Rule2024-25365
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 31, 2024
Effective
December 5, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines that have a certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86721-86723]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25365]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1695; Project Identifier AD-2023-00783-E;
Amendment 39-22869; AD 2024-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines that have a certain
connecting rod assemblies installed. This AD was prompted by several
reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained
engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This AD requires
repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found,
additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage,
proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As
terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD
requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible
for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 5,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1695; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Lycoming material identified in this AD, contact
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone:
(800) 258-3279; website: <a href="http://lycoming.com/contact/knowledge-base/publications">lycoming.com/contact/knowledge-base/publications</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1695.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Delisio, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
(516) 228-7321; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aec4cfc3cbdd80cacbc2c7ddc7c1eec8cfcf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8d2d9d5ddcb96dcddd4d1cbd1d7f8ded9d996dfd7ce">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Lycoming model engines
that have certain connecting rod assemblies installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 28, 2024 (89 FR 53911). The
NPRM was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which
resulted in uncontained engine failure and IFSDs, and a manufacturer
investigation where it was determined that affected connecting rod
small end bushings may be installed on additional populations of
Lycoming engines. The manufacturer also determined that degradation of
the connecting rod small end bushings is detectable during oil change
inspections. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive oil
inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional
inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage (e.g.
deterioration, missing metal), proper fit, movement, and wear, and
replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod
bushing inspections, the NPRM also proposed to require replacement of
the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from Aeroclub de Columbia. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request To Clarify Scheduling of Inspections
Aeroclub de Columbia requested that the FAA confirm whether the
recurrent inspections required by paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
should also be scheduled monthly for aircraft in 14 CFR part 91 (non-
commercial) operations. Aeroclub de Columbia noted
[[Page 86722]]
that Lycoming Service Bulletin 480F suggests changing the oil every 50
hours or every 4 months, but several aircraft maintenance manuals
specify oil replacement every 50 hours without a calendar time
restriction.
To clarify, this AD does not define or mandate the frequency of oil
changes after the initial oil change. Subsequent oil changes are part
of the engine's regular maintenance program, therefore the recurring
frequency is outside the scope of this AD. Although repetitive
inspections are required during this regular maintenance interval, they
are tied to the operator's oil change frequency and that frequency is
not being defined by this AD. The FAA did not change this AD as a
result of this comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 630A,
dated June 13, 2017, which specifies procedures for inspection of the
connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear.
This material 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16,000 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect oil.............................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $65 $235 $3,760,000
= $170.
Inspect connecting rod bushings.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85 1,360,000
= $85.
Replace connecting rod bushings (per 4.5 work-hours x $85 per 380 762 12,192,000
bushing). hour = $382.
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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.
The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2024-21-02 Lycoming Engines: Amendment 39-22869; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1695; Project Identifier AD-2023-00783-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 5, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines
that have an affected part and part number (P/N) installed and are
assembled within the ship date range, as specified in Table 1 to
paragraph (c) of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Affected P/Ns
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P/N Affected part Ship date range
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LW-13923..................................... Connecting Rod Bushing.............. 01/30/2009-11/17/2015
LW-11750..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-11/19/2015
78030........................................ Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-03/31/2016
LW-19332..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-01/03/2016
LW-13865..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-02/14/2017
[[Page 86723]]
77450........................................ Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-02/14/2017
LW-13422..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-02/14/2017
LW-13937..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-02/14/2017
LW-15288..................................... Connecting Rod Assembly............. 01/30/2009-02/14/2017
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Note 1 to paragraph (c): The affected parts are known to be
installed on Lycoming Model AEIO-320 series, AEIO-360 series, AEIO-
390 series, AEIO-540 series, AEIO-580-B1A, AIO-320 series, AIO-360
series, HIO-360 series, HIO-390-A1A, HIO-540-A1A, HO-360 series, IO-
320 series, IO-360 series, IO-390 series, IO-540 series, IVO-360-
A1A, IVO-540-A1A, LHIO-360 series, LIO-320 series, LIO-360 series,
LO-360 series, LTIO-540 series, LTO-360 series, O-233-A1, O-235
series, O-320 series, O-340 series, O-360 series, O-435 series, O-
540 series, SO-580 series, TEO-540 series, TIGO-541 series, TIO-360
series, TIO-540 series, TIO-541 series, TIVO-540-A2A, TO-360 series,
TVO-435 series, TVO-540-A1A, VO-360 series, VO-435 series, VO-540
series, and VSO-580-A1A engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8500, Engine
(Reciprocating).
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod
failures resulting in uncontained engine failure and in-flight
shutdowns (IFSDs). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent connecting
rod failure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
engine failure, an IFSD, and loss of control of the aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) At the next oil change or within 4 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at
every oil change until the bushing replacement required by either
paragraph (g)(3) or (4) of this AD is done, perform a visual
inspection of the engine oil filter, oil pressure screen, and oil
suction screen (depending on the engine configuration) for bronze
metal particulates. The actions required by this paragraph may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)
and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for engine oil filter, oil
pressure screen, and oil suction screen inspection instructions and
identification of metallic solids may be found in Lycoming Mandatory
Service Bulletin No. (MSB) 480F, dated May 25, 2017 (Lycoming MSB
480F).
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, any bronze metal particulates are found and the source is
identified as the connecting rod bushings, before further flight,
inspect all affected connecting rod bushings for damage (e.g.
deterioration, missing metal), proper fit, movement, and wear in
accordance with ``Connecting Rod Bushing Inspection,'' of Lycoming
MSB 630A, dated June 13, 2017.
Note 3 to paragraph (g)(2): Guidance for identifying the source
of metallic contamination may be found in Table 3 of Lycoming MSB
480F.
(3) If the connecting rod bushings fail any inspection required
by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the
connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. This
terminates the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
(4) At the next engine overhaul, replace the connecting rod
bushings with parts eligible for installation. This terminates the
repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is any connecting rod bushing having P/N 01K28983.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date
of this AD using Lycoming MSB 480F.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, East Certification 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 branch office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#457c68243336682b3c24262a68262a36052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95acb8f4e3e6b8fbecf4f6fab8f6fae6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact James Delisio,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (516) 228-7321; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f757e727a6c317b7a73766c76705f797e7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f656e626a7c216b6a63667c66604f696e6e21686079">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in
paragraph (l)(3) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Lycoming Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 630A, dated
June 13, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Lycoming Engines material identified in this AD, contact
Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone:
(800) 258-3279; website: <a href="http://lycoming.com/contact/knowledge-base/publications">lycoming.com/contact/knowledge-base/publications</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80e6f2aee9eef3f0e5e3f4e9efeec0eee1f2e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1d7c39fd8dfc2c1d4d2c5d8dedff1dfd0c3d09fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 28, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-25365 Filed 10-30-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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