AD 95-03-10

On February 7, 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive (AD) 95-03-10, applicable to Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating engines, which requires a one-time inspection within the next 5 hours time in service to determine the part number (P/N) and revision letter of the push rod installed on the engine. All push rods with P/N 73806 and revision letters "V" or "W" must be replaced with serviceable parts. That action was prompted by reports of several failures of push rods, P/N 73806, installed in Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating engines. The manufacturer's investigation has determined that the failures initiated from scoring on the inner diameter (I.D.) of the push rod tube. The scoring was introduced during the extrusion of the tube at the supplier. These push rods were installed in engines shipped from the factory between February 22, 1993, and September 2, 1994, or were installedas serviceable parts on or after February 22, 1993. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine roughness and power loss, which could result in loss of the aircraft. Since publication of the priority letter AD, the FAA has received reports of confusion regarding whether a previous AD, 80-25-02 R2, also applicable to pushrod P/N 73806, remains in effect. This final rule AD clarifies in a note that compliance with AD 80-25-02 R2 is still mandatory. The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 552, dated November 1, 1994, that lists by serial number engines shipped from the factory between February 22, 1993, and September 2, 1994, and describes procedures for inspection of push rods to determine if they require replacement. Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority letter AD 95-03-10 to prevent engine roughness and power loss, which could result in loss of the aircraft. The AD requires a one-time inspection within the next 5 hours time in service to determine the P/N and revision letter of the push rod installed on the engine. All push rods with P/N 73806 and revision letters "V" or "W" must be replaced with serviceable parts. Textron Lycoming has determined that it is not possible to visually inspect the push rod tube for I.D. scoring that can cause the part to fail. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. 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 by individual letters issued on February 7, 1995, to all known U.S. owners and operators of Textron Lycoming O-235 series reciprocating engines. These conditions still exist, and theAD 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. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 94-ANE-63." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power andresponsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. 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 39Air 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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701. 39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: