Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 Series Magnetos

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-ANE-44; Amendment 39-8785; AD 94-01-03]

Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly

Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 Series Magnetos

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive

(AD), applicable to Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix)

S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series magnetos, that currently requires

replacement of certain Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets that

have accumulated 2000 or more hours time in service (TIS). This

amendment requires replacing Bendix ignition coils and rotating

magnets, regardless of total TIS, with improved TCM ignition coils,

rotating magnets and marking magnetos to indicate compliance with this

AD, except for the S-1200 series magnetos on which the AD requires

replacing only the ignition coils as that series magneto already

incorporates rotating magnetos with the improved TCM design. This

amendment is prompted by recent reports of accidents caused by failures

of magnetos incorporating older Bendix components that had not been

replaced in accordance with the current AD. The actions specified by

this AD are intended to prevent magneto failure and subsequent engine

failure.

DATES: Effective March 3, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of March 3, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be

obtained from Teledyne Continental Motors, P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL

36601; telephone (205) 438-3411. This information may be examined at

the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office

of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,

Burlington, MA 01803-5299; or at the Office of the Federal Register,

800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Robinette, Aerospace Engineer,

Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,

1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone (404)

991-3810, fax (404) 991-3606.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations by superseding AD 73-07-04, Amendment 39-1731 (38

FR 27600, October 5, 1973), which is applicable to Teledyne Continental

Motors (TCM) (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series

magnetos, was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 1993 (58 FR

39476). That action proposed to require replacing certain Bendix

ignition coils and rotating magnets, regardless of time in service

(TIS), with improved serviceable TCM ignition coils and rotating

magnets at either the next 100 hour inspection, the next annual

inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100 hours TIS

after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. For S-1200

series magnetos, the AD proposed to require replacing only the ignition

coils as the rotating magnets on that series magneto already

incorporates the improved TCM design. Additionally, the proposed AD

would require remarking magnetos to indicate compliance with this AD.

The inspection, replacement, if necessary, and remarking would be

accomplished in accordance with TCM Service Bulletin (SB) No. 637,

dated December 1992.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to

the comments received.

One commenter concurs with the rule as proposed.

One commenter, the manufacturer, states that the AD should be

listed under both ``Bendix'' and ``Teledyne Continental Motors''

headings within the Appliance Section of the Airworthiness Directives

listing Small Aircraft and Rotorcraft, Federal Aviation Regulations,

part 39. Operators may miss an AD listed only under TCM. The FAA

concurs. When the next complete revision of the listing is published,

all current Bendix AD's will be cross-referenced under TCM.

In addition, the manufacturer also comments that the Applicability

section of the AD is possibly misleading. Up to the end of 1969, Bendix

used a sequential serial numbering system with no letter prefix for all

new service magnetos (those with black or red data plates); for

example: 234561 and 1040136. Early in 1970, Bendix added the ``A''

prefix and started with a low serial number; for example: A00100. This

numbering convention continued up to at least serial number A297043 for

all new service magnetos manufactured by Bendix in Sidney, New York.

When Bendix moved to Jacksonville, Florida, a ``B'' prefix was added

and the serial numbers again started from a low value; for example:

B00249. Currently TCM uses the letters ``A'' through ``L'' to prefix

the serial numbers of their products. Therefore, the wording of the

Applicability section in the proposed rule is incorrect. The FAA

concurs and the Applicability section has been revised in this final

rule.

Finally, the manufacturer's comment states that the use of the word

``all'' in several places in the proposed rule can easily be

misinterpreted to mean every Bendix coil and rotating magnet ever made

must be replaced, while the AD applies only to some coils. The FAA

concurs. Bendix supplied acceptable as well as unacceptable coils and

rotating magnets. This AD is applicable only to the magnetos identified

by serial number in the Applicability section. The word ``all'' has

been deleted from this final rule.

In addition, the FAA has determined that operators that have

complied with AD 73-07-04 by replacing rotating magnets and coils in

accordance with TCM SB No. 637, dated December 1992, are considered to

be in compliance with this AD, and no further action is required.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments

noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public

interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described

previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither

increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of

the AD.

The FAA estimates that 20,000 magnetos installed on aircraft of

U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take

approximately 1 work hour per magneto to accomplish the required

actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required

parts will cost approximately $700 per magneto. Based on these figures,

the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be

$15,100,000.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action

and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 14 CFR part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-1731 (38 FR

27600, October 5, 1973) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,

Amendment 39-8785, to read as follows:

94-01-03 Teledyne Continental Motors: Amendment 39-8785. Docket 93-

ANE-44. Supersedes AD 73-07-04, Amendment 39-1731.

Applicability: Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) (formerly

Bendix) S-20, S-200, and S-600 series magnetos with red or black

Bendix (not TCM) data plates having serial numbers without any

letter prefix, or serial numbers lower than A16058 having the letter

``A'' prefix; S-20, S-200, S-600, and S-1200 series magnetos with

blue Bendix (not TCM) data plates having serial number 901001 and

lower; and S-1200 series magnetos with red Bendix (not TCM) data

plates having serial numbers without any letter prefix, or serial

numbers lower than A132844 having the letter ``A'' prefix. These

magnetos are installed on but not limited to reciprocating engine

powered aircraft manufactured by Beech, Cessna, Maule, Mooney, and

Piper.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent magneto failure and subsequent engine failure,

accomplish the following:

(a) For TCM (formerly Bendix) S-20, S-200, and S-600 series

magnetos, replace Bendix ignition coils and rotating magnets

identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM Service Bulletin (SB)

No. 637, dated December 1992, with appropriate serviceable ignition

coils and rotating magnets at the next 100 hour inspection, the next

annual inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100

hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD,

whichever occurs first.

(b) For TCM (formerly Bendix) S-1200 series magnetos, replace

Bendix ignition coils identified in the Detailed Instructions of TCM

SB No. 637, dated December 1992, with appropriate serviceable

ignition coils at the next 100 hour inspection, the next annual

inspection, the next progressive inspection, or the next 100 hours

TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Note: The rotating magnets on the S-1200 series magnetos already

incorporate the improved TCM design.

(c) After compliance with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this AD, as

applicable, and prior to further flight, mark the magneto in

accordance with the Identification Instructions of TCM SB No. 637,

dated December 1992.

(d) 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification

Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA

Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send

it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

Note: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,

if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification

Office.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR

21.197 and 21.199 to operate the aircraft to a location where the

requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) The replacement shall be done in accordance with the

following service bulletin:

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Document No. Pages Revision Date

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TCM SB No. 637.................... 1-2 Original.... Dec. 1992.

Total pages: 2

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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 Teledyne Continental Motors,

P.O. Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone (205) 438-3411. Copies may

be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant

Chief 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.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 3, 1994.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1993.

Jay J. Pardee,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 94-590 Filed 1-31-94; 8:45 am]

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