AD 98-30170

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 221 (Tuesday, November 17, 1998)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 63784-63788] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-30170]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-108-AD; Amendment 39-10882; AD 98-23-01] RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Parker Hannifan Airborne Dry Air Pumps, Conversion Kits, and Coupling Kits

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-23-01, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of aircraft and engines equipped with certain Parker Hannifin Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits, utilizing part number (P/N) B1-19-1 flexible coupling that has a date code resembling a clockface and indicating a manufacture date of either ``12/97'' or ``5-6/98''. This AD requires replacing the affected flexible coupling with P/N B1-7-3 flexible coupling (part of Parker Hannifin flexible coupling kit, Airborne P/N 350). The AD resulted from reports

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of failure of the affected flexible coupling due to a manufacturing defect of this coupling. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the primary dry air pump caused by defective flexible coupling, which could result in loss of primary attitude and direction references during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

DATES: Effective November 20, 1998, to all persons except those to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-23-01, issued October 29, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 20, 1998. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 98-CE-108-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Copies of the applicable service information may be obtained from the Parker Hannifin Corporation, Airborne Division, 711 Taylor Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035; telephone: (440) 937-1315; facsimile: (440) 937- 5409. This information may also be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roy Boffo, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Systems and Flight Test Branch, 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7564; facsimile: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On October 29, 1998, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-23-01, which applies to aircraft or engines equipped with certain Parker Hannifin Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits, utilizing P/N B1-19-1 flexible coupling that has a date code resembling a clockface and indicating a manufacture date of either ``12/97'' or ``5-6/98''. This AD requires replacing the affected flexible coupling with P/N B1-7-3 flexible coupling (part of Parker Hannifin flexible coupling kit, Airborne P/N 350), in accordance with Parker Hannifin Airborne Service Letter No. 48, dated October 20, 1998. That AD resulted from approximately 50 reports of failure of the flexible coupling on certain Parker Hannifin Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits installed in aircraft or engines. To this date, no accidents have occurred due to the failure of this coupling. This condition could result in loss of primary attitude and direction references during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. This condition is attributed to a manufacturing defect of Lots 1 and 2 of the B1-19-1 flexible coupling. This coupling was shipped between January 1, 1998, and October 13, 1998. Dry air pumps, conversion kits, and flexible coupling kits that incorporate any of the part numbers and serial numbers referenced in the Applicability section of this AD could have this manufacturing defect. Dry air pumps that could incorporate the part number (P/N) B1-19-1 flexible coupling are installed as original equipment on many airplanes, particularly Cessna, Raytheon, Piper, and Mooney airplanes. In addition, Parker Hannifin holds a parts manufacturer approval (PMA) for field replacements. The dry air pumps are the primary vacuum source on small single-engine airplanes and the secondary vacuum source on larger twin-engine airplanes. The affected flexible coupling was shipped from Parker Hannifin between January 1, 1998, and October 13, 1998. Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, or coupling kits that were installed or modified prior to January 1, 1998, would not incorporate the affected coupling. A check of the maintenance records would show whether the dry air pump, conversion kit, or coupling kit was installed or modified prior to January 1, 1998. Those Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, or coupling kits installed or modified between January 1, 1998, and October 13, 1998, could incorporate the affected coupling, depending on when the material was received. The coupling could be held as spares or obtained from salvaged parts. For this reason, any dry air pump, conversion kit, or coupling kit with flexible coupling, P/N B1-19-1, that was installed or modified after January 1, 1998, could be affected by the above condition. The flexible coupling has a date code that resembles a clockface and indicates a manufacture date of either ``12/97'' or ``5- 6/98''.

Relevant Service Information

Parker Hannifin issued Airborne Service Letter No. 48, dated October 20, 1998, which specifies procedures for:

--Removing the dry air pump from the aircraft; --Inspecting and identifying the P/N B1-19-1 flexible coupling; and --Replacing the P/N B1-19-1 flexible coupling with P/N B1-7-3 flexible coupling (part of Parker Hannifin flexible coupling kit, Airborne P/N 350).

