98-18-12: Fuel Pump

98-18-12 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-10728. Docket 97-ANE-50-AD. Applicability: Textron Lycoming IO-320, LIO-320, IO-360, HIO-360, TIO-360, LTIO-360, GO-435, GO-480, IGO-480-A1B6, IO-540, IGO-540, AEIO-540, HIO-540, TIO-540, LTIO-540, TIGO-541, IO-720, and TIO-720 fuel injected reciprocating engines, with Crane/Lear Romec "AN" rotary fuel pump model series, RG9080, RG9570, and RG17980 installed. These engines are installed on but not limited to fuel injected, reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Cessna, The New Piper, Inc., Mooney, Raytheon (Beech), Bellanca, Champion, Partenavia, Rockwell, Schweizer, Enstrom, Aerospatiale (SOCATA), Maule, Aero Commander, Helio, Hiller, and Pacific Aerospace Corp. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 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 (b) 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, unless accomplished previously. To prevent rotary fuel pump leaks, which could result in an engine failure, engine fire, and damage to or loss of the aircraft, accomplish the following: (a) Perform initial and repetitive torque check inspections of pump relief valve attaching screws in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 529, dated December 1, 1997, as follows: (1) Within 10 hours time in service(TIS), or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform the initial torque check inspection. If the torque does not meet the specifications in Textron Lycoming SB No. 529, dated December 1, 1997, tighten screws to the required torque in accordance with that SB. (2) Perform a follow-up torque check inspection after accumulating 50 hours TIS, or 6 months since the initial torque check inspection, whichever occurs first. If the torque does not meet the specification in Textron Lycoming SB No. 529, dated December 1, 1997, during this follow-up inspection, tighten screws to the required torque in accordance with that SB. (3) Continue the repetitive torque check inspections required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD until: (i) The accumulation of 100 hours TIS since the initial inspection with the torque remaining within the SB specification for 50 hours TIS; or (ii) The torque meets the SB specification during the initial inspection and a subsequent inspection taking place at least 50 hours TIS later. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office. (c) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Textron Lycoming SB: Document No. Pages Date 529 1-6 December 1, 1997 Total Pages: 6. 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 Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7080, fax (717) 327-7100. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 28, 1998. 3rd Floor, Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200; telephone (516) 256-7505, fax (516) 568-2716.