82 FR 26982 - Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 112 (June 13, 2017)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A reciprocating engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of engine exhaust system weld joints and torque checking the exhaust pipe flange mounting nuts. This AD was prompted by several reports of engine exhaust leaks. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 13, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26982-26985]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12075]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9512; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-27-AD; 
Amendment 39-18909; AD 2017-11-10]
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 all 
Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A reciprocating engines. This AD requires initial 
and repetitive inspections of engine exhaust system weld joints and 
torque checking the exhaust pipe flange mounting nuts. This AD was 
prompted by several reports of engine exhaust leaks. We are

[[Page 26983]]

issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 28, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 28, 
2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 28, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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 & Propeller Directorate, 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-2016-9512.

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-2016-
9512; 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 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 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 received several reports of cracked engine exhaust pipes and 
exhaust studs pulling out from cylinders on Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A 
reciprocating engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive 
inspections of all engine exhaust system weld joints and torque 
checking the exhaust pipe flange mounting nuts. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent engine exhaust leaks, which could lead to uncontrolled 
engine fire, harmful exhaust gases entering the cabin resulting in crew 
incapacitation, and damage to the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
627C, dated November 17, 2016. The MSB describes procedures for exhaust 
system inspection and flange nut torque check. 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 Lycoming Engines MSB No. 614A, dated October 10, 2014, 
which provides maintenance instructions on the exhaust system for 
certain Lycoming engines. The FAA issued AD 2015-10-06, Amendment 39-
18162 (80 FR 30345, May 28, 2015), (``AD 2015-10-06'') that mandates 
replacement of the turbocharger mounting bracket and inspection of the 
exhaust pipes in accordance with Lycoming Engines MSB No. 614A, dated 
October 10, 2014. The requirements in this AD are in addition to the 
requirements of AD 2015-10-06. Complying with AD 2015-10-06 and 
Lycoming Engines MSB No. 614A, dated October 10, 2014, does not 
constitute compliance with this AD.

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 initial and repetitive inspections of all engine 
exhaust system weld joints and torque checking the exhaust pipe flange 
mounting nuts.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Table 1 of Lycoming Engines MSB No. 627C, dated November 17, 2016, 
provides a longer time between inspections of the engine exhaust system 
when an operational carbon monoxide detector is installed in the 
airplane. This AD does not consider whether an operational carbon 
monoxide detector is installed in the airplane.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. Lycoming is determining the 
root cause for the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once a root 
cause is determined, we will consider additional rulemaking.

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 
engine exhaust leaks could lead to uncontrolled engine fire, harmful 
exhaust gases entering the cabin resulting in crew incapacitation, and 
damage to the airplane. 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 AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2016-9512 and 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-27-AD at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD 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 AD.

[[Page 26984]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 758 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 and torque check.........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour        $0.00     $85.00  $64,430.00 per
                                       = $85 per inspection cycle.                         inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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, 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):

2017-11-10 Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines (Type Certificate 
previously held by Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation): 
Amendment 39-18909; Docket No. FAA-2016-9512; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NE-27-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A reciprocating 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7800, Engine Exhaust 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of engine exhaust leaks. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent engine exhaust leaks, which could 
lead to uncontrolled engine fire, harmful exhaust gases entering the 
cabin resulting in crew incapacitation, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For all engines, perform an initial exhaust system 
inspection within 10 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD as follows:
    (i) Use the Required Action, paragraph 1. of Lycoming Engines 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 627C, dated November 17, 2016, 
to do the inspection.
    (ii) For any part that fails the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
failed part with a part eligible for installation.
    (iii) Use the Required Action, paragraph 3. of Lycoming MSB No. 
627C, dated November 17, 2016, to submit a survey to Lycoming 
Engines within 10 days of performing the inspection.
    (2) For all engines, perform an initial torque check of the 
exhaust system flange nuts within 10 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD, or within 100 hours TIS after the last exhaust 
system maintenance (ESM), whichever occurs later, as follows:
    (i) Use the Required Action, paragraph 2. of Lycoming Engines 
MSB No. 627C, dated November 17, 2016 to torque check the flange 
nuts.
    (ii) For any part that fails the check required by paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, before further flight, replace the failed part 
with a part eligible for installation.
    (iii) Use the Required Action, paragraph 3. of Lycoming MSB No. 
627C, dated November 17, 2016, to submit a survey to Lycoming 
Engines within 10 days of performing the check.
    (3) For all engines with 1,000 hours TIS or less since the last 
ESM:

[[Page 26985]]

    (i) Repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD inclusive, every 25 hours TIS since the last ESM, 
or exhaust system inspection, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD inclusive, every 100 hours TIS after the last ESM, 
or torque check of the exhaust system flange nuts, whichever occurs 
later.
    (4) For all engines with more than 1,000 hours TIS since the 
last ESM:
    (i) Repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD inclusive, every 50 hours TIS since the last ESM, 
or exhaust system inspection, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD inclusive, every 100 hours TIS since the last ESM, 
or torque check of the exhaust system flange nuts, whichever occurs 
later.

(h) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, ESM is any maintenance that 
requires the removal and replacement of any exhaust system pipe or 
turbocharger mounting bracket, or the re-torqueing of the exhaust 
flange mounting nuts.

(i) Terminating Action

    The requirement in Required Action paragraph 3., to submit a 
survey to Lycoming Engines ends one year after the effective date of 
this AD, but, the exhaust system inspections in Required Actions 
paragraph 1., and torque checks of the exhaust system flange nuts, 
in Required Actions paragraph 2., are still required.

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Norman 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) Lycoming Engines MSB No. 614A, dated October 10, 2014, which 
is not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from 
Lycoming Engines using the contact information in paragraph (m)(3) 
of this AD.

(m) 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. 627C, dated 
November 17, 2016.
    (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 & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, 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 May 24, 2017.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12075 Filed 6-12-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P