The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the AD

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other aircraft or engines equipped with the above- referenced flexible coupling, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-23- 01 to prevent failure of the primary dry air pump caused by defective flexible coupling, which could result in loss of primary attitude and direction references during IFR operations.

Determination of the Effective Date of the 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 by individual letters issued on October 29, 1998, to all known U.S. operators of aircraft or engines equipped with the above-referenced flexible coupling. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to 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 above. 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.

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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 rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 98-CE-108-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

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 and responsibilities 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 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 (AD) to read as follows:

98-23-01 Parker Hannifin Corporation: Amendment 39-10882; Docket No. 98-CE-108-AD.

Applicability: The following Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits, with flexible coupling, part number (P/N) B1-19-1, that: 1. Have a date code resembling a clockface on the coupling and indicating a manufacture date of either ``12/97'' or ``5-6/98''; and 2. Are installed in, but not limited to, the following aircraft or engine models, certificated in any category, that are listed in the Appendix to this AD:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item Part number Serial numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dry Air Pump................... 211CC.............................. 2AP1 through 10AP319. Dry Air Pump................... 211CC-9............................ 1AP1 through 2AP5. Dry Air Pump................... E211CC............................. 11AN543 through 11AN642 and 2AP1 through 7AP442. Dry Air Pump................... 212CW.............................. 2AP1 through 7AP286. Dry Air Pump................... E212CW............................. 1AP1 through 7AP492. Dry Air Pump................... 215CC.............................. 12AN719 through 12AN940 and 1AP1 through 9AP3510. Dry Air Pump................... 215CC-9............................ 2AP1 through 7AP95. Dry Air Pump................... 216CW.............................. 12AN521 through 12AN660 and 1AP1 through 10AP2695. Conversion Kit................. 300-1.............................. 4AP120 through 4AP122 and 8AP256 through 8AP258. Conversion Kit................. 300-2.............................. 2AP30 through 2AP43, 4AP134, 4AP136, and 4AP137. Conversion Kit................. 300-3.............................. 1AP1 through 1AP3. Coupling Kit................... 350................................ 1AP through 9AP and N/A (see Note 1 below). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1: Some of the part number 350 coupling kits incorporated serial numbers 1AP through 9AP, while others were marked with ``N/ A'' in the serial number block. Note 2: The affected flexible coupling was shipped from Parker Hannifin between January 1, 1998, and October 13, 1998. Dry air pumps, conversion kits, or coupling kits that were installed or modified prior to January 1, 1998, would not incorporate the affected coupling. This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the maintenance records to determine whether the dry air pump, conversion kit, or coupling kit was installed or modified since January 1, 1998. See paragraph (d) of this AD for authorization. Note 3: This AD applies to any aircraft or engine equipped with Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits, that have flexible coupling, part number (P/N) B1-19-1. Aircraft or engines with the P/N B1-19-1 flexible coupling are affected regardless of whether they have been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For aircraft or 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the primary dry air pump caused by defective flexible coupling, which could result in loss of primary attitude and direction references during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, accomplish the following: (a) Within 2 calendar days after the effective date of this AD or prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace any affected flexible coupling with P/N B1-7-3 flexible coupling (part of Parker Hannifin flexible coupling kit, Airborne P/N 350) in accordance withParker Hannifin Airborne Service Letter No. 48, dated October 20, 1998. (b) If parts have been ordered from Parker Hannifin, but are not available, accomplish the following: (1) Operate the aircraft in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions only; (2) Operate the aircraft during daytime hours only; and (3) When parts become available, replace the coupling prior to further flight. (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install, on any aircraft or engine,

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any of the affected Airborne dry air pumps, conversion kits, and coupling kits, with part number (P/N) B1-19-1 flexible coupling that has a date code resembling a clockface on the coupling and indicating a manufacture date of either ``12/97'' or ``5-6/98''. (d) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may check the maintenance records to determine whether the existing dry air pump, conversion kit, or coupling kit was installed or modified since January 1, 1998. If the dry air pump, conversion kit, or coupling kit was not installed or modified since January 1, 1998, the AD does not apply and the owner/ operator must make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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 accomplished, provided that: (1) The aircraft is operated in VFR conditions only; and (2) The aircraft is operated during daytime hours only. (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.

Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO.

(g) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Parker Hannifin Airborne Service Letter No. 48, dated October 20, 1998. This incorporation by reference was 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 Parker Hannifin Corporation, Airborne Division, 711 Taylor Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998, except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-23-01, issued October 29, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment.

Appendix to AD 98-23-01; Docket No. 98-CE-108-AD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part name Part No. Airplane/engine make/model ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dry Air Pump....................... 211CC, 215CC, E211CC....... AIRPLANES

Aerospatiale / TB9, TB10, TB20. Beech / 19, 19A, B19, 23, B23, C23, 24, A24, A24R, B24R, C24R, 76, 77, E95. Cessna / F152, FA152, 172, FR172K, R172K, 177, 177RG, FR182, R182, TR182, T182, T303, 336, 337, F337, T337G, P337, FT337, 411, 411A, 421A, 421B, 421C. Grumman / AAA1B, AA1C, AA5A, AA5B, GA7. Lake / LA-4-200, 250. Maule / M4-210. Mooney / M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K. Navion / G, H. Piper / PA-18, PA18-150, PA-22-108, PA-23-235, PA-23-250, PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400, PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28-181, PA-28R-200, PA-28-201T, PA-28R- 201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, PA-28RT-201T, PA28-235, PA-28-236, PA-30, PA-31-300, PA-31- 310, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P-350, PA-32- 260, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32RT-300, PA- 32RT-300T, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-301, PA-32R-301T, PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, PA-38- 112, PA-39, PA-44-180, PA-44-180T. Rockwell / 100, 112, 112A, 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 180. Lovaux Ltd. / Optica OA7, Series 300 (FLS Aerospace).

ENGINES

Textron Lycoming / 0-235, 0-290, 0-320, 0-360, 0-435, 0-540, IO-320. IO-360, IO-540, IO-720, TIO-360, TIO-540, GO-480, GSO-480. Continental / 0-300, GO-300, IO-360, TSIO-360, TSIO-520, GTSIO-520. United Aircraft / PT6A, PT6B. Dry Air Pump....................... 211CC-9, 215CC-9........... AIRPLANES

Cessna / 150, A150K, A150L, A150M, F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K, FA150L, FA150M, 152, A152, 172, 177, 337.

ENGINES

Textron Lycoming / 0-320. Continental / C90-16, 0-200.

Dry Air Pump....................... 212CW, E212CW, 216CW....... AIRPLANES

Beech / A23, A23A, E33, E33A, F33A, F33C, V35A, V35A-TC, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, B55, 58, 76. Britten Norman / BN-2A. Cessna / 152, A152, 172, 180, 182H thru M, 182N and P, F182, R182, TR182, T182, 185, U206, TU206, 207, T207, 210, T210, P210, T303, 310P, 310R, 335, 340, 340A, 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 414, 414A. Helio / H295. Maule / M4-220. Mooney / M20K, M22. Navion / G, H. Piper / PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P-350, PA- 34-200, PA-34-200T, PA-39, PA-44-180, PA-44- 180T, PA-46-310P, PA-46-350.

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ENGINES

Textron Lycoming / LIO-360, GO-435, TIO-541. Continental / E-185, E-225, IO-346, O-470, IO- 470, TSIO-470, IO-520. Franklin / 6A-335, 6A-350. Conversion Kit..................... 300-1...................... Cessna / 172A, 172B thru 172H. Piper / PA-22-108, PA-22-135, PA-22S-135, PA- 22-150, PA-22S-150, PA-22-160, PA-22S-160. Conversion Kit..................... 300-2...................... Beech / 35 thru S35, 35-33 thru 35-A33, 35- B33. Cessna / 175 thru 175A, 175B, 175C, P172D, 180 thru 180H, 182 thru 182H, 185 thru 185D, 210, 210A thru 210J, 210-5, 210-5A. Conversion Kit..................... 300-3...................... Cessna / 150, 150A thru 150H. Coupling Kit....................... 350........................ Coupling kit may have been put on any of the above list airplanes or engines. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 4, 1998. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-30170 Filed 11-16-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P