[Federal Register: December 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 245)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 76632-76635]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22de04-14]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly
Bendix) S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 Series Magnetos
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Teledyne Continental
[[Page 76633]]
Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 series
magnetos equipped with impulse couplings. That AD currently requires
replacing riveted-impulse coupling assemblies, which are worn beyond
limits, with serviceable riveted-impulse couplings or snap-ring impulse
couplings. This proposed AD would require a reduced inspection interval
for magnetos with riveted-impulse couplings installed on certain
Lycoming engine models. The proposed AD would not lower the inspection
interval for magnetos with snap-ring impulse couplings. This proposed
AD would also limit the Applicability to certain Lycoming engine
models. This proposed AD results from data provided by the manufacturer
that shows a need to reduce the inspection intervals for riveted-
impulse couplings used on certain Lycoming engine models. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of the magneto impulse coupling
and possible engine failure.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by February 22,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 93-ANE-07-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Teledyne Continental Motors, P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601;
telephone (334) 438-3411.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Robinette, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion, Atlanta Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 1 Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, Atlanta,
GA, 30349; telephone (770) 703-6096, fax (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to provide any written relevant data, views, or
arguments on this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD'' in the subject
line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your
mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the
docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail
it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Discussion
On May 29, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-12-07, Amendment 39-9649 (61
FR 29934, June 13, 1996). That AD requires:
An initial inspection of riveted and snap-ring impulse
couplings before accumulating 500 hours time-since-new or overhauled
(TSN) or time-since-last inspection (TSLI) on impulse couplings that
have fewer than 450 hours TSN or TSLI on the effective date of that AD.
An initial inspection of riveted and snap-ring impulse
couplings before accumulating 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of that AD on impulse couplings that have 450 or more
hours TSN or TSLI on the effective date of that AD.
Repetitive inspections within 500 hours TSLI.
Replacing impulse couplings that fail the inspection.
That AD was the result of redesigning the impulse coupling assembly
to include snap-ring fastening technology, which strengthens the cam
axle and reduces wear and reports of impulse couplings with the snap-
ring design that were worn beyond limits. That condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of the magneto impulse coupling and
possible engine failure.
Actions Since AD 96-12-07 Was Issued
Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has added procedures and
requirements for inspecting impulse couplings that have snap rings to
the applicable Service Support Documents.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of TCM
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, that
describes procedures for:
Inspecting the impulse coupling assemblies for wear and,
if necessary, replacing the riveted assembly with a snap-ring impulse
coupling, and
Marking the magneto data plate with a letter ``A'' after
installing a snap-ring impulse coupling.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require:
An initial visual inspection of riveted-impulse couplings
that have 100 or more hours TSN or TSLI on the effective date of the
proposed AD, within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
or
An initial visual inspection of riveted-impulse couplings
that have fewer than 100 hours TSN or TSLI on the effective date of the
proposed AD, before accumulating 100 hours TSN or TSLI, and
Repetitive inspections of riveted-impulse couplings within
intervals of 100 hours TSLI.
An initial visual inspection of snap-ring impulse
couplings that have 450 or more hours TSN or TSLI on the effective date
of the proposed AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of the
AD, or
An initial visual inspection of snap-ring impulse
couplings that have fewer than 450 hours TSN or TSLI before
accumulating 500 hours TSN or TSLI, and
Repetitive inspections of snap-ring impulse couplings
within intervals of 500 hours TSLI.
Replacing impulse couplings that fail the inspection.
The proposed AD would require that you do these actions using the
service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 4,200 magnetos
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 1 work hour per magneto to perform the proposed actions, and
that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. The reduced
inspection interval would require doing the inspections
[[Page 76634]]
about four times more often. Based on these figures, we estimate the
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $1,092,000.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
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. Would 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 proposal and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-9649 (61 FR
29934, June 13, 1996) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
Teledyne Continental Motors: Docket No. 93-ANE-07-AD. Supersedes AD
96-12-07, Amendment 39-9649.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by February 22,
2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 96-12-07, Amendment 39-9649.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM)
(formerly Bendix) magnetos that have a magneto part number (P/N)
listed in Table 1 of TCM Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No.
MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, installed on Lycoming AEIO-540, HIO-
540, IO-540, 0-540, and TIO-540 series engines. These engines are
installed on, but not limited to, airplanes manufactured by the
Cessna Aircraft Company, Maule Aerospace Technology Corporation,
Mooney Aircraft Corporation, The New Piper Aircraft Inc., and
Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech Aircraft Company).
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from data provided by the manufacturer that
indicates a need to reduce the inspection intervals for riveted-
impulse couplings used on certain Lycoming engine models. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the magneto impulse coupling
and possible engine failure.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Initial Inspections of Impulse Couplings
(f) For all magnetos that have a P/N listed in Table 1 of TCM
MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, that have never been inspected,
perform an initial inspection of the impulse coupling for wear using
paragraphs 1.2 through 1.4.5 of the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB
No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994. Use the following Table 1 for the
compliance times. Snap-ring impulse couplings will have an ``A''
stamped in the lower-right quarter of the magneto data plate.
Table 1.--Initial Inspection Compliance Times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time on coupling on the
Engine model Type of impulse effective date of this Inspect
coupling assembly AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lycoming AEIO-540, HIO-540, IO-540, 0- (1) Riveted............ (i) 100 or more hours Within 10 hours time-in-
540, and TIO-540 series engines.. time-since-new or service (TIS) after
overhaul (TSN) or if the effective date of
the TSN is unknown. this AD.
(ii) Fewer than 100 Before accumulating 100
hours TSN. hours TSN.
(2) Snap ring.......... (i) 450 or more hours Within 50 hours TIS
TSN. after the effective
date of this AD.
(ii) Fewer than 450 Before accumulating 500
hours TSN. hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(g) Replace any impulse coupling that fails the inspection with
a serviceable riveted or snap-ring impulse coupling. Paragraphs 2
through 2.6 of the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB No. MSB645,
dated April 4, 1994 contain information on replacing the impulse
coupling.
(h) If you replace a snap-ring impulse coupling with a riveted-
impulse coupling, strike out the ``A'' on the magneto data plate.
Repetitive Inspections of Impulse Couplings
(i) For all magnetos that have a P/N listed in Table 1 of TCM
MSB No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994, that have had an initial
inspection as specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, perform a
repetitive inspection of the impulse coupling for wear using
paragraphs 1.2 through 1.4.5 of the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB
No. MSB645, dated April 4, 1994. Use the following Table 2 for the
compliance times. Snap-ring impulse couplings will have an ``A''
stamped in the lower-right quarter of the magneto data plate.
[[Page 76635]]
Table 2.--Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine model Type of impulse coupling assembly Inspect
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lycoming AEIO-540, HIO-540, 1o-540, 0- (1) Riveted........................... Within 100 hours time-since-
540, and TIO-540 series engines. last inspection (TSLI).
(2) Snap ring......................... Within 500 hours TSLI.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(j) Replace any impulse coupling that fails the inspection with
a serviceable riveted or snap-ring impulse coupling. Paragraphs 2
through 2.6 of the Detailed Instructions of TCM MSB No. MSB645,
dated April 4, 1994 contain information on replacing the impulse
coupling.
(k) If you replace a snap-ring impulse coupling with a riveted-
impulse coupling, strike out the ``A'' on the magneto data plate.
Optional Terminating Action
(1) Installing a ``Shower-of-Sparks'' ignition system in place
of a magneto system that has a riveted-impulse coupling or a snap-
ring impulse coupling ends the repetitive inspection requirements
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. You can find more information
on installing a ``Shower-of-Sparks'' ignition system in TCM Service
Information Letter No. SIL648, dated October 18, 1994.
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.
Related Information
(n) TCM SB No. 639, dated March 1993, contains additional
information for replacing impulse couplings on a TCM magneto. TCM
Service Information Letter No. SIL648, dated October 18, 1994,
contains information for converting an engine to a ``Shower-of-
Sparks'' ignition system.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 15, 2004.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-27955 Filed 12-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P