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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 re-
    paired  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 re-
    sulting 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 air-
    plane.

(f) COMPLIANCE

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,  unless al-
    ready 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 re-
    view your inventory.

(2) Replace all connecting rods that fail the inspection required by para-
    graph (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 in-
    spector,  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:
    norman.perenson@faa.gov.

(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.

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: norman.perenson@faa.gov.
PREAMBLE 

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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:
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 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: norman.perenson@faa.gov.

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,
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

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

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

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 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


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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):