Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 Series Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 182 (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48141-48143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22287]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0367; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-10-AD; 
Amendment 39-16023; AD 2009-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors O-470, IO-
470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 Series 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, 
TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 series reciprocating engines with TCM EQ3 
cylinders installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual 
inspections of TCM EQ3 cylinders for cracks. This AD also requires 
removal of all EQ3 cylinders as terminating action to the repetitive 
visual inspections. This AD results from reports of 35 EQ3 cylinders 
found cracked. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power 
due to cracks in the cylinder head, possible engine failure, and fire 
in the engine compartment.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 7, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of October 7, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by November 23, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Holton, Engineer, Propulsion, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; e-mail 
[email protected]; telephone: (404) 474-5567; fax: (404) 474-5606.
    Contact Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc., PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 
36601; telephone (251) 438-3411, or go to: http://tcmlink.com/servicebulletins.cfm, for the service information in this AD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In February 2009, we were made aware by TCM 
of reports of 35 EQ3 cylinders found with cracks during inspection. 
Cracked cylinders occurred on engines with times ranging from about 430 
to 1,300 hours of operation. TCM investigated the cause and discovered 
that their EQ3 configuration cylinder head casting tool used in the 
cylinder manufacturing process created an area of reduced wall 
thickness. This reduced wall thickness can result in a crack in the 
area between the upper spark plug bore and the fuel injector/primer 
nozzle bore during operation. TCM shipped engines with EQ3 cylinders 
and shipped individual EQ3 cylinders from November 1, 2007, through 
January 30, 2009. Also, TCM produced a group of about 300 EQ3 cylinders 
in August and September of 2006. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder 
head, possible engine failure, and fire in the engine compartment.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of TCM 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 2009. 
That MSB describes procedures for initial and repetitive visual 
inspections of EQ3 cylinders for cracks, and requires replacing those 
cylinders no later than December 31, 2009.

[[Page 48142]]

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    TCM MSB No. MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 2009, requires that the EQ3 
cylinders be identified and initially inspected within the next 20 
flight hours, but no later than April 30, 2009. However, this AD 
requires the EQ3 cylinders be identified and initially inspected within 
20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. The MSB also 
requires that all EQ3 cylinders be removed from service no later than 
December 31, 2009. This AD requires that the cylinders be removed from 
service within 1,300 hours total time of operation.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other TCM O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, 
and IOF-550 series reciprocating engines with EQ3 cylinders installed. 
For that reason, we are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power 
due to cracks in the cylinder head, possible engine failure, and fire 
in the engine compartment. This AD requires initial and repetitive 
visual inspections of all EQ3 cylinders for cracks within 20 flight 
hours of the effective date of this AD. This AD also requires 
replacement of all EQ3 cylinders within 1,300 hours total time of 
operation after the effective date of this AD. You must use the service 
information described previously to perform the actions required by 
this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD 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 us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0367; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-10-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    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 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

    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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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:

2009-19-06 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-16023. Docket 
No. FAA-2009-0367; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-10-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 
7, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) O-470, 
IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 
reciprocating engine models listed in Table 1 of this AD that have 
one or more affected TCM cylinders installed. To identify the 
affected cylinders, cross reference the engine models in Table 1 of 
this AD with the engine serial numbers found in Tables 1, 1A, 2, and 
2A of TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. MSB09-1B, dated July 
14, 2009. Use the tables found in MSB No. MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 
2009, to also identify spare EQ3 cylinders by cylinder part number 
and cylinder serial number that may have been installed on these 
engines.

[[Page 48143]]



                     Table 1--Engine Models Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-470-G, K, L, R, S, M, U
IO-470-C, D, E, F, H, L, M, N, S, U, V, VO
TSIO-470-B, C, D
IO-520-A, B, BA, BB, C, CB, D, E, F, J, K, L, M, MB
TSIO-520-AF, B, BB, C, CE, D, DB, E, EB, G, H, J, JB, K, KB, L, LB, M,
 N, NB, P, R, T, UB, VB, WB
IO-550-A, B, C, D, E, F, L
IOF-550-B, C, D, E, F, L
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (d) These engines are installed on, but not limited to, 
Alexandria Aircraft LLC (formerly Bellanca) model 300 Super Viking; 
Beech Bonanza 33, 35 and 36 series, Beech Baron 56 and 58 series, 
Cessna 180, 182, 188, 205, 206, 207, 210, 303, 310, 320, 402, and 
414 model series; Aero Commander 200 and 500; certain Rockwell 
(formerly Meyers) Windecker Eagle 200, and Navion airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of 35 EQ3 cylinders found 
cracked. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due 
to cracks in the cylinder head, possible engine failure, and fire in 
the engine compartment.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Identification and Initial Visual Inspection

    (g) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
identify EQ3 cylinders using Step 1 of TCM MSB No. MSB09-1B, dated 
July 14, 2009.
    (1) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
for EQ3 cylinders with 400 or more hours total time of operation on 
the effective date of this AD, perform an initial visual inspection 
of the cylinder for cracks using Step 2, paragraph B, of TCM MSB No. 
MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 2009.
    (2) For EQ3 cylinders with fewer than 400 hours total time of 
operation on the effective date of this AD, perform an initial 
visual inspection of the cylinder for cracks before reaching 400 
hours total time of operation, using Step 2, paragraph B, of TCM MSB 
No. MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 2009.
    (3) Remove from service before flight, any cylinders found 
cracked.

Repetitive Visual Inspections

    (h) Repeat the visual inspections required by this AD every 50 
hours of operation. Use Step 2, paragraph B, of TCM MSB No. MSB09-
1B, dated July 14, 2009, to perform the inspection.
    (i) Remove from service before flight, any cylinders found 
cracked.

Removal of All EQ3 Cylinders From Service

    (j) Within 1,300 hours total time of operation after the 
effective date of this AD, remove all EQ3 cylinders from service.

EQ3 Cylinder Installation Prohibition

    (k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any EQ3 
cylinder onto any engine, or any EQ3 cylinder-equipped engine, onto 
any aircraft.

Previous Credit

    (l) Initial visual inspections done before the effective date of 
this AD per TCM MSB No. MSB09-1A, dated March 11, 2009, comply with 
the initial inspection requirements specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Special Flight Permits

    (n) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD to engines that have no evidence of fuel or 
combustion staining in the cylinder crack location, and for a total 
special flight time of 5 hours.

Related Information

    (o) Contact Anthony Holton, Engineer, Propulsion, Atlanta 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; e-mail 
[email protected]; telephone: (404) 474-5567; fax: (404) 474-
5606, for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use Teledyne Continental Motors Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. MSB09-1B, dated July 14, 2009, to perform the actions 
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Teledyne 
Continental Motors, Inc., PO Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone 
(251) 438-3411, or go to: http://tcmlink.com/servicebulletins.cfm, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on 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 8, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-22287 Filed 9-21-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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