[Federal Register: June 18, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 117)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 41315-41318]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18jn02-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-36-AD; Amendment 39-12779; AD 2002-12-07]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-18-53 that
was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Textron Lycoming
reciprocating engines. That action required before further flight after receipt of that emergency AD,
replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket or the converter plate kit. That action also required,
within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 3 days after the effective date of that emergency AD,
inspection of the oil filter base for signs of oil leakage and evidence of gasket extrusion. That action
also required replacement of the converter plate gasket at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS since
the last replacement of the gasket. This amendment requires the same replacements and inspection,
and introduces the installation of an improved design gasket or converter plate kit as terminating
action for the repetitive gasket replacements. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
complete loss of engine oil and subsequent seizing of the engine and possibility of fire, caused by oil
leakage between the converter plate and accessory housing.

DATES: Effective July 3, 2002. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 3, 2002.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before August 19, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-36-AD, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at this
location, by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-ane-
[email protected]. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject
line. The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652

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Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, U.S.A. telephone (570) 323-6181. Information regarding this
action may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register,
800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd Floor,
Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200; telephone (516) 256-7531, fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 5, 2000, the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) issued Emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-18-53, applicable to
certain Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines. That AD requires the following:
• For engines with more than 50 hours time-since-new (TSN), time-since-overhaul (TSO), or time-
since-last replacement of the oil filter plate gasket, replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket
part number (P/N) LW-13388, or the converter plate kit P/N LW-13904.
• For engines with fewer than 50 hours TSN, TSO, or time-since-last replacement of the oil filter
converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388, or the converter plate kit P/N LW-13904, inspection of the oil
filter base for signs of oil leakage and evidence of gasket extrusion.
• Replacement of converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388 at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS
since the last replacement of the gasket. The actions are required to be done in accordance with
Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 543A, dated August 30, 2000 and Textron
Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1453, dated May 9, 1991.

That AD was prompted by reports of certain oil filter converter plate gaskets, P/N LW-13388,
extruding from the seat of the oil filter converter plate. The protruding or swelling of the gasket
allows oil to leak from between the plate and accessory housing. The actions specified in that AD are
intended to prevent complete loss of engine oil and subsequent seizing of the engine and possible fire,
caused by oil leakage between the converter plate and accessory housing.
Since emergency AD 2000-18-53 was issued, Textron Lycoming has issued a service bulletin
supplement that relieves the requirements of MSB 543A and that eliminates the need for gasket
replacement every 50 ours TSN, TSO, or time since the last replacement.

Manufacturer's Service Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the following Textron Lycoming
Service Information:
• MSB 543A, dated August 30, 2000, and SI No. 1453, dated May 9, 1991, that provide
instructions for replacing the oil filter converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388, or the converter plate
kit P/N LW-13904.
• Supplement No. 1 to MSB 543A, dated October 4, 2000, that describes procedures for replacing
the oil filter converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388, or the converter plate kit P/N LW-13904, with a
new improved design.

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FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same
type design, the FAA issued emergency AD 2000-18-53 to prevent complete loss of engine oil and
subsequent seizing of the engine and possible fire, caused by oil leakage between the converter plate
and accessory housing. This AD requires for engines listed that were shipped from the factory
between April 1, 1999 and October 4, 2000, and any engine listed that had the oil filter converter
plate gasket replaced with gasket P/N LW-13388, and, any engine listed that had the oil filter
converter plate replaced with converter plate kit P/N LW-13904, the following:
• Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, for engines with more than 50 hours TSN
or TSO, or time-since-last replacement of the oil filter plate gasket P/N LW-13388, replacement of
the oil filter converter plate gasket or the converter plate kit P/N LW-13904.
• Within 10 hours TIS or within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier,
for engines with fewer than 50 hours TSN, TSO, or time-since-last replacement of the oil filter
converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388, or the converter plate kit P/N LW-13904, inspection of the oil
filter base for signs of oil leakage and evidence of gasket extrusion.
• Replacement of the converter plate gasket P/N LW-13388 at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS
since the last replacement of the gasket.
• As terminating action to the repetitive gasket replacement specified in this AD, replacement of
the oil filter converter plate gasket or the oil filter converter plate with a converter plate kit, in
accordance with Part II and Part III of Textron Lycoming Supplement 1 to MSB 543A, dated October
4, 2000.

The actions must be done in accordance with the service information described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for
prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately on September 5, 2000 to all known U.S. owners and
operators of the affected Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines. These conditions still exist, and
the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written
data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket
number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule
may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD
action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and
energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will
be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for
examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned
with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

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 Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response
to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is
made: "Comments to Docket Number 2000-NE-36-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132,
because it 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this final rule.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued
immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency
regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under
the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to 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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-12779, to

read as follows:

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

Aircraft Certification Service U.S. Department

Washington, DC
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
We post ADs on the internet at "www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl"
The following Airworthiness Directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39,
applies to an aircraft model of which our records indicate you may be the registered owner. Airworthiness Directives affect aviation safety and are regulations which require immediate
attention. You are cautioned that no person may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive applies, except in accordance with the requirements of the Airworthiness
Directive (reference 14 CFR part 39, subpart 39.3).

