhaul. Use Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, dated 
July 16, 2013; Supplement No. 1 to MSB No. 342G, dated August 29, 
2013; and Supplement No. 2 to MSB No. 342G, dated January 23, 2014 
to perform the inspection and the Fuel Line Inspection and 
Installation Checklist in MSB No. 342G to perform the re-inspection.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you inspected your fuel injector fuel lines and clamps using 
Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342F, dated June 4, 2010, or earlier 
versions, you met the initial inspection requirements of this AD. 
However, you must still comply with the repetitive inspection 
requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD.

[[Page 58342]]

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request. AMOCs previously approved for AD 2008-14-07, 
Amendment 39-15602 (73 FR 39574, July 10, 2008) (``AD 2008-14-07'') 
and AD 2011-26-04, Amendment 39-16894 (76 FR 79051, December 21, 
2011) (``AD 2011-26-04'') are approved as AMOCs to the corresponding 
requirements in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Norm Perenson, 
Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NE-07-49R1 
contains additional information on this subject.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342G, 
dated July 16, 2013.
    (ii) Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, Supplement No. 1, dated 
August 29, 2013.
    (iii) Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, Supplement No. 2, dated 
January 23, 2014.
    (3) For Lycoming Engines service information identified in this 
AD, contact Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 
17701; phone: 800-258-3279; fax: 570-327-7101; Internet: http://www.lycoming.com/Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ServiceBulletins.aspx.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information 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 11, 2015.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2015-23617 Filed 9-28-15; 8:45 am]
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