AD 2011-26-04

This AD is effective January 25, 2012.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of January 25, 2012.

For service information identified in this AD, contact Lycoming Engines, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, or go to www.lycoming.textron.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7125.

Norm 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: Norman.perenson@faa.gov.

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602 (73 FR 39574, July 10, 2008). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2011 (76 FR 8661). That NPRM proposed to inspect, replace if necessary, and properly clamp externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines. That AD also states that it is not applicable to engines that have a Maintenance and Overhaul Manual with an Airworthiness Limitations Section that requires inspection and replacement, if necessary, of externally mounted fuel injector lines.

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal and the FAA's response to the comment.

One commenter asked why the AD requirements are only for Lycoming engines, and not also for Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) engines. The commenter inferred that we write ADs, just to make owners maintain their aircraft.

In response, any AD made applicable to TCM engines with externally mounted fuel injector lines, would have to be written by the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), because that office has oversight of TCM. The Atlanta ACO has informed us that at this time, there is insufficient data to justify an AD for TCM engines with externally mounted fuel injector lines, however, they realize there may be justification for issuing a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB), for TCM engines on this subject. They are looking into possibly issuing an SAIB.

We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

We estimate that this AD affects 21,180 four-cylinder engines, 21,449 six-cylinder engines, and 256 eight-cylinder engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 0.2 work-hour to inspect all lines on a four-cylinder engine, 0.5 work-hour to inspect all lines on a six-cylinder engine, and 0.7 work-hour to inspect all lines on an eight-cylinder engine. We also estimate that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We do not anticipate any additional costs on U.S. operators, as the inspection would be done in conjunction with other work performed concurrently. We anticipate no parts to be required. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators for one inspection of the fleet is $1,286,875.

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.

We have determined that 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.

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-14-07, Amendment 39-15602 (73 FR 39574, July 10, 2008), and adding the following new AD: