Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 153 (Thursday, August 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37296-37298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16968]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0788; Product Identifier 2017-NE-27-AD; Amendment 
39-18988; AD 2017-16-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines 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 certain 
models of Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines. This AD requires an 
inspection of connecting rods and replacement of affected connecting 
rod small end bushings. This AD was prompted by several reports of 
connecting rod failures resulting in uncontained engine failure and in-
flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 15, 
2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 25, 2017.

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 final rule, 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 and Propeller Standards Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, 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-2017-0788.

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-2017-
0788; 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 final rule, 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: Norman Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, 
New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; phone: 516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-5531; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We have received 5 reports of uncontained engine failures and IFSDs 
due to failed connecting rods on various models of Lycoming Engines 
reciprocating engines listed in Table 1 of Lycoming Engines Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017, that were 
overhauled or repaired using any replacement part listed in Table 2 of 
Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017,

[[Page 37297]]

which was shipped from Lycoming Engines during the dates listed in 
Table 2 of Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017. This AD 
requires accomplishing the instructions in Lycoming Engines MSB No. 
632B, dated August 4, 2017, except for the instruction to complete the 
online survey as specified in the MSB. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in uncontained engine failure, total engine 
power loss, IFSD, and possible loss of the airplane. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent connecting rod failure.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 632B, dated 
August 4, 2017. The MSB describes procedures for inspecting connecting 
rods and replacing connecting rod small end bushings. 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.

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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information''.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017 requires you to 
complete an online survey at www.lycoming.com/SB632, review your 
inventory of any part listed in Table 2 of the MSB, and sending certain 
parts to Lycoming Engines. This AD does not include those requirements.

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 
compliance is required within 10 operating hours. 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 final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2017-
0788 and Product Identifier 2017-NE-27-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule 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 final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 778 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Cost per
            Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost        product      Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...................  15 work-hours x $85 per          $150.00          $1,425  $1,108,650.00 per
                                hour = $1,275 per                                         inspection cycle.
                                inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecting rod replacement on 4-cylinder        12 work-hours x $85 per hour =         $1,150.00       $2,170.00
 engine.                                         $1,020.00.
Connecting rod replacement on 6-cylinder        18 work-hours x $85 per hour =          5,150.00        6,680.00
 engine.                                         $1,530.00.
Connecting rod replacement on 8-cylinder        20 work-hours x $85 per hour =          5,150.00        6,850.00
 engine.                                         $1,700.00.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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

[[Page 37298]]

products identified in this rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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):

2017-16-11 Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines: (Type Certificate 
previously held by Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation): 
Amendment 39-18988; Docket No. FAA-2017-0788; Product Identifier 
2017-NE-27-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 15, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) All Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines listed in Table 1 
of Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 632B, dated 
August 4, 2017, and
    (2) all Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines that were 
overhauled or repaired using any replacement part listed in Table 2 
of Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017, which was 
shipped from Lycoming Engines during the dates listed in Table 2 of 
Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8520, Reciprocating 
Engine Power Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod 
failures resulting in uncontained engine failure and in-flight 
shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this AD to prevent connecting rod 
failure. The unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in 
uncontained engine failure, total engine power loss, IFSD, and 
possible loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For all affected engines, within 10 operating hours after 
the effective date of this AD, inspect all affected connecting rods 
as specified in Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017, 
except for the instruction to complete the online survey and the 
instruction to review your inventory.
    (2) Replace all connecting rods that fail the inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD with parts eligible for 
installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD:
    (1) Do not install any Lycoming Engines reciprocating engine 
that was overhauled or repaired using any replacement part listed in 
Table 2 of Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017, 
which was shipped from Lycoming Engines during the dates listed in 
Table 2 of Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017, and
    (2) do not install any part listed in Table 2 of Lycoming 
Engines MSB No. 632B, dated August 4, 2017 into any Lycoming Engines 
reciprocating engine.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of 
this AD using Lycoming Engines MSB No. 632A, dated July 23, 2017 or 
earlier versions.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, New York ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Norman Perenson, 
Aerospace Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7337; fax: 516-794-
5531; email: [email protected].

(l) 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 No. 632B, dated 
August 4, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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: 
www.lycoming.com/Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ServiceBulletins.aspx.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
    (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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 7, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-16968 Filed 8-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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