AD 2016-21-04

This AD is effective November 18, 2016.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 18, 2016.

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Continental Motors, Inc., 2039 Broad Street, Mobile, Alabama 36615; phone: 800-326-0089; Internet: http://www.continentalmotors.aero. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Scott Hopper, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5535; fax: 404-474-5606; email: scott.hopper@faa.gov.

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain CMI TSIO-550-K, TSIOF-550-K, TSIO-550-C, TSIOF-550-D, and TSIO-550-N reciprocating engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2016 (81 FR 12833). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an uncommanded IFSD resulting in injuries and significant airplane damage. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the oil cooler cross fitting assembly. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

We increased our estimate of the cost of the affected parts in this AD from $0 to $261 per engine and increased the number of labor hours to perform the replacement from 1 to 2 hours. This increased the overall estimated cost of compliance from $111,095 to $563,317.

We revised our reference in this AD from CMI Critical Service Bulletin (CSB) CSB15-7, Revision A, dated November 10, 2015 (also referred to as CMI CSB CSB15-7A, dated November 10, 2015) to CMI CSB CSB15-7, Revision B, dated April 26, 2016 (also referred to as CMI CSB CSB15-7B) to reflect the latest service information published by CMI.

We clarified in this AD that the affected oil cooler cross fitting has a part number AN918-1J or AN918-2J.

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for the changes noted above. We have determined that these changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and

• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

We reviewed CMI CSB CSB15-2, Revision C, dated November 9, 2015 (also referred to as CMI CSB CSB15-2C, dated November 9, 2015), and CMI CSB CSB15-7, Revision B, dated April 26, 2016 (also referred to as CMI CSB CSB15-7B, dated April 26, 2016). The CSBs describe detailed procedures for replacing oil cooler cross fittings, nipples, and bushings with a redesigned oil cooler cross fitting. 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.

We estimate that this AD affects 1,307 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 hours per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Parts cost about $261 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this AD to U.S. operators to be $563,317. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage.

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 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 to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):