Airworthiness Directives; Meggitt (Troy), Inc. Combustion Heaters

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 61 (Friday, March 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15988-15993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05234]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0603; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD; 
Amendment 39-18827; AD 2017-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Meggitt (Troy), Inc. Combustion Heaters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-09-09 for 
certain Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as Stewart Warner South 
Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South Wind Division) Model 
Series (to include all the variants) 921, 930, 937, 940, 944, 945, 977, 
978, 979, 8240, 8253, 8259, and 8472 combustion heaters. AD 81-09-09 
required repetitive inspections of the combustion heater; repetitive 
installation inspections of the combustion heater; and, for combustion 
heaters having 1,000 hours or more time-in-service (TIS), overhaul of 
the combustion heater. This new AD requires detailed repetitive 
inspections, repetitive pressure decay tests, and disable/removal of 
the combustion heater if necessary. This AD was prompted by an airplane 
accident and reports that the heater was malfunctioning. We are issuing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 5, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 5, 2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 
47588; telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0603.

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-2014-
0603; 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: Chung-Der Young, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-7309; fax (847) 294-7834 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39- 4102 (46 
FR 24936, May 4, 1981) (``AD 81-09-09''). The SNPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 3, 2016 (81 FR 76532). We preceded the 
SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the 
Federal Register on August 20, 2014 (79 FR 49249). The NPRM proposed to 
retain most actions from AD 81-09-09, add a calendar time to the 
repetitive inspections, add more detailed actions to the inspections, 
and add a pressure decay test (PDT). The NPRM was prompted by an 
airplane accident and reports we received of the heater malfunctioning. 
The SNPRM proposed to retain the actions proposed in the NPRM, add 
combustion heater models series to the applicability, and modify the 
compliance times. We also completed and included in the SNPRM an 
initial regulatory flexibility analysis. We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requested we change the 
wording in paragraph (k) of this AD, Removal or Disable of the 
Combustion Heater. If an operator installs or re-enables an applicable 
combustion heater, the SNPRM requires the operator to do either the 
inspections required by the AD, disable the heater, or remove the 
heater. However, the actions of remove or disable would not apply to an 
operator installing or re-enabling a heater. EASA requested we only 
require the inspections for a heater that has been re-enabled and only 
require the inspections or disable options for a heater that has been 
installed.
    We partially agree with this comment. We agree that the wording of 
the SNPRM may be confusing--re-enable the heater and then disable or 
remove it. However, we do not agree with completely omitting the 
disable or removal options. If an operator installs or re-enables an 
applicable heater, that heater must be inspected as required by the AD, 
and, if it fails the inspections, the heater must be disabled or 
removed.
    We changed the language in paragraph (k) of this AD, Removal or

[[Page 15989]]

Disable of the Combustion Heater, to clarify our intent.

Supportive Comment

    Tony Dillberg concurred with the SNPRM as drafted.

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, replacing the initial 
regulatory flexibly analysis (IRFA) with a final regulatory flexibility 
analysis (FRFA), and minor editorial changes. We have determined that 
the change from an IRFA to a FRFA and the minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information that applies to this 
AD:

--Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual for 
Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 
8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998, 
revised: December 1969;
--South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service Manual Beech 
Aircraft Corporation PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 
8253-B), Part No. 404-001056 Blower Assy. (SW G-716307), Part No. G-
714127 Thermostat (SW G-714127), revised: April 1965; and
--South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service Manual South 
Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, issued: April 1975.

    For the applicable models as specified, the service information 
above describes procedures for inspection of the combustion heater and 
inspection of the installation of the combustion heater for the 
applicable heater models.
    We also reviewed Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test, 
Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014. This service information 
describes procedures for the PDT for airplane combustion heaters for 
certain heater models specified in the document.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed the following service information that applies to this 
AD.

--South Wind Service Manual P.M. 35710 Aircraft Heaters 8240-E, 8259-
HL1, HL2, -L, supplements attached HR2.JR2.M;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual South 
Wind Aircraft Heaters Series 921 and 930, Ind-506, Revision 4-53;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual 
SouthWind Series 940 Heater, PM-10035, Revision 3-82;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual South 
Wind Model 978 Personal Heater, Form No. PM6348 (12-56);
--South Wind Service Manual Model 979-B1 Aircraft Heater, South Wind 
Division of Stewart-Warner Corporation, (3-51); and
--Navion Model 977-B Installation Manual Section I, Section II, Section 
III, and Section IV.

