Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 80 (Monday, April 27, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Number 80 (Monday, April 27, 2015)
Proposed Rules
Page 23244
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2015-09535
Page 23244
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Docket No. FAA-2015-0868; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-42-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) that had applied to certain Lycoming Engines (type certificate formerly held by Textron Lycoming) with Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP), piston pins installed. The NPRM had applied to those engines using SAP piston pins, part number (P/N) 13444-1. The proposed action would have required removal of defective SAP piston pins, P/N 13444-1, from service. Since we issued the NPRM, we have learned that all the affected piston pins have been removed from service. We also found that SAP has revised its manufacturing process so that the subsequent piston pins were no longer susceptible to cracking. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.
DATES: As of April 27, 2015, the proposed rule published February 18, 1998 at 63 FR 8149 is withdrawn.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter W. Hakala, Aerospace Engineer, Ft. Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; phone: 817-222-5145; fax: 817-222-5785; email: peter.w.hakala@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed AD (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998). The proposed AD had applied to certain Lycoming Engines with SAP piston pins installed. The NPRM proposed to require removing certain defective piston pins from service. The proposed action was prompted by reports of defective piston pins. The proposed actions were intended to prevent a piston pin fracture from allowing a connecting rod and free piston to damage an aluminum cylinder head or an engine case. This could result in the loss of oil leading to total power failure and a possible engine fire. Also, a loose connecting rod could possibly puncture the engine case or jam the engine crankshaft, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure.
Since we issued the NPRM (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998), additional information became available after the public comment period closed on March 20, 1998.
Upon further consideration, we hereby withdraw the proposed rule for the following reasons:
All the suspect defective piston pins, P/N 1344-1, manufactured by SAP, were taken out of service in 1998.
SAP changed its machining and grinding procedures in 1998 so that the affected piston pins were no longer susceptible to micro-
cracks.
Withdrawal of the NPRM (63 FR 8149, February 18, 1998) constitutes only such action, and does not preclude the agency from issuing another notice in the future, nor does it commit the agency to any course of action in the future.
Since this action only withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking, it is neither a proposed nor a final rule. Therefore, Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979) do not cover this withdrawal.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-
2015-0868; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-42-AD, published in the Federal Register on February 18, 1998 (63 FR 8149), is withdrawn.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2015-09535 Filed 4-24-15; 8:45 am
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