2002-12-07 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-12779. Docket No. 2000-NE-36-AD. Supersedes

AD 2000-18-53.

Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to the reciprocating engine

models in the following Table, that were shipped from the factory between April 1, 1999 and October
4, 2000, or rebuilt, or overhauled, or had the oil filter converter plate kit part number (P/N) LW-
13904 or gasket P/N LW13388 replaced:

ENGINE APPLICABILITY TABLE

O–320 –H1AD, –H1BD, –H2AD, –H2BD, –H3AD, –H3BD
(L)O–360 –A1AD, –A1F6D, –A1G6D, –A1LD, –A3AD, –A4AD, –A5AD, –E1A6D
IO–360 –A1B6D, –A1D6D, –A3B6D, –A3D6D, –C1E6D, –J1AD, –J1A6D
(L)TO–360 –A1A6D, –C1A6D, –E1A6D, –F1A6D
TIO–360 –C1A6D
(L)HIO–360 –E1AD, –E1BD, –F1AD
O–540 –H1A5D, –H1B5D, –H2A5D, –H2B5D, –J1A5D, –J1B5D, –J1C5D, –J1D5D, –
J2A5D, –J2B5D, –J2C5D, –J2D5D, –J3A5D, –J3C5D, –L3C5D
IO–540 –C4D5D, –K1A5D, –K1B5D, –K1E5D, –K1F5D, –K1G5D, –K1J5D, –L1A5D, –
L1B5D, –M1A5D, –M1B5D, –M2A5D, –T4A5D, –T4B5D, –T4C5D, –U1A5D, –
U1B5D, –V4A5D, –W1A5D, –W3A5D
(L)TIO–540 –K1AD, –S1AD, –AA1AD, –AB1AD, –AB1BD, –F2BD, –J2BD, –N2BD, –
R2AD, –T2AD, –V2AD
AEIO–540 –L1B5D
TIO–541 –E Series
TIGO–541 –D1A, –D1B, –E1A
IO–720 –A1BD, –B1BD, –C1BD, –D1BD, –D1CD

Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision,
regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements
of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative
method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request should include an
assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by
this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific
proposed actions to address it.

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Compliance

Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done.

To prevent complete loss of engine oil and subsequent seizing of the engine and possibility of
fire, caused by oil leakage between the converter plate and accessory housing, do the following:
(a) For engines with more than 50 hours time-since-new (TSN), time-since-overhaul (TSO), or
time since the last replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket, P/N LW-13388, or the
converter plate kit, P/N LW-13904, replace the converter plate gasket or converter plate kit in
accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 543A,
dated August 30, 2000, and Textron Lycoming Service Instruction (SI) No. 1453, dated May 9, 1991,
or Part II of Supplement No. 1 to MSB 543A, dated October 4, 2000, before further flight.

(b) For engines with fewer than 50 hours TSN, TSO, or time since the last replacement of the oil
filter converter plate gasket, P/N LW-13388, or the oil converter plate, P/N LW-13904, inspect the
gasket within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 3 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs earlier, for the following:
(1) Inspect the oil filter base for both:
(i) Signs of oil leakage between the oil filter base and the accessory housing; and
(ii) Any evidence of the gasket extruding beyond the perimeter of the base.
(2) If there is any oil leakage, or if the seal is damaged, extruded, displaced, or deteriorated,
replace the converter plate gasket or converter plate kit in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of
Textron Lycoming MSB 543A, dated August 30, 2000, and Textron Lycoming SI No. 1453, dated
May 9, 1991, or Part II of Supplement No. 1 to MSB 543A, dated October 4, 2000, before further
flight.

(c) Thereafter, replace the converter plate gasket, P/N LW-13388, or the oil converter plate kit,
P/N LW-13904, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS since the last replacement.

(d) Before October 1, 2003, replace the oil filter converter plate gasket or oil filter converter
plate kit, in accordance with Part II or Part III respectively, of Supplement No. 1 to MSB 543A, dated
October 4, 2000.

Terminating Action

(e) Replacement of oil filter converter plate gasket, or oil filter converter plate in accordance
with Part II or Part III of Textron Lycoming Supplement 1 to MSB 543A, dated October 4, 2000,
constitutes terminating action to the repetitive gasket replacement specified in paragraph (c) of this
AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an
acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance

with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification
Office.

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Special Flight Permits

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

(h) The inspections and replacements must be done in accordance with the following Textron
Lycoming mandatory service bulletin (MSB), MSB supplement, and Service Instruction (SI):

Document No. Pages Revision Date

MSB No. 543A, Total pages: 2 All Revision A August 30, 2000.
MSB No. 543A, Supplement No. 1, Total pages: 3 All Original October 4, 2000.
SI No. 1453, Total pages: 1 All Original May 9, 1991.

The incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652
Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, U.S.A. telephone: 570-323-6181. This information may be
examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(i) This amendment becomes effective July 3, 2002.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2002.

Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-14696 Filed 6-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P