    For the applicable models specified in the documents, the service 
information above describes procedures for the inspections required by 
this AD and may be used for procedural guidance when applying for an 
alternative method of compliance.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 6,300 combustion heaters installed 
on, but not limited to, certain Beech, Britten-Norman, Cessna Aircraft 
Company, and Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                                       Labor cost                               Parts cost              product        operators
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Inspections and PDT of the combustion  7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595...................  Not Applicable............            $595      $3,748,500
 heater.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary combustion 
heater disable/removal/related component replacement that would be 
required based on the results of the inspections/PDT. We have no way of 
determining the number of airplanes that might need a combustion heater 
disable/removal/related component replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
            Action                               Labor cost                       Parts cost          product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace combustion heater      8 work-hours X $85 per hour = $680...........  $3,900............          $4,580
 tube.
Replace temperature switches.  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............  320...............             405
Repair pump..................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........  470...............             640
Disable heater...............  2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........  Not Applicable....             170
Remove heater................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255...........  Not Applicable....             255
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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

[[Page 15990]]

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.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    This section presents the final regulatory flexibility analysis 
(FRFA) that was done for this action. We have reworded and reformatted 
for Federal Register publication purposes. The FRFA in its original 
form can be found on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0603.

Introduction and Purpose of This Analysis

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) (RFA) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation.'' To achieve this principle, the RFA requires 
agencies to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to 
explain the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals 
are seriously considered.'' The RFA covers a wide-range of small 
entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and 
small governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a FRFA as described in the RFA. The FAA finds that this AD will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Accordingly, in the following sections we discuss the 
compliance requirements of the AD, the cost of compliance, and the 
economic impact on small entities.
    Section 604 of the Act requires agencies to prepare a FRFA 
describing the impact of final rules on small entities. Section 604(a) 
of the Act specifies the content of a FRFA.
    Each FRFA must contain:

--A statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule;
--A statement of the significant issues raised by the public comments 
in response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a statement 
of the assessment of the agency of such issues, and a statement of any 
changes made in the rule as a result of such comments;
--The response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in response to the 
proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change made in the final 
rule as a result of the comments;
--A description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to 
which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate is 
available;
--A description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and other 
compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the 
classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement and 
the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report 
or record; and
--A description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the 
significant economic impact on small entities consistent with the 
stated objectives of applicable statutes, including a statement of the 
factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the alternative 
adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other significant 
alternatives to the rule considered by the agency which affect the 
impact on small entities was rejected.

    The head of the FAA certifies that this rulemaking will result in a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

1. Objectives of, and Legal Basis for, the Final Rule

    Title 49 of the U.S. 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 FAA'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 the airplanes identified in this 
AD.

2. A Statement of the Significant Issues Raised by the Public, a 
Statement of the Assessment of the Agency of Such Issues, and a 
Statement of Any Changes Made

    There were no comments submitted on the economic analysis from the 
SNPRM (81 FR 76532, November 3, 2016), nor were there any comments 
submitted that specifically addressed small business entities.

3. The Response of the Agency to Any Comments Filed by the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in Response 
to the Proposed Rule, and a Detailed Statement of Any Change Made in 
the Final Rule as a Result of the Comments

    The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration 
did not comment on the proposed rulemaking.

4. A Description of and an Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to 
Which the Rule Will Apply or an Explanation of Why No Such Estimate Is 
Available

    The rulemaking will supersede AD 81-09-09, which applies to 8000 
series Meggitt combustion heaters installed on certain twin-engine 
piston airplanes, primarily Cessna 300 and 400 series airplanes, but 
also installed on the Beech D18S twin-engine airplane and some Britten 
Norman twin-engine piston airplanes. The AD will extend applicability 
to 900 series Meggitt combustion heaters installed on certain Cessna 
single-engine piston airplanes, Cessna 310 twin-engine airplanes, Lake 
LA-4 and LA-250 airplanes, certain Ryan Navion single-engine piston 
airplanes and certain Piper PA-23 and PA-30 airplanes. The FAA airplane 
registry indicates that there are 4,121 airplanes of the models 
equipped with 8000 series Meggitt combustion heaters, and 2,123 
airplanes of the models equipped with 900 series Meggitt combustion 
heaters. The FAA expects many of these airplanes will be owned by small 
entities in many different industries. These entities constitute a 
substantial number of small entities.
    Since many of these airplanes are registered to Limited Liability 
Companies (LLCs), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and other 
company forms typically suited for single proprietors, small 
partnerships, etc., we conclude that the cost of this AD will affect a 
substantial number of small entities.

[[Page 15991]]

5. Reporting, Record Keeping, and Other Compliance Requirements and 
Costs of the AD

    Small entities will incur no new reporting and record-keeping 
requirements as a result of this rule. The compliance requirements for 
this AD will carry over the following requirements from AD 81-09-09:

--Heater inspection every 250 hours of heater operation, in accordance 
with the manufacturer's service manual.
--General inspection of the heater installation at the same time as the 
250-hour inspection.
    This AD will add the following new provisions, which will apply to 
both 900 and 8000 series heaters installed on certain airplanes:
--During each 250-hour inspection, more detailed actions will be 
required, namely inspection of the thermostat and upper limit switches 
and inspection of the solenoid valve and fuel pump.
--At the same time as the 250-hour and installation inspection, a 
combustion heater pressure decay test (PDT) will be required. If the 
combustion heater fails the PDT, the operator will be required to 
replace the combustion tube.
--Operators have the options of disabling the heater.

    In the regulatory flexibility analysis for the SNPRM, the FAA 
estimated the total present value cost of compliance to be $6,020 for 
airplanes equipped with 8000 series Meggitt combustion heaters and 
$7,514 for airplanes equipped with 900 series Meggitt combustion 
heaters. The lower cost for airplanes with 8000 series combustion 
heaters reflects that 8000 series heaters are currently subject to the 
250-hour inspection and installation inspection requirements, and, 
therefore, the incremental cost will be correspondingly less for 
airplanes with 8000 series combustion heaters compared to airplanes 
with 900 series heaters.
    The airplanes equipped with the affected heaters are single- and 
twin-engine piston airplanes that, for the most part, were manufactured 
from the 1940s to the 1980s, and range in price from about $270,000 for 
a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle down to a price as low as $30,000 for a 
Piper 23-150 Apache. With a present value cost of about $6,000 for 
airplanes equipped with 8000 series Meggitt combustion heaters and a 
present value cost of about $7,500 for airplanes equipped with 900 
series Meggitt combustion heaters, the FAA considers the cost impact to 
be significant for nearly all such airplanes.

6. A Description of the Steps the Agency Has Taken To Minimize the 
Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities Consistent With the 
Stated Objectives of Applicable Statutes, Including a Statement of the 
Factual, Policy, and Legal Reasons for Selecting the Alternative 
Adopted in the Final Rule and Why Each One of the Other Significant 
Alternatives to the Rule Considered by the Agency Which Affect the 
Impact on Small Entities Was Rejected

    The FAA considered allowing more flight hours or calendar time 
before requiring compliance, but this alternative would increase the 
risk of another fatal accident. This AD allows the combustion heater to 
be disconnected or removed, but, operating without a heater is unlikely 
to be viable. Because of an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or 
develop on the airplanes identified in this AD, there is no feasible 
significant alternative to requiring the actions of this AD.
    Accordingly, since airplanes equipped with Meggitt combustion 
heaters have values low enough to consider that airplane operators will 
incur a significant expense inspecting and testing the heaters, and 
since many of these airplanes are registered LLCs, LLPs and other 
company forms typically suited for single proprietors and small 
partnerships, the FAA therefore concludes that this AD will have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will 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 removing AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-
4102 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981), and adding the following new AD:

2017-06-03 Meggitt (Troy), Inc.: Amendment 39-18827; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0603; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 5, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, 
May 4, 1981).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as 
Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South 
Wind Division) Models (to include all dash number and model number 
variants) 921, 930, 937, 940, 944, 945, 977, 978, 979, 8240, 8253, 
8259, and 8472 combustion heaters that:
    (i) Are installed on, but not limited to, certain Beech, 
Britten-Norman, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
airplanes; and
    (ii) certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2140; Heating System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an airplane accident and reports we 
received that the combustion heater was malfunctioning. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct a hazardous condition caused 
by deterioration of the combustion heater, which could lead to 
ignition of components and result in smoke and fumes in the cabin.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD by doing one of the actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD at the compliance times indicated, 
unless already done. If the hours of combustion heater operation 
cannot be determined, use 50 percent of the airplane's hours time-
in-service (TIS):
    (1) Perform the actions specified in paragraphs (g) through (j) 
of this AD;
    (2) Disable the heater following the instructions in paragraph 
(k)(1) of this AD; or
    (3) Remove the heater following the instructions in paragraph 
(k)(2) of this AD.

[[Page 15992]]

(g) Inspections and Pressure Decay Test (PDT) of the Combustion Heater

    Within the next 10 hours TIS of the combustion heater after May 
5, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) or the next scheduled 100-
hour inspection, annual inspection, or phase inspection that occurs 
30 days after May 5, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), whichever 
occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
250 hours of combustion heater operation or two years, whichever 
occurs first, do the following inspections and PDT listed in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD. You may do one of the 
actions in paragraph (k)(1) or (2) of this AD in lieu of doing the 
inspections required by paragraph (g).
    (1) Inspections using the instructions in paragraph (i)(1) or 
(j) of this AD, as applicable.
    (2) Inspections using the steps listed in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) 
through (v) of this AD:
    (i) Inspect the thermostat switch (external from heater) and 
upper limit switch (located on the heater). In cold static 
condition, both switches should be in closed position; in operation 
(hot) condition, both switches should regulate their sensed 
temperatures within <plus-minus> 10 degrees F.
    (ii) Inspect the solenoid valve and fuel pump for fuel leak, 
corrosion, diaphragm crack, metal shavings, and excess grease.
    (iii) With the heater operating, inspect the fuel pump output 
pressure for proper gauge hook up and pressure range readings.
    (iv) Inspect the combustion heater's fuel pump operating 
pressure to assure it is not affected by other on-board pumps.
    (v) Inspect the heater to assure it instantly responds to the 
on/off switch.
    (3) Installation inspections and checks using the steps listed 
in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iv) of this AD:
    (i) Inspect ventilating air and combustion air inlets and 
exhaust outlet correcting any restrictions and ensure attachment 
security.
    (ii) Inspect drain line and ensure it is free of obstruction.
    (iii) Check all fuel lines for security at joints and shrouds, 
correcting/replacing those showing evidence of looseness or leakage.
    (iv) Check all electrical wiring for security at attachment 
points, correcting conditions leading to arcing, chafing or 
looseness.
    (4) Pressure decay test using the instructions in paragraph 
(i)(2) or (j) of this AD, as applicable.

(h) Replacement of the Heater Tube and/or Correction or Replacement of 
Other Assemblies

    If any discrepancies are found during any of the inspections/
PDTs required in paragraphs (g)(1), (2), (3), and/or (4) of this AD, 
before further flight, replace the defective heater tube and/or 
correct or replace other defective assemblies as necessary. You must 
use the instructions in paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD, as 
applicable, to do any necessary replacements. This AD does not allow 
repair of the combustion tube. You may do one of the actions in 
paragraph (k)(1) or (2) of this AD in lieu of doing the replacements 
required by paragraph (h).

(i) Procedures for Inspection, PDT, and Replacement for Models 8240, 
8253, 8259, and 8472

    (1) For the inspections required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
and the replacement(s) that may be required in paragraph (h) of this 
AD, use the service information listed in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) 
through (iii) of this AD, as applicable, or do one of the actions in 
paragraph (k)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (i) Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service 
Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-
C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 
09-998, revised: December 1969;
    (ii) South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech 
Aircraft Corporation Service Manual PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 
Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), Part No. 404-001056 Blower Assy. (SW G-
716307), Part No. G-714127 Thermostat (SW G-714127), revised: April 
1965; or
    (iii) South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service 
Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, 
issued: April 1975.
    (2) For the PDT required in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, use 
Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test, Aircraft Heaters, 
IP-347, dated May 17, 2014, or do one of the actions in paragraph 
(k)(1) or (2) of this AD.

(j) Procedures for Inspection, PDT, and Replacement for Models Other 
Than Models 8240, 8253, 8259, and 8472

    This AD does not have referenced service information associated 
with the mandatory requirements of this AD for models other than 
Models 8240, 8253, 8259, and 8472. For the required inspections and 
PDT specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (4) of this AD and, if 
necessary, any replacement(s) specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
you must contact the manufacturer to obtain FAA-approved inspection, 
replacement, and PDT procedures approved specifically for this AD 
and implement those procedures through an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) or do one of the actions in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(2) of this AD. You may use the contact information found in 
paragraph (n)(2) to contact the manufacturer. Appendix 1 of this AD 
contains a listing of service information that provides specific 
instructions, for certain inspections and replacements, that you may 
use to apply for an AMOC following paragraph (m) of this AD. The 
service information listed in appendix 1 of this AD did not meet 
Office of the Federal Register regulatory requirements for 
incorporation by reference approval due to the condition of the 
documents. However, the listing in appendix 1 to this AD does not 
include any instructions for the PDT required in paragraph (g)(4) 
because these procedures do not exist.

(k) Disable or Removal of the Combustion Heater

    As an option to the inspection, PDT, and replacement actions 
specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, within the next 10 
hours TIS of the combustion heater after the effective date of this 
AD or the next scheduled 100-hour inspection, annual inspection, or 
phase inspection that occurs 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, do one of the following actions:
    (1) Disable the heater by the following actions:
    (i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply.
    (ii) Disconnect circuit breakers.
    (iii) Tag the main switch ``Heater Inoperable.''
    (iv) The ventilation blower can stay functional.
    (v) If you re-enable the combustion heater, before further 
flight, you must perform the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) of this 
AD. If you cannot complete the actions of paragraph (f)(1) 
satisfactorily, you must perform the actions in either paragraph 
(f)(2) or (3) of this AD.
    (2) Remove the heater by the following actions:
    (i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply.
    (ii) Disconnect/remove circuit breakers.
    (iii) Remove exhaust pipe extension;.
    (iv) Cap the exhaust opening.
    (v) Remove the heater.
    (vi) Do weight and balance for the aircraft.
    (vii) If you install an applicable combustion heater on the 
airplane, before further flight, you must perform the actions in 
paragraphs (f)(1) of this AD. If you cannot complete the actions of 
paragraph (f)(1) satisfactorily, you must perform the actions in 
either paragraph (f)(2) or (3) of this AD.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are permitted in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.23 with the following limitation: Use of the heater is not 
allowed.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (o)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 81-09-09 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981) 
are not approved as AMOCs for this AD.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Chung-Der Young, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-
7309; fax (847) 294-7834 email: [email protected].

[[Page 15993]]

(o) 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) Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service 
Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-
C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 
09-998, revised: December 1969.
    (ii) South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service 
Manual Beech Aircraft Corporation PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 
Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), Part No. 404-001056 Blower Assy. (SW G-
716307), Part No. G-714127 Thermostat (SW G-714127), revised: April 
1965.
    (iii) South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service 
Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, 
issued: April 1975.
    (iv) Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test, Aircraft 
Heaters, dated May 17, 2014.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 47588; 
telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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.

Appendix 1 to AD 2017-06-03

    The following service information applies to certain combustion 
heater models affected by this AD, but the service information 
cannot be required by the AD. You may use this service information 
for procedural guidance when applying for an alternative method of 
compliance.

--South Wind Service Manual P.M. 35710 Aircraft Heaters 8240-E, 
8259-HL1, HL2, -L, supplements attached HR2.JR2.M;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual 
South Wind Aircraft Heaters Series 921 and 930, Ind-506, Revision 4-
53;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual 
SouthWind Series 940 Heater, PM-10035, Revision 3-82;
--Stewart-Warner Corporation South Wind Division Service Manual 
South Wind Model 978 Personal Heater, Form No. PM6348 (12-56);
--South Wind Service Manual Model 979-B1 Aircraft Heater, South Wind 
Division of Stewart-Warner Corporation, (3-51);
--Navion Model 977-B Installation Manual Section I, Section II, 
Section III, and Section IV.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 9, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05234 Filed 3-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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